Introduction to Gerontology (Midterm-Unit 1 to 5) Flashcards
1
Q
Gerontology
A
the study of the aging process biologically, sociologically, psychologically, and economically of older adults
2
Q
Geriatrics
A
the study and provision of care for diseases, disabilities, and problems of older people
3
Q
Old
A
- varies with time, place and personal perception
- rate and intensity of aging is highly variable and individualized
- no predictable sequence
4
Q
Name the five core values for seniors.
A
1) Dignity
2) Independence
3) Participation
4) Security
5) Fairness
DIPSFa
5
Q
List factors that influence the aging process.
A
- heredity
- nutrition
- health status
- life experiences
- smoking and drinking
- exposure to the environment (sun,cold,moisture)
- weight
- stress
- exercising
6
Q
Identify current societal attitudes toward aging.
A
- aging=deterioration and impairment
- gray and wrinkled
- losing their mind
- sick and frail
- having little satisfaction from life
- returning to childlike behaviours
- being useless
7
Q
Seniors make up the _____ age group. In 2011, an estimated _____ Canadians were ___ years of age or older, a number that is expected to ______ in the next 25 years to reach ______ seniors by 2036. By 2051, about ______ Canadians is expected to be 65 or over. In 2011 life expectancy at birth for a Canadian was estimated to be approximately ___ years of age.
A
- fastest growing
- 5 million
- 65
- double
- 10.4 million
- one in four
- 81
8
Q
True or False? The majority of old people, age 65 plus, are senile.
A
False
9
Q
True or False? The five senses (sight, hearing, taste, touch, smell) all tend to weaken in old age.
A
True
10
Q
True or False? The majority of old people have no interest in, nor capacity for, sexual relations.
A
False
11
Q
True or False? Aged drivers have fewer accidents per driver than those under age 65.
A
True
12
Q
True or False? At least one-tenth of the aged are living in Long Term Care facilities.
A
False
13
Q
True or False? Older people tend to react slower than younger people.
A
True
14
Q
True or False? In general, old people tend to be pretty much alike.
A
False
15
Q
True or False? Older workers have fewer accidents than younger workers.
A
True
16
Q
True or False? The majority of old people are unable to adapt to change.
A
False
17
Q
True or False? The majority of medical practitioners tend to give low priority to the aged.
A
True
18
Q
Ageism
A
prejudice against and stereotyping of older adults based on their chronological age, making them seem as inferior or less valuable
19
Q
What are the negative effects of stereotyping?
A
- discrimination
- oppression
- paternalistic treatment and loss of control
- lowered social status
- segregation
20
Q
Myth:People consider themselves to be old at age 65.
Reality?
A
Reality: People usually feel old based on their health and function, not their chronological age.
21
Q
Myth: Old people are all the same.
Reality?
A
A lifetime of experiences make older adults a much more diverse group than younger adults.
22
Q
Myth: Men and women age the same way.
Reality?
A
Women tend to live longer than men and more likely to suffer from chronic diseases , osteoporosis, diabetes, high blood pressure, incontinence and arthritis.
23
Q
Myth: To be old is to be sick.
Reality?
A
Older people are more likely to age well then to become sick. Most (three quarters) remain active and little functional disability.
24
Q
Myth: The majority of old people are institutionalized.
Reality?
A
Fasle
25
Myth: In today's society, families no longer care for older people.
Reality?
About 80% of the care for older adults is provided by family.
26
Myth: There is a decline in all intellectual abilities in old age.
Reality?
Some cognitive ability does decline but other areas show improvement.
27
Myth: "You can't teach an old dog new tricks."
| Reality?
Older adults can learn new things, but the speed with with which they process information slows down.
28
Myth: Old people don't cope well with change.
| Reality?
Lots of changes happen to older adults and most handle it well, like retirement, moving to a new home, losing a spouse.
29
Myth: Old people don't actively contribute to society.
| Reality?
1/3 work for pay
1/4 participate in volunteer activities
58% provide informal aid to family members, friends, and neighbours
30
Myth: Old people make poor employees.
| Reality?
Older adults perform as well or better than young adults , have less job turnover, fewer accidents, and less absenteeism.
31
Myth: Old people have no interest in, nor capacity for sexual relations.
Reality?
Sex plays an important role in people's lives through their 70s. If it declines, its due to social reasons or risk factors.
32
Myth: The majority of old people are senile.
| Reality?
In 1995, only 2% of seniors suffered from Alzheimer's, dementia or cognitive impairment. The majority of people over 65 have neither.
33
Myth: People feel lonely and lost in retirement. They often get sick and die shortly after they retire.
Reality?
False
34
Myth: Old people are involved in a lot of car accidents.
| Reality?
Older drivers have lower accident rates than drivers under 30 and same rate as middle-aged adults. Older adults tend to drive fewer miles per year though.
35
Myth: The key to successful aging is genetics.
| Reality?
Genetic inheritance becomes less of a factor, environment and lifestyle become more important.
36
Where does our society get its inaccurate view of aging?
from media through news, magazines, ads, TV commercials
37
Name positive aspects on aging.
- fewer demands
- more time for leisure and travel
- work when they want
- discounts
- pension
38
Identify the developmental tasks of late adulthood.
1) adjusting to decreased physical strength and loss of health
2) adjusting to retirement and reduced income
3) coping with the death of a partner
4) developing new friends and relationships
5) preparing for one's own death
39
Provide some examples as to how a health care aide can foster the following value through their work with seniors: Dignity
- show respect by avoiding using terms, gestures, or a patronizing voice
- ask clients show they would like to be addressed
- don't talk about clients with others or exchange glances
40
Provide some examples as to how a health care aide can foster the following value through their work with seniors: Independence
- help clients only when they require it
- respect their routine
- do things the way the client wants
- avoid rushing them, give them time
41
Provide some examples as to how a health care aide can foster the following value through their work with seniors: Participation
- allow them to make decisions on their own care (when they wake up, what they eat, activities)
- accommodate for the client's preferences
42
Provide some examples as to how a health care aide can foster the following value through their work with seniors: Fairness
- provide privacy
- keep information confidential
- give privacy when client has visitors and phone calls
- avoid exposure of the client's body during procedures
43
Provide some examples as to how a health care aide can foster the following value through their work with seniors: Security
- report and record any signs of depression
| - changes in behaviour may indicate fever, pain, inflammation, swelling that must be reported to the supervisor
44
In the past, working as a health care provider was thought to be...?
Working with the elderly meant that the health care worker was incompetent and not able to to work in an acute care setting, where they were paid a lower salary Little attention was paid to the elderly and the focus was on the sick and the well were ignored.
45
Why does everyone need to know about aging?
1) people are living longer, meaning an increase in 65+
2) an increase in demand for elderly care
3) everyone will grow old eventually
46
What do you think the role of the health care aide is when caring for older adults?
A support system for physical, social and psychological needs of an older adult.
47
Demographics
a comprehensive collection of facts about the aging population
48
What is the use of the census data for the health care industry?
to forecast health care needs and costs, select sites for hospitals, seniors' homes and clinics
49
What are the reasons for the fast growing segment of the population that is the older adults?
- a declining birth rate
- a declining death rate
- immigration
50
```
What is the estimated Canadian seniors population percentage in the following years:
1921
1981
2011
2036
```
```
1921 = 5%
1981 = 10%
2011 = 14.1%
2036 = 25% (predicted)
```
51
```
Which age group contains the biggest proportion of seniors?
a) 65 to 74
b) 75 and 84
c) 85+
Why is this important?
```
a) 65 to 74
the oldest range group have the most needs like social support and health care, so knowing how many are in each group is important
52
True or False. Women make up a relatively large share of the senior population, and will continue to outnumber men in the future.
True
53
What impact will the aging population have on our society?
1) greater dependency of older people on the young
2) increased government expenditures for such things as health care and pensions
3) higher taxes causing a fall in productivity and growth
4) shortage of workers
5) economy will lean more toward goods and services for older people
54
Name the three largest visible minorities in Canada.
South Asians
Chinese
Blacks
61.3%
55
Which provinces have a higher increase rate in older adults in Canada?
1) Atlantic provinces (1.7%)
2) Quebec (1.6%)
3) Ontario, British Columbia, the territories (1.1%)
4) Prairie provinces (0.0%)
* Alberta and Nunavut have the lowest*
56
What seems to be the trend in housing for aging men and women?
single-detached house: as age increases, less reside in this type of housing
personal care homes (collective dwelling): more reside here as age increases
57
True or false? Seniors with no chronic conditions are more likely to report their health status as good, great, very good, or excellent.
True
58
True or false? Canadian seniors are living in better health, with increased vitality and quality of life.
True
59
Show the following from least to most common chronic health condition in seniors.
```
arthritis and rheumatism
high blood pressure
emphysema or COPD
stroke
diabetes
heart disease
chronic pain
cancer
depression
asthma
```
depression, chronic pain, asthma, arthritis and rheumatism, diabetes, high blood pressure. emphysema or COPD, cancer, stroke, heart disease
60
Order the least to most common prescription or over the counter drug taken by seniors for the following conditions.
```
chronic pain
incontinence
arthritis
diabetes
Alzheimer's disease
heart disease
stroke
```
arthritis, incontinence, Alzheimer's disease, chronic pain, diabetes, stroke, heart disease
61
True or false. Younger age groups are far more likely to be hospitalized compared to seniors.
False. Seniors(17 days) are far more likely to get hospitalized. Younger(10 days at hospital)
62
List from least to most common deaths in seniors.
```
Cancer
Heart disease
Alzheimer's
Diabetes
Pneumonia
Stroke-CVA
COPD
Nephritis
Septicemia
Accidents
```
```
Alzheimer's
Nephritis
Septicemia
Accidents
Diabetes
Pneumonia
COPD
Stokr-CVA
Cancer
Heart disease
```
63
True or false. Women are living longer than men in good health.
False. Women are living longer than men but not necessarily in good health, could develop disabilities
64
Which provinces have the highest level of low income seniors?
Quebec and British Columbia
65
After retirement, seniors may get what to replace their income from before?
public pension plan, Old Age Security, Guaranteed Income Supplement
66
There are close to 15 million older adults in Canada. More than 5 million seniors age _____ and close to 10 million __________.They make up ___% of the population.
65 and over
baby boomers
43%
67
In 2010 how many volunteer hours did the baby boomers and senior adults provide?
1 million volunteer hours
68
____ tend to volunteer more and contribute more average hours than ____. Over age 75, _____ are more likely to volunteer than _____.
females
males
males
females
69
Where are seniors most likely to volunteer?
counseling and health care services
70
Identify the benefits for seniors to volunteer?
```
physical health benefits
emotional health benefits
cognitive health benefits
enhances social support
enhances social inclusion
enhances civic engagement
```
71
What issues may seniors have when doing volunteer work?
transportation
scheduling issues
out-of-pocket expenses
72
Define a theory.
Function to make sense of a phenomenon and give a perspective to view the facts.
73
True or false? Individuals age differently and the process of getting older is not the same for everyone.
true
74
What are the two categories for theories of aging?
biological
| psychosociological
75
Define the biological theory of aging.
attempt to explain the physical process of aging, occurring independently of any external or pathologic influence, and what factors affect longevity
76
Biological factor: Genetics
inherit genetic program predetermining life expectancy
77
What is the maximum life expectancy?
120 years old
78
Biological factors: Cross-linking
agent that attaches to DNA and prevents normal cell division leading to cellular malfunctioning, cell mutations, organ failure
79
Biological factors: Free radicals
faulty and unstable by-products of metabolism that attack/replace normal cells causing cell membrane damage (aging)
80
Biological factors: Autoimmunity
immune system misidentifies normal aging cells and attacks
81
Biological factors: Wear and tear
over time from use, body functions less efficiently, resulting in death due to worn tissues can't renew themselves
82
Biological factors: Stress
effects on body
83
Biological factors: Disease
bacteria, fungi and viruses have effect
84
Biological factors: Radiation
repeated exposure to UV light and other rays = wrinkles
85
Biological factors: Nutrients
nutrient deficiency, overeating, obesity
| promote long healthy life: ginseng, bee pollen, peppermint
86
Biological factors: Environment
pesticides, pollution, crowded living conditions
87
Which biological factors are under our control?
stress, wear and tear, nutrients, environment
88
What is the role of the health care aide to help the patient to gain some measure of control over biological health factors?
-assist individuals to prevent control infections
-provide healthy snacks
-encourage participating in hobbies
-going outside for fresh air (taking a walk)
providing clean environment
89
Name the accepted conclusions to aging.
Aging:
- affects all living organisms
- is natural, inevitable, progressive, and irreversible
- varies from one person to another
- organs don't age at same rate
- influenced by non-biological factors
- age and disease don't go hand in hand
- increases vulnerability to dieases
90
Define psychosocial theories of aging.
the mental processes, behaviours, feelings and relationships of an individual throughout their life that will affect the aging process
91
Explain the disengagement theory
- individuals gradually withdraw from society (centered on themselves) where the power is transferred from the old to the young
- assumption: seniors are happy with less social contact, fewer responsibilities and like to reflect on life
92
What is the problem with the disengagement theory?
Seniors who volunteer is because they don't want to be disconnected from society.
93
Explain the activity theory
the key to successful aging is to stay active as long as possible (facilitates physical, mental and social well-being)
94
Explain the continuity theory
an individual's personality traits and behaviour patterns remain unchanged as one ages (social stays social, loner stays loner)
95
Explain the developmental tasks theory
Erikson- accept challenges and find meaning in one's life to achieve integrity where failing to do so results in anger, bitterness, depression and despair
96
True or false? All theories fully explain the process of aging.
False. No one theory can fully explain the process of aging. The best theory is one that combines all elements of all theories.
97
True or false. Aging is a natural, inevitable and irreversible process of life.
True
98
True or false. Due to physical loss and difficulties, most older adults don't adjust well and can't compensate for their losses.
False. In spite of physical loss and difficulties, most older adults adjust quite well and are able to compensate for their losses.
99
What are the normal changes of the integumentary system in older adults?
- grey or white hair
- hair loss
- wrinkling and thinning skin
- easy bruising
- less feeling in hands
- age spots
- less fat
- thick fingernails/toenails
- perspire less/ less oil
100
Role of the health care aide on the integumentary system of an older adult.
-protect skin from injury
-report changes to skin colour
-no hot water bottles or heating pads
-test water temperature for bath
-protect from cold drafts
-set thermostat higher
-don't provide nail or foot care without permission of supervisor
-bath or shower twice a week instead of daily
-use mild soap
-less deodorant
apply lotions, oils, creams to prevent drying
101
What are the normal changes of the musculoskeletal system in older adults?
- decreased muscle mass
- decreased elasticity of tendons/ligaments
- decreased flexibility
- slower movements
- increased fatigue
- brittle bones
- loss of balance
- stooped posture
- decreased hand-eye coordination
102
Role of the health care aide on the muskuloskeletal system of an older adult.
-encourage a regular exercise program
-encourage diet high in fiber
-encourage independence
-diet high in protein, calcium and vitamins
-take measures to prevent falls
-protect from injury
-turn and move gently
help and support while walking or getting out if bed
103
What are the normal changes of the nervous system in older adults?
- hearing and vision losses
- problems with balance
- decreased reactions and reflexes
- decreased touch sensation
- difficulty regulating body temperature
- change in sleep patterns
- brain cells lost
- slower memory
- decreased blood flow to brain
- forgetfulness
104
Role of the health care aide on the nervous system of an older adult.
- protect from injury
- apply heat or cold with caution
- fall precautions
- provide skin care
- check for signs of skin breakdown
- prevent pressure ulcers
- remind client to rise slowly when getting out of bed
105
What are the normal changes of the cardiovascular system in older adults?
- rigid and narrowed blood vessels
- decreased heart muscle strength
- decreased ability to meet body's need for oxygen
- increased dizziness
- blood clots in leg veins
106
Role of the health care aide on the cardiovascular system of an older adult.
- encourage frequent rest periods
- moderate exercise such as walking
- provide personal care items at arms reach
107
What are the normal changes of the respiratory system in older adults?
- decreased lung expansion
| - decreased physical endurance
108
Role of the health care aide on the respiratory system of an older adult.
- frequent turning, re-positioning and deep breathing exercises
- rest periods throughout the day
- ensure the client is active
109
What are the normal changes of the digestive system in older adults?
- loss of teeth
- decreased taste sensation
- decreased saliva
- loss of appetite
- decreased thirst
- digestive system slows
110
Role of the health care aide on the digestive system of an older adult.
-proper fitting dentures
111
Role of the health care aide on the digestive system of an older adult.
-proper fitting dentures
112
What are the normal changes of the urinary system in older adults?
- kidneys and bladder decrease in size
- increased frequency of urination
- difficulty emptying bladder
- stress incontinence may develop
- increased enlargement of prostate gland
113
What are the normal changes of the reproductive system in older adults?
women
- estrogen and progesterone decrease
- ovulation and menstruation cease
- vaginal walls are thinner and drier
- takes longer to become sexually aroused
- less intense orgasm
men
- testosterone decreases
- takes longer to achieve an erection
- less forceful orgasm
- enlarged prostate gland
114
Name the common misconceptions about sex and the elderly.
- older women have no interest in sex
- older men are incapable of having sexual intercourse
- older people don't get sexual pleasure
- older people don't care how they look and not concerned
115
Role of the health care aide on the sex life of an older adult.
- explain the effects of normal aging on sexual functioning
- encourage the wearing of attractive clothing and cosmetics
- show acceptance of signs of affection between older adults
- allow privacy for when the roommate is around
- let them know how much time they have together
- allow privacy for masturbation
116
What are the normal changes of the senses in older adults?
- decreased vision
- increased sensitivity to glare
- decreased production of tears
- slow blinking reflexes
- cataracts
- diminished hearing
- decreased taste and smell
117
List the different levels of someone's personal functional abilities based on how much assistance is required to complete a particular task.
```
no assistance required
supervision only
one-person assist
two-person assist
complete assist
```
118
What are the healthy adjustments that can be done to aging (psychological and emotional aspects)?
- accepting aging as a natural stage of life
- focusing on strengths and not imitations
- ongoing enthusiasm for living life to the fullest
119
Name the possible negative reactions to change associated with aging.
```
anxiety
withdrawal
aggression
anger
hostility
demanding behaviour
depression
reduced self-esteem
```
120
In general, communication is not affected by normal aging. Communication difficulties are due to these environmental factors:
- noise and distraction
- too much information at once
- too many people talking at once
- medication effects
- physical discomfort
- depression or dementia
121
In general, communication is not affected by normal aging. Communication difficulties are due to these conversation partner factors:
- poor listening skills
- use of false reassurances
- judgmental attitudes
- inappropriate names
- insensitivity to elderly
- differences in age, language or culture
122
How can the health care aide worker help an individual with the aging process?
-emphasizing ability rather than disability
-promoting independence
encouraging reminiscing
-pointing out normal aging processes
123
Which shows a dramatic decline? short term memory loss or long term memory loss?
short term memory loss
124
True or false. The ability to learn remains but learning may take longer because the brain may need more time to process information.
True
125
Cognitive functioning tests allow to evaluate what?
- orientation to time, place and person
- recent memory
- ability to comprehend abstract thinking
- ability to read, write and comprehend
126
What can the health care aide do to help promote cognitive functioning in older adults? What should you not do?
- offer reminders about scheduled events
- allow sufficient time for retrieval of information from memory
- allow additional time when teaching a new task
- follow a constant routine
-ask if they remember you
127
Role of the health care aide on the urinary system of an older adult.
- ensure adequate fluids
- allow client personal choice of beverages
- give before 5pm for less urination at night
- bladder control training programs
128
Dignity- Health care aide's role (do's and don'ts)
- always show respect
- don't use patronizing terms, gestures or tone of voice
- use their name (ask what they prefer to be called)\
- do not talk about clients with others
- don't exchange glances with coworkers
129
Independence- Health care aide's role (do's and don'ts)
- help the client only when necessary
- respect their routine
- do things the way the client is used to doing
- allow time for rest
- avoid rushing
130
Preferences - Health care aide's role (do's and don'ts)
- older adults have the right to make choices
- ask their permission
- ask preferences
131
Privacy- Health care aide's role (do's and don'ts)
- keep information confidential
| - avoid exposing the client's body
132
Safety- Health care aide's role (do's and don'ts)
- note safety hazards
- implement fall prevention
- report all changes in behaviour and health to supervisor
133
DIPPS
```
Dignity
Independence
Preferences
Privacy
Safety
```
134
Identify common features sought in an elder's home.
- no stairs
- roomy bathroom with grab bars
- easily accessible shelving
- security systems
- lights that can be dimmed at night
135
True or false. Seniors are more likely to achieve, and continue to maintain, a high level of well being in familiar environment of their homes.
True
136
What is the role of the Home Adaptation for Senior's Independence Program?
-one-time forgivable loan (up to 2500$ per household) for slight alterations to a senior's home to be able to live independently longer and more safely
137
Gated Commnities
designed for affluent individuals who want seclusion, protection, maintenance and high security (options- single family dwellings and multistory condomoniums
138
Retirement Communities
geared toward making independent living feasible with the least amount of effort on the elder's part; costs a lot; have rented housing, activities and health care services
139
Granny Flats
small housing units; practical and economical; allow families to remain separate but close enough if assistance needed
140
Subsidized Housing
```
affordable, suitable and adequate accommodations; rental rates based on person's income
additional services:
-medical alarm switches
-congregate meal program
-tenant services staff
-on site superintendents
```
141
Private, Non-Profit Housing
owned and managed by non-profit or charitable groups
142
Life Tease Tenancy
guarantees the right to occupy the dwelling for a lifetime (purchases life lease used as equity lowering rental costs)
143
Co-operative housing
owned by not-for-profit community self-help groups; purchase shares in the project and collectively become owners and managers
144
Multigenerational Residences
live with extended family due to widowhood, small support network, low economic status
145
Shared housing
share house or apartment with one or more unrelated people by sharing dwelling, expenses and chores
146
Assisted Living Facility
require assistance but still able to function independently; elders occupy separate living units but share dining facility and social rooms; services like housekeeping, personal care, medication administration provided
147
Life-Care Community
offer a residential complex with full range of services and accommodations
148
Single-Room Occupancy Hotels
single, sparsely furnished rooms with limited cooking facilities and bathrooms
149
True or false. The longer people live, the lower their chances of spending their last years in an institution.
False. The longer people live, the greater their chances of spending their last years in an institution.
150
Personal Care Homes
- offer around the clock nursing care for chronically ill older people
- majority are non-proprietary (not for profit)
- ethno cultural homes (particular religious faith or language) and secular homes (anyone)
- person eligible if no longer safe to stay alone at home
- occupant shares room or occupies single room
- staffed 24 hours
- meals, laundry, medication, administration, activities and rehabilitation services
