gero module 2

Crystallized Intelligence

the ability to retain and use knowledge that was acquired through experience

fluid intelligence

our ability to reason speedily and abstractly; tends to decrease during late adulthood

Immunosenescence

the gradual advanced age-related deterioration of the immune system that increases the risk for, and severity of, infection in the elderly

Presbycusis

a gradual loss of sensorineural hearing that occurs as the body ages

Presbyesophagus

age-related changes to the esophagus causing reduced strength of esophageal contractions and slower transport of food down the esophagus

Presbyopia

farsightedness caused by loss of elasticity of the lens of the eye, occurring typically in middle and old age.

Fluid Changes with Aging

Extracellular fluid remains constant

Intracellular fluid reduced

Less total body fluid

Body mass with aging

Lean body mass decreases

Total body fat increases

Notehowever that the changes in body fat does not leave the subcutaneous fat that insulates the skin.

Hormone levels with aging

Increase Antidiuretic Hormone

Increase Atrial Natriuretic Peptide

Decrease Aldosterone

Respiratory System & aging

Calcification of costal cartilage, trachea, and rib cage more rigid

Reduction of cough and laryngeal reflexes

Increased residual capacity and reduced vital capacity

High risk for respiratory infection

Vitalcapacity is the maximum amount that can be expelled & residual capacity is the amount of air that is left in the lungs after exhalation

Cardiovascular System & aging

Heart dimensions are unchanged

Heart muscle loses efficiency and contractile strength + reduced cardiac output with physiologic stress

Valves become thick and rigid

Blood vessels reduce elasticity

Oxygen used less efficiently

Gastrointestinal System & aging

Less acute taste sensations

Decreased esophageal motility

Atrophy of the small and large intestines

Increased risk of aspiration, indigestion and constipation

Urinary System & aging

Decline of renal blood flow and glomerular filtration by approximately 50% by age 90.

Reduced bladder capacity: Urinary frequency, urgency, and nocturia are common in older adults

Incontinence is NOT a normal part of aging

Musculoskeletal System & aging

Thinning disks and shortened vertebrae

Reduced muscle mass, strength and movement

Decreased bone mineral and mass

Diminished calcium absorption

Increased risk of fractures

Nervous System & aging

Decline in weight and blood flow to the brain: Does not affect thinking and behavior

Reduction in neurons, nerve fibers and cerebral blood flow

Slower response to change in balance

Hypothalamus less effective in temperature regulation

Changes in sleep patterns with frequent awakening

Intelligence & aging

Basic intelligence is upheld

Crystallized intelligence is maintained

Fluid intelligence may decline

Memory & aging

Short-term memory decline

Long-term stays the same

Age related forgetfulness

Touch & aging

Reduction of tactile sensation

Reduced ability to sense pressure, discomfort, change in temperature

Vision & aging

Narrowing of the visual field-decreased peripheral vision

Pupil size reduction & less reactive to light

Depth perception distortion

Decline in visual acuity

Hearing & aging

Distortion of high-pitched sounds

Cerumen increases: Affecting hearing

Alteration in equilibrium

Immune System & aging

Depressed immune response

Risk for infection becomes significant

Inflammatory defenses decline

Inflammation presents atypically

Thermoregulation

Normal body temperatures are lowered in older age; Mean body temperature can range from 96.9 F. to 98.3 F

Ability to respond to cold temperatures is reduced

Response to heat is altered

Personality & aging

Remains consistent with that of the earlier years

Changes may occur due to disease, retirement, death of significant other, loss of independence, reduced income , and disability.

No personality type labels all older adults

Learning & aging

Learning ability is usually not changed

Learning is best when new information relates to previous learned Information.

Integumentary System & aging

Thin skin that provides a less effective barrier

Decreased ability to detect and regulate temp

Dry skin from decrease in endocrine secretion

Loss of elastin

Increase in vascular fragility

Pruritus

severe itching

Basal Cell Carcinoma

malignant tumor of the basal cell layer of the epidermis

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

malignant tumor of the squamous epithelial cells in the epidermis

Primary ECF particle

Na

Primary ICF partice

K

Pressure of ECF & ICF

Almost identical

Excess Volume Causes

Congestive Health Failure (CHF)

Renal Failure

Cirrhosis

Overhydration

Excess Volume S & S

Peripheral edema

Periorbital edema

Elevated blood pressure (B/P)

Dyspnea

Altered Level of Consciousness (LOC)

Excess Volume Lab Findings

Low Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)

Low Hemoglobin (Hgb)

Low Hematocrit (Hct)

Low Serum Osmolality

Low Specific Gravity of Urine

Excess volume tx

Diuretics

Fluid Restrictions

Daily Weight

Monitor K

Fluid Volume Deficit causes

Inadequate fluid intake

Hemorrhage