Chapter 92 Gerontology and Geriatric Care Notes

Gerontology and Geriatrics

  • Definitions:
    • Gerontology: Study of normal aging and age-related diseases.
    • Geriatrics: Branch of medicine focused on the problems and illnesses related to aging and their treatments.

Age Categories

  • Young Old Adult:

    • Age range: 50 to 79 years.
    • Exhibits normal biological effects of aging.

  • Oldest Adult:

    • Age range: 80 years and older.
    • Experiences accumulated physical and psychological effects of aging.

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

  • ADLs:

    • Routine tasks: Eating, dressing, walking, bathing.
    • Most older adults can independently perform ADLs.

  • Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs):

    • More complex tasks: Managing finances, maintaining a household, shopping, meal preparation.
    • Older adults may face increased difficulty with IADLs as they age.

Changes and Effects of Aging

  • Common Aging Changes:
    • Decrease in organ function and reaction time.
    • Diminished tactile sensations and recovery capacity.
    • Changes in vision (visual acuity) and hearing (auditory acuity).
    • Increased emotional, socioeconomic, and physical losses.
    • Risk factors: Chronic illnesses, poor diets, lack of exercise.
Body Systems Affected by Aging
  • Systems:
    • Integumentary, Musculoskeletal, Nervous, Sensory (Eyes, Ears), Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Gastrointestinal, Urinary, Endocrine, Immune, Reproductive (Male and Female).

Geriatric Care Settings

  • Factors Influencing Care Setting:

    • Recovery time from illness, ability for self-care, family support, access to healthcare services.

  • Care Options:

    • Home care, senior centers, assisted living facilities, long-term care facilities, rehabilitative care.

Nutritional Needs

  • Considerations:
    • Factors include availability of food, health conditions affecting nutrition, oral health, and cultural preferences.
    • Special attention to: Teeth care, swallowing difficulties, medication effects.

Medication Administration

  • Changing Needs:
    • Changes in body composition and function affect medication absorption and metabolism.
    • Consideration of increased fatty tissue and reduced muscle mass, altered liver and kidney function.

Personal Hygiene and Elimination Needs

  • Personal Hygiene:

    • Includes skin care, oral hygiene, hair care, and nail care.

  • Elimination Issues:

    • Concerns include constipation, bladder/bowel incontinence, and difficulty voiding.

Mental Health Concerns

  • Anxiety and Depression:
    • Factors: Loss of health, independence, and emotional connections can lead to anxiety and depression.
    • Risk factors: Social isolation, financial struggles, chronic illness, medication side effects.

Emotional and Psychological Support

  • Support Techniques:
    • Reminiscence therapy, recreational activities, cognitive function enhancement, and pet therapy.
    • Importance of social life and community involvement.

Communication Challenges

  • Visual Impairments:
    • Includes presbyopia and Sjögren syndrome.
  • Hearing Loss:
    • Presbycusis is common among older adults.
  • Speech Impairments:
    • Conditions like aphasia may affect communication.

Safety Concerns

  • Proprioception:
    • Awareness of body position can decline with age; leads to balance issues.
    • Strategies include safe walking practices and using support.
  • Safety Devices:
    • Various tools to ensure safety in home and healthcare settings; use restraints minimally and only after alternative measures are exhausted.

Physical Activity Benefits

  • Recommended Exercise:
    • Walking is highly encouraged for older adults due to numerous health benefits.
    • Importance of regular exercise in preventing complications like osteoporosis and cardiovascular issues.

Sexuality in Aging

  • Considerations:
    • Desire for sexual activity usually persists; physical adaptations may be necessary.
    • Importance of affection and touch in therapeutic settings.

Elder Abuse

  • Types of Abuse:

    • Emotional, physical, sexual, financial exploitation, neglect.
    • Most common abusers are caregivers.
    • Importance of recognizing signs such as unexplained injuries, withdrawal, and malnutrition.

  • Reporting Abuse:

    • Many older adults may not report abuse due to fear of retaliation; encouragement and support are crucial.