Week 6 - Theoretical perspective on aging—physiological and psychological changes

Question 1

What does gerontology mean?

Answer 1

Study of the physical, mental, social and societal implications of aging

Question 1

Who is included in gerontology?

Answer 1

Care taker
Researche
Policy maker
program designs around physical, mental and social changes

Question 2

What is Gerontological Nursing?

Answer 2

The care of aging people and emphasizes the promotion of the highest possible quality of life and wellness

Question 3

Geriatric Nursing

Answer 3

The care of the ill/unwell older adults

Question 4

Stochastic Theories

Answer 4

States aging is caused by external sources acting on the body cells

Question 5

Non Stochastic Theories

Answer 5

Describes changes that occur because of pre determined processes, suggesting that aging is internally regulated by a biological clock and nothing can change it

Question 6

How many theories are within the stochastic theories? What are they called?

Answer 6

There is 3
Wear and tear, Cross linkage and Free Radical

Question 7

Wear and Tear Theory - Stochastic

Answer 7

Cell errors are a result of wearing out

Overtime owing to trauma and overuse

In older adults the wearing out cannot be rejuvenated and errors cause a progressive decline in cells

Question 8

Cross Linkage Theory - Stochastic

Answer 8

Explains aging in the terms of accumulation of error by cross linking or stiffening of proteins in the cell

Ex: Collagen (skin becomes thin and loose with age)

Question 9

Free Radical Theory - Stochastic

Answer 9

Exposure to environmental pollutes that increase the production of free radicals which increases the rate of damage

Ex: Pesticides and gasoline fumes

Question 10

The immune system - Non Stochastic

Answer 10

This system is highly dependent on the release of hormones

B cells mature in bone marrow and T cells develop in thymus and protects the body from infection or matter considered foreign

Question 11

Telomere and Non Stochastic

Answer 11

With aging telomeres wear away the cell, ultimately interfering with the stability of the length of the cells life

Question 12

Changes to the skin with aging, what are the intrinsic changes due to?

Answer 12

genetic factors

Question 13

Changes to the skin with aging, what are the extrinsic changes due to?

Answer 13

environmental such as sun, smoking causes skin damage and wrinkles

Question 14

What are signs of aging in dermis and hypo dermis?

Answer 14

Loss of thickness
Blood vessel damage
Collagen decreasing
Fat deposit decreasing

Question 15

What is vitamin D essential for and how do we absorb it?

Answer 15

Essential for calcium, osteoporosis prevention, chronic illnesses and any deficiency

We absorb through our skin from the sun

Question 16

How can we as nurses promote healthy skin?

Answer 16

UV light exposure should be minimized
Use moisturizer
Avoid dry soaps
Use sunscreen

Question 17

Where do melanomas usually occur in females and men?

Answer 17

Females : Legs
Males: Trunk or thoracic cage

Question 18

Where do older men have an increase in hair?

Answer 18

Ears, nose, and eyebrows

Question 19

Where do older women have an increase in hair?

Answer 19

Chin or facial hair

Question 20

Why do nails become thicker in older adults?

Answer 20

Because blood supply and rate of hair growth decreases with age

Question 21

Kyphosis

Answer 21

Spine hunched and rounded

Question 22

Sacropneia

Answer 22

Muscle mass begins to diminish

Question 23

What happens to water distribution in older adults?

Answer 23

Decreases and puts the older adult at risk for dehydration

Question 24

Glomerus - Renal system

Answer 24

key structure that controls the rate of filtering

Question 25

Creatine Clearance - Renal System

Answer 25

Measurement of glomerus filtration rate and usually decreases to 100 mL/min by 80 years old

Question 26

What does creatine clearance do for older adults - Renal System

Answer 26

Shows how they’re handling medication as it passes through and is metabolized

Question 27

What should we do if a patient has low creatine clearance - Renal System

Answer 27

need lower dosages of medication to prevent toxicity
Administer medication in liquids

Question 28

Who has the highest rate of type 2 diabetes of any age group?

Answer 28

Older adults because the rate of secretions is decreased

Question 29

What are increased TSH and T4
decreased Plasma and T3 related to

Answer 29

All age related

Question 30

For thyroid replacement therapy, how do the dosages look like

Answer 30

Need to be low doses

Question 31

Do the changes in the reproductive system affect men or female more?

Answer 31

Female because they lose the ability to procreate after menopause

Men remain fertile their entire life

Question 32

Do physical changes to the reproductive system impact sexual needs?

Answer 32

No matter what sexual needs remain

Question 33

How are the teeth and mouth age related?

Answer 33

Teeth lose enamel and become vulnerable to decay from aging

The moth loses taste buds reducing the sense of taste

Question 34

Presbyesophagus

Answer 34

Abnormal shape to the esophagus which impacts motility

Question 35

2 Pathological processes that are common - Gastrointestinal System

Answer 35

Gastroesphageal reflux and Hiatal hernias

Question 36

Hypohydria

Answer 36

Insufficient hydrochloric acid

Question 37

How is liver function while aging?

Answer 37

Function stays the same even though live has decreased in weight and volume

Question 38

Are changes in the cognitive function a normal part of aging?

Answer 38

NO

Question 39

Major changes in NS with aging are?

Answer 39

Sleep changes found in CNS

Question 40

Disengagement Theory

Answer 40

Thought that people disengaged after retiring
Was criticized and is no longer in use

Question 41

Activity Theory

Answer 41

Based on belief remaining as active as possible leads to successful aging

Being active will help with mental, physical and social activity

Is not equally available to everyone

Question 42

Continuity Theory

Answer 42

Maintain consistent pattern of behaviour-substituting one role for another as one ages

Question 43

Inner continuity

Answer 43

the strategy of forming personal links between new experiences and memories of previous ones

Question 44

External Continuity

Answer 44

refers to interacting with familiar people and living in familiar environments.

Question 45

Age-stratification theory

Answer 45

society sorts people into different groups based on their age, affecting what they can do and what resources they have

ex: gen z

Question 46

Social Exchange Theory

Answer 46

how older adults engage in relationships to receive support and companionship while minimizing costs, reflecting a mutual exchange of resources.

Question 47

Modernization Theory

Answer 47

The status and thus the value of older adults are lost to society when their labour is no longer considered useful.

Question 48

Symbolic Interaction Theory

Answer 48

How older adults understand themselves and their roles in society through their interactions with others and the symbols they use, like language and gestures.

Question 49

Jung-Theory of Personality

Answer 49

Our personalities are shaped by our unconscious thoughts, common symbols, and how we think, feel, sense, and intuit things.

Question 50

Havighurst Developmental Tasks-our focus is on Later maturity

Answer 50

Pinpoint challenges like retirement adjustment, physical health maintenance, and finding fulfillment in new roles.

Question 51

Theory of Gerotranscendence


Answer 51

as individuals age, they may experience a shift towards a deeper understanding of life, increased introspection, and a redefinition of values, leading to greater wisdom and spiritual growth.