Discuss theories of aging.
Understand the cultural and spiritual impacts on elder health and wellness.
Differentiate normal physiological changes from pathological changes due to aging.
Explore different models of elder healthcare.
Physiological, cognitive, and psychosocial health differ widely.
Levels of functional ability: some older adults are fully independent, while others may experience dependence.
Identifying the unique strengths and abilities each individual possesses is crucial.
Common stereotypes about older adults include:
Illness, disability, and unattractiveness.
Forgetfulness and confusion.
Inability to learn new information.
Disinterest in sex or sexual activities.
Such stereotypes perpetuate ageism, which is discrimination based on age.
Nurses should recognize ageism and challenge negative stereotypes.
Importance of respecting older adults and involving them in care decisions and activities.
Loss of friends, retirement, and financial changes.
Redefining relationships as health and capability shift.
Self-acceptance issues, grappling with integrity versus despair as they evaluate their lives.
Recognize personal belief systems.
Use interpreters when necessary to ensure clear communication.
Perform cultural assessments instead of making assumptions.
Be aware that LGBT older adults may often be invisible within healthcare contexts.
Older adults are encountered in various settings:
Private homes, apartments, retirement communities, and assisted living.
Importance of involving older adults in decisions regarding appropriate healthcare services.
A federal program that allows seniors to receive care in their community instead of a facility.
Focus on integrating medical and supportive services to enhance the quality of life.
Relationship between physical and psychosocial aspects of aging.
Consider effects of disease and disabilities on older adult functional status.
Recognize the alterations in health response and lack of standards for health norms in this age group.
Maintain eye-level interaction and clear visibility of mouth while speaking.
Use good lighting and encourage the use of assistive devices for communication.
Caution in interpreting signs, symptoms, and lab values.
Early identification of acute illness is crucial; many changes may be drug-related.
Nurses play a key role in identifying and addressing health issues in older adults.
Quality of life is determined by older patients' perception of their functioning capacity.
Awareness of normal age-related changes is vital in healthcare provision.
Distinguish between physiological changes that are normal versus those that indicate pathology.
Functional status defined by the completion of activities of daily living (ADLs).
Changes in functionality often correlate with chronic illnesses.
Occupational and physical therapists are critical in assessing ADLs comprehensively.
Significant factors affecting older adults:
Retirement leading to lifestyle changes.
Risks associated with social isolation.
Considerations of housing and environment.
Challenges posed by the reality of death.
Acute care poses many risks:
Delirium, dehydration, malnutrition, and infections are common issues.
Older adults also face risks of urinary incontinence and falls.
Care types aimed at:
Continuing recovery from acute illnesses and managing chronic conditions.
Goal: to restore or improve prior independence levels, particularly in ADLs and instrumental ADLs (IADLs).
Free Radical Theory: Damage from free radicals leads to aging.
Mitochondrial Decay Theory: Decline in mitochondrial function with age.
Telomere Shortening: Shortening of telomeres at the end of chromosomes impacts cellular aging.
Erikson's Theory: Focuses on integrity versus despair in late life.
Peck's Theory: Suggests mental and social capacities may increase despite physical decline.
Various theories of lifespan and development examine roles, continuity, activity, and social exchange.
Celebrating remarkable individuals in older populations:
Examples include 91-year-old gymnasts and Olympic athletes who challenge stereotypes.