lecture 2: general principles Flashcards
Define aging
- decreased homeostatic reserve
- Simply a decreased ability to return to baseline function after some sort of insult
–> that could be physical, psychological, metabolic or even pharmacological process
loss of mobility
- major loss in function usually means a loss in ambulation which leads to immobility
- often this is significant after a series of insults
what are the consequencse of immobilization
- stiffness and contractures
- loss of muscle strength
- confusion, sensory loss, depression
- dependence and institutionalization
- instability and loss of confidence
- dehydration and electrolyte imbalance
- malnutrition
- pressure sores
Use it or lose it
- aging is about function and independence
- describe the older patient in functional terms not in chonological years
- “Function” is not age, maybe the best criteria for your medical decision making
describe the functiona classification of age groups
- Young adult (20-39) 1st half of working life = 90-100% of function status
- Middle age (40-64) 2nd half of working life = 10-30% decreased function
- old age (65-74) immediate post retirement period = SIGNIFICANT loss of function but maintain homeostasis
- Very old (74-84) = likely impairement of function for ADLs - general potential for relative independence
- Oldest old age (85+) high incidence of need for help with ADLs - high risk for nursing or institutional care assistance
what are some factors affecting rate of aging
- cellular wear and tear
- free radicals
- DNA damage
- hormonal changes
- immune system changes
- programmed longevity
- glycation
what are soem biological changes with aging
- changes in anatomy and physiology
–> organs change at different rates
–> time course unique for each person
–> usually first things to be noticed (sensory organs)
–> don’t stereotype person as OLD
- examples = graying of hair, impaired memory, loss of hearing, vascular stiffness
what are some social changes of old age
- changes in socialization or social habits
- friends
- social acceptance
- marital status
- acquired habits
- Groups, clubs, church home (connection to something live a lot longer)
describe some economic changes
- changes in financial status or financial security
- economically advantaged tend to liver longer
–> afford a better diet
–> have better housing
–> can get better healthcare
–> have labor saving devices
describe the average health care expenditures per year
Age 85 = 16,000 on top of healthcare
Age 80-84 = 10,000 on top of healthcare
Age 70-75 = 6,000 on top of healthcare
what are some psychological changes with aging
- attitude towards life
- self image = self worth
- value to society
- changes with retirement
*all are dependent on social interactions, finances and physical aging*
Define life span
length of life (birth to death)
define longevity
- number of years of life
define mean longevity
- life expectancy
- USA = 78.3 years/ Ideal 85 + 4 years
95% die between 77 ad 93
maximum longevity
maximum life span
- human 110-120
