Intro To Gero: Abuse, Demographics, Myths, Changed with Aging Flashcards
(40 cards)
Physical Abuse
Provide example and intervention
use of physical force that results in bodily injury
- Example: caregiver striking patient
- Intervention: assess for signs abuse/neglect
Financial Abuse
Provide example and intervention
mismanagement or misuse of an older adult’s property or resources
- Example: someone who takes advantage of an elderly person financially
- Intervention: Teach pt about “scams”
Emotional Abuse
intentional use of threats, humiliation, intimidation, isolation
You’re a nurse in a long-term care facility. While assisting an older adult resident with bathing, you notice multiple bruises in various stages of healing on their upper arms. The patient becomes nervous when you ask about them and quickly changes the subject.
You’re not 100% sure if it’s abuse — what should you do?
Report your suspicions immediately
- You are a mandated reporter.
- Even if you’re not sure, it’s better to overreport than underreport.
- Reporting ensures the situation is investigated to protect the patient.
- Documentation is also critical — describe what you observed factually (e.g., location, size, behavior), without assumptions.
In the past decade, older adults age 65 or older grew by ________ (____%)
a third (34%)
Between 2018-2019, older adults aged 65 or older grew by ________ %
3%
What significant demographic shift occurred in the U.S. in 2011 that impacted the aging population?
- first Baby Boomers turned 65, leading to a rapid increase in the 65+ population.
-> No other age group experienced such a fast growth rate.
What was the size and proportion (%) of the 65+ population in the U.S. in 2018?
- 52 million adults aged 65 or older
- 16% of the U.S. population.
By 2030, the populartion of older adults aged 65+ is projected to grow by ______ - ________ (______%)
35-73 million (21% US population)
What percentage of older adults (65+) live in long term care facilities?
10%
What percentage of older adults (65+) report having a disability?
22%
Leading cause of death of people 65+ in 2022:
- Heart DZ
- Cancer
- Covid-19
What is the reality of this myth?
All old people are sick and disabled
Most are healthy, live in community, and maintain independence
What is the reality of this myth?
Cognitive decline (ex: Dementia) is a normal part of aging
- NOT normal/common
- What is common: decreased reaction time and impaired memory for recent events
What is the reality of this myth?
Most old people go to nursing homes
- Only about 10% of older adults live in nursing homes
- Most live in and own their own homes
What is the reality of this myth?
Senility comes with old age
Cognitive impairment in not universal in older age
What is the reality of this myth?
Old people are unhappy and dependent
- Tend to feel more content
- Most maintain independence
What is the reality of this myth?
Old people can’t learn
- Capable of learning new things + adapting to new situations
- May not learn as fast but does not mean they can not learn new things
What is the reality of this myth?
Old people are no longer sexually active
- Many older adults remain sexually active
What is the reality of this myth?
People get “cranky” or “passive” with old age
People do not get cranky or passive due to old age
Muted Illness
Illness may not be recognized because of atypical s/s
How does aging affect recovery time and risk for complications after illness or injury?
↑ Age = ↑ need for recovery time = ↑ risk for problems or complications
What describes the typical pattern of functional change in normal aging?
Gradual decline in function over time
What lifestyle factors can contribute to a faster decline in function with aging?
Life altering, catastrophic health issues:
- smoking
- substance abuse
- chronic stress
