Older Adult- Physical Flashcards
1
Q
What are the 3 stages of ageing?
A
- Senescence
- Primary ageing
- Secondary ageing
2
Q
What is senescence?
A
Biological process of decline that occurs during ageing (normal ageing)
3
Q
What is primary ageing?
A
Maturational process concerned inevitable with ageing (skin drying, hair thinning)
4
Q
What is secondary ageing?
A
Effects of environmental or disease process on human body (cancer, hypertension)
5
Q
What are physical changes that occur in ageing?
A
- Weight
- Height
- Respiration
- Appearance (skin elasticity and moisture)
- Cardiac changes
- Sensory (visual, auditory, gustatory, olfactory)
- Immune system
- Frailty (weakened)
6
Q
What are common conditions that occur in ageing?
A
- Arteriosclerosis: arterial wall less elastic
- Atherosclerosis: build up fatty deposit in arteries
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Osteoarthritis: wear and tear, degenerative
- Type 2 diabetes: insulin resistance
7
Q
Describe physiological changes that occur in older adults?
A
- Progression of physiological changes follows changes from middle adulthood
- Osteopenia (loss bone density)
- Sarcopenia (loss skeletal muscle mass)
- Some decline normal
- Significant decline indicates clinical problem
8
Q
Describe changes in strength that occur in older adults?
A
- Gradual decline (50-70 years)
- Sharper decline (70+ years)
- 50% loss of strength attributed to physiological ageing due to inactivity or other health concerns
9
Q
Describe motor performance in older adults
A
- Primary ageing= expected decline
- Secondary ageing= rate of decline doubles
- Task requirements strength, skills, speed, accuracy
10
Q
Describe changes for gait and balance in older adults
A
- Decreased stride length (distance per step)
- Reductions in toe floor clearance
- Decreased gait velocity (speed)
- Increased out toeing (trying to balance with toes)
- Wider step (increasing base of support and stability)
11
Q
What are some problems that older adults have with gait and balance
A
- Falls due to: shuffling gait pattern, shorter stride length, longer stance
- Fear of falling: compound problems, slower more cautious gait, more shuffling, less foot clearance, increased medical conditions
