Older Adult Nursing Care Lecture Notes (7)

35 vocabulary flashcards covering biological, psychological, and social aspects of aging discussed in the lecture.

Ageism

Discrimination and prejudice against older adults that views aging only as decline and limits their happiness and productivity.

Late Adulthood

Life stage beginning at age 65 and extending to death; involves unique developmental tasks and health considerations.

Young Older Adult

Subgroup of late adulthood encompassing ages 65–74 years.

Middle Older Adult

Subgroup of late adulthood encompassing ages 75–84 years.

Old Older Adult

Subgroup of late adulthood referring to individuals aged 85 years and older.

Keys to Successful Aging

Behaviors such as practicing pleasurable activities, maintaining a positive self-image, exercising, optimism, and viewing life as meaningful.

Autoimmunity Theory

Biological aging theory proposing that the immune system gradually loses ability to recognize ‘self,’ producing self-attacking antibodies.

Free Radical Theory

Aging theory stating that highly reactive molecules with unpaired electrons damage cells, reduce efficiency, and accelerate aging.

Wear-and-Tear Theory

Concept that lifespan is determined by cumulative bodily abuse and the amount of use, not chronological age.

Genetic Theory of Aging

Theory suggesting multiple genes influence human lifespan, explaining family similarities in longevity.

Disengagement Theory

Psychological view that mutual withdrawal between society and older adults is normal and reduces frustration when roles can’t be fulfilled.

Activity Theory

Idea that social engagement and meaningful activities promote better adjustment, morale, and life satisfaction in older adults.

Continuity Theory

Theory asserting that successful aging relies on maintaining previous roles, activities, and coping patterns developed earlier in life.

Ego Integrity versus Despair

Erikson’s late-life conflict in which individuals review life achievements to gain satisfaction (integrity) or experience regret (despair).

Presbyopia

Age-related loss of lens elasticity causing farsightedness and slower visual accommodation.

Presbycusis

Gradual age-related hearing loss, especially of high-pitched sounds.

Kyphosis

Exaggerated thoracic spinal curvature often increasing with age, potentially affecting posture and respiration.

Lipofuscin

Pigmented cellular waste material that accumulates in organs with aging, possibly impeding metabolite transport.

Benign Forgetfulness

Common, non-pathologic age-related memory lapses, typically affecting recent rather than remote recall.

Generativity versus Stagnation

Erikson’s middle-adult task; success fosters concern for others, failure leads to self-absorption—sets stage for integrity later.

Barrel-Chest Appearance

Rounded chest contour resulting from kyphosis and rib-cage changes, which can limit diaphragmatic movement.

Osteoporosis

Condition in which mineral salts leave bones, making them porous and prone to fracture in older adults.

Adipose Tissue Redistribution

Typical shift of body fat in aging—women to chest, waist, hips, thighs; men to waist, chest, lower abdomen.

Cardiovascular Age-Related Changes

Fewer blood cells, vessel stiffening, thicker valves, slower return to resting heart rate, and decreased cardiac output.

Integumentary Age-Related Changes

Thinner, drier, less elastic skin with reduced sweat/sebaceous activity and decreased subcutaneous fat.

Planned Exercise Program

Structured physical activity recommended to maintain mobility, independence, and physiological function in older adults.

Chronic and Degenerative Disorders

Long-term illnesses whose prevalence rises with increased lifespan, placing demands on healthcare systems.

Intergenerational Stress

Tension arising when differing needs of coexisting age groups conflict, altering family dynamics.

Retirement

Major late-life transition affecting roles, finances, self-esteem, and requiring planning for meaningful activities.

Grandparenting in Modern Families

Evolving role often combined with employment; may include full-time caregiving of grandchildren, creating new stresses.

Widowhood

Loss of a spouse in late life, leading to role changes, possible financial strain, and the need for social support.

Nursing Intervention for Sensory Loss

Actions such as speaking clearly, using lower tones, providing bright diffuse lighting, and reducing background noise.

Pneumococcal Vaccine

Immunization recommended for older adults to reduce susceptibility to streptococcal pneumonia.

Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy

Age-related enlargement of the prostate that can impair urinary flow in older men.

Cognitive Processing Speed Decline

Normal slowing in the time older adults need to perform mental tasks, without loss of overall intelligence.