Chapter 12: "The Older Person" (pp. 145-156)

Chapter 12: "The Older Person" (pp. 145-156)

Mr. Major & Mrs. Mercado

​Clinical Health Occupations

​Late Adulthood (p. 145)

• ​Ranges from 65 years of age and older

• ​Gerontology -> the study of the aging process

• ​Geriatrics -> the care of aging people

• ​Risk for illness/injury increases with aging

  • ​Disability may result = more severe with aging & disease processes present

  • ​Disabilities interfere with everyday activities = decreases QOL ("quality of life")

    • ​Managing money; shopping; meal prep; dressing/undressing oneself; etc.

​Common Myths vs. Facts about Aging/Older Persons (pp. 145-146)

• ​Despite common myths, most older people adjust well & lead happy, meaningful lives

  • ​A widely believed story that is not true

  • ​View Box 12-1 (p. 146)

    • ​"Aging - Myths and Facts"

Multiple Choice

TRUE or FALSE:

Geriatrics is the study of the aging process.

• TRUE

• FALSE

​Psychological & Social Changes (p. 145)

• ​Physical changes of aging can threaten self-esteem, self-image, self-worth, & independence

  • ​Gray hair, wrinkles, slow movements, etc.

• ​Social roles change with aging

  • ​E.g. Parent now has to rely on adult/child for care

  • ​E.g. A retiree seeks new activities to replace the work role

• ​Adjusting to death is common with aging

  • ​Death of parents, family members, friends, etc.

  • ​Person faces his/her own death

• ​While people adjust to aging in their own way, how they adjust depends on:

  • ​Health status; life experiences; finances; education; social support system(s)

Multiple Choice

TRUE or FALSE:

All persons age at the same rate.

• TRUE

• FALSE

Multiple Choice

TRUE or FALSE:

As people age, muscles atrophy and strength decreases.

• TRUE

• FALSE

Multiple Choice

TRUE or FALSE:

As people age, lung tissue becomes more elastic.

• TRUE

• FALSE

​Retirement (p. 146)

• ​Usually between ages 62-66

• ​Benefits = time to relax & enjoy life!

  • ​Travel, leisure, etc. (Fig. 12-1)

• ​While many enjoy retirement, others do not... usually d/t:

  • ​Poor health; disability; medical bills; etc.

• ​Some retirees still work part-time or volunteer (Fig. 12-2)

  • ​Meets needs for love, belonging, & self-esteem

Multiple Choice

Retirement usually means:

• the person is ill or disabled.

• the person moves in with children.

• the person needs adult day care.

• the person has reduced income.

​Reduced Income (p. 146)

• ​Social security benefits may provide only income

• ​Reduced income may force life-style changes such as:

  • ​Limited social/leisure events

  • ​Cheaper food, clothes, & household items

  • ​Move to cheaper housing

  • ​Live with children/other family

  • ​Avoid healthcare/needed medications

  • ​Rely on children/other family for money or needed items

• ​Some retirees have income from savings, investments, retirement, etc.

​Social Relationships (pp. 146-147)

• ​Social relationships change with aging

  • ​Children grow, leave home, & have families

  • ​Some family members live far away, are disabled, die, etc.

• ​Companionship r/t age is key (Fig. 12-3)

• ​Family times bring joy = help person feel useful/wanted (Fig. 12-4)

Multiple Choice

TRUE or FALSE:

Quality of life (QOL) always declines as people age.

• TRUE

• FALSE

​Figure 12-4 and Focus on Communication (p. 147)

• ​

​Children as Caregivers (p. 147)

• ​When child cares for parent (role change)

• ​The older person may:

  • ​Feel more secure or unwanted

  • ​Lose dignity & self-respect

• ​Tension may occur among child/ parent/others d/t:

  • ​Lack of privacy

  • ​Disagreements/criticisms about housekeeping, raising children, etc.

​Death & Grieving (p. 147)

• ​Person may prepare for death of self or partner

  • ​Grief may be substantial

• ​Loss of loved ones can result in serious physical/mental health problems

  • ​Some persons lose will to live

  • ​Some persons even attempt suicide

• ​Surviving spouse/partner ("widowed")

  • ​Some live alone

  • ​Others decide on housing options (see "Housing Options," pp. 147-156)

  • ​Some re-marry or have live-in arrangements with new partners

​Death of a Child (p. 147)

• ​Parents of any age experience grief when a child dies

  • ​Those who outlive adult children may have greater emotional needs

Multiple Choice

Which statement is correct?

• Aging means illness and disability.

• Older people are lonely and isolated.

• Most older people have frequent contact with their children.

• Older persons lose interest in sex.

Multiple Choice

Most older people:

• live with adult children.

• live in nursing centers.

• live in adult foster care homes.

• live in their own homes.

Multiple Choice

Changes in the integumentary system occur with aging. Which statement is correct?

• The skin is easily damaged.

• Tub baths or showers are needed daily.

• Hot water bottles are used to keep the person warm.

• The person is less sensitive to cold.

Multiple Choice

Aging requires certain dietary changes. Which is correct?

• Older people need more calories than younger people do.

• Fewer fluids are needed.

• High-protein foods should be avoided.

• Older persons need foods that prevent constipation and bone changes.

Multiple Choice

Changes in the circulatory system occur with aging. Which statement is correct?

• The heart muscle becomes more efficient.

• Arteries narrow and gain elasticity.

• The heart muscle pumps with greater force.

• Poor circulation may occur in many body parts.

Multiple Choice

TRUE or FALSE:

The senses of smell and taste decrease with age.

• TRUE

• FALSE

Multiple Choice

TRUE or FALSE:

Older persons have less tear secretion.

• TRUE

• FALSE

Multiple Choice

TRUE or FALSE:

Nursing centers provide care for persons who cannot care for themselves.

• TRUE

• FALSE

Multiple Choice

TRUE or FALSE:

Older persons are generally at greater risk for urinary tract infections.

• TRUE

• FALSE