Nutrition, Driving, Ageism

driving

process of operating a motor vehicle while its in motion

as a group, older drivers are

typically safe with the number of accidents decreasing as age increases - decline however is due to self-imposed limitations

older drivers have a higher risk of

being involved in a collision for every mile they drive

rate of fatalities with driving increases after

age 65 and after age 75 (inability to withstand trauma)

multitasking with driving

plan, scan, think, decide, act

plan and scan occur

silmultaneously and quickly

when observing driving, look for

patter of warning signs and icnrease in frequency of occurrence

driving behavior warning signs

decreased confidence, difficulty turning to see when backing up, riding the brake, easily distracted, getting honked at, incorrect signaling

instead of complete elimination of driving, consider

compensation by automotive design changes, family assistance, training/interventions, etc. (maintain personal autonomy and freedom)

the 5 A's of older adult friendly transportation

availability, accessibility, acceptability, affordability, adaptability

diagnoses that could interfere with driving

arthritis, neuropathies, vascular diseases, visual disorder, diabetes, depression, medications

alternate foot tap test

alternative measure of LLE mobility - touch R foot 5 times alternately on each side of binder

elevated traffic conviction rates cutoff for foot tap test

>12.75sec

imapired driving cutoff for foot tap test

>7.92sec

other tests for driving impairment association

clock drawing test (MoCA), trail making test

what to look for with malnutrition

poor wound healing, easy bruising, weight loss, low protein levels

vitamin B12 deficiencies can cause

neurological damage and pernicious anemia

vitamin D is a key nutrient for

calcium absorption - relationship with maintaining muscle strength and decreasing fall risk (RDA increases with age)

the geriatric food pyramid uniquely includes

water intake, activity/socializing, and promotes adding spice instead of salt

nutritional problems common with alzheimer's or dementia

cachexia and emaciation due to poor eating habits and self care, forgetting to eat

nutritional problems common with CVA patients

suppressed cough reflex, increased risk of choking, dysphagia, risk of aspiration

nutritional problems common with CAD patients

dyspnea, drugs lead to suppressed appetite and constipation

nutritional problems with osteoarthritis patients

difficulty with food shopping and preparations

nutritional problems with osteoporosis

dyspnea with vertebral collapse, distortion of thorax and abdominal compression, lack of appetite, difficulty eating, decreased intake

protein deficiency

muscle wasting, brittle hair, inelastic skin

vitamin D deficiency

bowed legs, skeletal deformities, fall risk

thiamin B1 deficiency

mental confusion, calf muscle tenderness and foot drop

vitamin C deficiency

joint tenderness/swelling, poor wound healing

calcium deficiency

poor CV accomodation to activity, slow mental processing, depression, dementia

magensium deficiency

lethargy and weakness

vitamins and minerals are a

supplemental not a substitute - more is not better

MIND Diet

mediterranean-DASH diet intervention for neurodegenerative delay

MIND diet emphasizes

plant-based foods, limited intake of animal and high sat foods, berries protect brain from cognitive loss, slower decline in cognitive abilities with increase consumption of veggies (leafy greens)

ageism

stereotyping, prejudicing, and discriminating towards individuals based on age which can lead to harm, disadvantage and injustice

geriatric does not equal

old age

instead words like seniors, elderly, aging dependents, etc.., try

neutral and inclusive terms

elderspeak

patronizing language and/or style of speech that has a slower rate, exaggerated intonation, elevated pitch and simpler vocabulary than normal adult speech

stereotyping about aging and old age can glad patients and healthcare professionals to

dismiss or minimize problems as inevitable decline of aging

aging patients may be the most

diverse patients you see