Older Adult Directed Reading

Question 1

What Integumentary changes occur with older adults?

Answer 1

Wrinkles & dry transparent skin

Decreased skin turgor, subcutaneous fat, and CT

Thickened nails

Thinning and graying of hair

Question 2

What changes occur with older adults?

Answer 2

Less chest wall movement, vital capacity, and cilia

Less CO

Increased BP

Decreased peripheral circulation

Question 3

What neurological changes occur with older adults?

Answer 3

Slower reaction time

Decreased sense of touch, taste, and smell

Decline in visual acuity

Decreased ability for the eyes to adjust to changes in light

Presbycusis

Reduced spatial awareness

Question 4

What gastrointestinal changes occur with older adults?

Answer 4

Less saliva production, digestive enzymes, intestinal motility

Increased risk of dental problems

Question 5

What musculoskeletal changes occur with older adults?

Answer 5

Decreased height, muscle tone, & strength

Decalcification of bones

Degeneration of joints

Question 6

What genitourinary changes occur with older adults?

Answer 6

Less bladder capacity

Prostate hypertrophy

Less estrogen/testosterone production

Atrophy of breast tissue

Question 7

What endocrine changes occur with older adults?

Answer 7

Decreased sensitivity to insulin

Decline in T3 production

Question 8

What immune system changes occur with older adults?

Answer 8

Decreased antibody production, autoantibody production, T-cell functioning, core body temp, stress response, response to immunizations

Question 9

What cognitive changes occur with older adults according to Piaget’s theory?

Answer 9

Piaget: Formal Operations

Decline in cognitive functioning, lessened overall functioning (Overall health + wellbeing)

Question 10

What are some cognitive disorders associated with the elderly?

Answer 10

Delirium

Dementia

Depression

Question 11

What is the onset and cause of Delirium?

Answer 11

Acute, temporary, can have a physiological source

Question 12

What is the onset and cause of Dementia?

Answer 12

Chronic, progressive, possibly has no known cause

Question 13

Tell me about the onset of Depression

Answer 13

Chronic, acute, or gradual onset

Question 14

According to Erikson’s theory, what are some things that the elderly need to adjust to?

Answer 14

Erikson: Integrity vs Despair

Adapt to lifestyle changes regarding retirement, changes in family structure, changes in living environment

Deal with multiple losses + Face death

Question 15

What body image changes occur with older adults?

Answer 15

Decreases in physical health and endurance

Increasing bodily limitations over time

Question 16

What do the elderly need to do in terms of their social development?

Answer 16

Find ways to remain socially active, overcome isolation, maintain sexual health

Question 17

What cardiovascular diseases are the elderly at risk of developing?

Answer 17

Coronary Artery Disease

Hypertension

Question 18

What factors affecting mobility are the elderly at risk of developing?

Answer 18

Arthritis

Osteoporosis

Falls

Question 19

What mental health disorders are the elderly at risk of developing?

Answer 19

Depression
Dementia
Suicide
Alcohol Use Disorder
Tobacco Use Disorder

Question 20

What are some disorders the elderly at risk of developing?

Answer 20

Stroke
Diabetes mellitus
Cancer
Incontinence
Abuse & Neglect
Cataracts
Chronic Pain
Dental Issues

Question 21

What are some immunizations that the elderly may need to take?

Answer 21

DTAP, Varicella, Flu Vaccine, Herpes Vaccine, Pneumococcal Vaccine, Hep A + Hep B Vaccines, Meningococcal Vaccine

Question 22

What are some annual screenings for the elderly?

Answer 22

Hearing

Fecal Occult Blood

Digital Rectal + Prostate-Specific Antigen

DXA Scanning

Eye Examinations

Question 23

What are some periodic screenings for the elderly?

Answer 23

Mental Health Screening

Diabetes Screening

Cholesterol Screening

Question 24

What are some factors that influence nutrition for the elderly?

Answer 24

Difficulty getting to and from places, low income, impaired mobility, depression or dementia, social isolation, meds that alter taste or appetite, unappealing prescribed diets, constipation, incontinence

Question 25

What are some nutritional recommendations for the elderly?

Answer 25

Increase intake of vitamin D, B12, E

Increase intake of folate, fiber, & potassium

Increase fluid intake

Take a low dose multivitamin along with mineral supplementation

Limit sodium, fat, refined sugar, alcohol intake

Question 26

What do psychosocial interventions do?

Answer 26

Improve self-concept + Alleviate social isolation

Question 27

What psychosocial interventions should you do for the elderly?

Answer 27

Utilize things like therapeutic communication, touch, spatial orientation, validation therapy, reminiscence therapy

Attend to physical appearance

Promote the use of assistive devices

Question 28

What injury prevention measures should you do for the elderly?

Answer 28

Install rails + Remove throw rugs + Remove clutter + Remove cords from hallways & walkways + Properly use mobility aids + Practice safe med use + Ensure adequate lighting + Wear aids if needed + Install smoke & carbon monoxide detectors + Secure fire alarms and meds in a safe location

Question 29

What are some difficulties that the elderly may face in terms of self-concept?

Answer 29

Coming to terms with the effects of aging

Finding ways to maintain a good quality of life

Becoming more dependent on others for ADL’s