Aging Flashcards
theories of aging
- biological: cellular level
- progeria = premature aging syndromes - developmental/genetic threat: aging is genetically programed, lifespan determined by the genes you inherit
- evolutionary theory: genetic errors/accidents over time lead to aging
integrated model of aging
assumes aging is a complex, multifactorial phenomenon
aging is not adequately explained by any single theory
theories focus on function
“functioning” = bodily functions, activités, and participation
muscular system changes
- loss of muscle strength
- loss of power
- atrophy (loss of muscle mass)
- changes in muscle fiber composition
- changes in muscular endurance
clinical implications: slower movements, more fatigue, stiffness, loss of ROM
*increased risk of muscle sprains, strains, tendon tears, contractures, falls
strategies to help muscular system changes
- improve nutrition
- increase physical activity (warm up, cool down, stretching) higher intensity programs quicker results
- flexibility, ROM exercises
skeletal system changes
- cartilage degeneration
- loss of bone mass and density
- flattened discs
- postural changes
prolonged sitting –> contractures
do weight bearing exercises to help with bones
neurological system changes
- atrophy of nerve cells, loss of cerebral mass/brain weight, decreased blood flow and transmission of synapses
- age related tremors
- slow reaction time, decreased coordination
- learning and memory
sensory changes
- loss of function of the senses
- may lead to sensory deprivation, isolation, disorientation, confusion
- alters quality of life, decreased functional mobility
- decrease in all vision and visual motor responses
- hearing loss, decreased taste and smell
low vision
visual impairment that standard lenses cannot correct
- have some usable vision, but difficult to perform daily activities
- age related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy (can lead to total blindness), glaucoma, cataracts
vestibular system changes
- diminished acuity, delayed reaction times
- decreased balance and postural response
*increase risk of falls - vertigo, Meniere’s disease
somatosensory changes
- decreased touch sensitivity
- proprioceptive loses
- cutaneous pain thresholds increase
- decreased sweat production - decreased temperature regulation and homeostasis
strategies: extra time for responses, use touch to communicate, textured grips for kitchen supplies
cognitive changes
no uniform decline in intellectual disabilities throughout adulthood
decreases in perceptual speed, numeric and verbal abilities, memory, learning
increase mental activity, use it or lose it, chess, crossword puzzles, book discussions, enriching environments
strategies to slow age related changes in cardiopulmonary systems
complete an assessment prior to commencing an exercise program - essential in older adults due to the high incidence of pathologies
select an appropriate graded exercise testing protocol
aerobic training
other system changes with aging
- cardiopulmonary (more from inactivity than aging), high BP, resting HR unchanged
- GI reduced motility, decreased digestive enzymes
- renal and bladder, decreased filtration, incontinence common, increase UTIs
nutrition and older adults
- problems linked to health status and poverty
- dehydration is common
- often nutrient deficient
- increase use of alcohol or taste enhancers (salt, sugar)
- medications influence nutritional intake
elder abuse types
- domestic
- institutional
- self-neglect
physical, sexual, emotional/psychological, neglect, financial/material exploitation
OT: mandatory reporter
