Geriatric Care: Understanding Aging and its Effects on the Body

1. Chapter 10 Geriatric Care

2. “aging boom” By the year 2050 it is projected that 21 percent of the American population will be over the age of 65.

3. Spelling Words geriatrics nocturia Alzheimer’s disease incontinence gerontology dementia dysphagia arthritis osteoporosis delirium

4. gerontology - scientific study of aging and the problems of the elderly geriatric care - care provided to elderly individuals

5. Physical Changes of Aging integumentary - involving the skin, hair, nails, glands • senile lentigines, called “liver spots” • skin is more dry, less elastic • new skin cell production decreases with age • circulation to the skin decreases causes coldness, dryness • nails become thick and tough

6. Physical Changes of Aging musculoskeletal - muscles and bones • muscles lose tone, volume, strength • osteoporosis - minerals are lost from bones, causing bones to be brittle and more likely to break • arthritis - inflammation of the joints causing pain • gradual loss in height, slower movement, falls occur easily, sense of balance is less sure

7. Harriette Thompson

8. Physical Changes of Aging circulatory system - heart, blood vessels, blood • heart muscle is less efficient at pushing blood • blood vessels narrow, become less elastic • blood pressure may increase or decrease • experience weakness, dizziness, numbness in hands or feet, rapid heart rate • moderate exercise stimulates circulation and helps prevent formation of a thrombus (blood clot).

9. Physical Changes of Aging respiratory system - lungs, breathing issues • emphysema - alveoli (air sacs in lungs) lose their elasticity • dyspnea - difficulty breathing • elderly become more susceptible to infections like pneumonia

10. Physical Changes of Aging Nervous system - nerves, brain, controls body activities Blood flow to the brain decreases, progressive loss of brain cells interferes with thinking , reacting, interpreting and remembering • memory loss (usually short term memory) • changes in vision • cataracts - lens of the eye becomes cloudy or opaque • glaucoma - intraocular pressure of the eye increases, interferes with vision • hearing loss decrease in sense of taste and smell • decreased sensation of pain • slower reaction times

11. Physical Changes of Aging Digestive system - • fewer digestive enzymes are produced • peristalsis decreases • teeth are lost • liver function decreases • dysphagia - difficulty swallowing

12. Physical Changes of Aging Urinary System - kidneys decrease in size and less efficient with aging • ability of the bladder to hold urine decreases • bladder may not empty completely • nocturia - urination at night • incontinence - inability to control urination

13. Physical Changes of Aging Endocrine system - some hormones are increased some are decreased with aging • immune system of the body is less effective • more prone to disease • basal metabolic rate decreases, complaints of feeling cold and tired • intolerance to glucose can develop

14. Physical Changes of Aging Reproductive System • Women -decrease in estrogen and progesterone causes vaginal changes • Prolapsed uterus - supporting tissues causes uterus to sag downward • Men, decreased levels of testosterone, slow production of sperm • Men - testes become smaller, less firm

15. Psychosocial Changes of Aging disease - any condition that interferes with the normal function of the body. • examples: COPD, heart disease, diabetes disability - a physical or mental handicap that interferes with normal functions. • examples: inability to walk because of a fractured hip, hearing impairments

16. Confusion and Disorientation in the Elderly Signs of confusion and disorientation may include: talking incoherently wandering aimlessly not knowing their own name not recognizing others lacking awareness of time or place hallucinating displaying hostile behavior paying less attention to personal hygiene unable to respond to simple commands or follow instructions

17. Confusion and Disorientation in the Elderly delirium - confusion or disorientation is temporary caused by a treatable condition. examples: stress/depression, alcohol, urinary tract infection, medications, dehydration

18. Confusion and Disorientation in the Elderly Damage to the brain can cause chronic confusion: cerebrovascular accident (stroke) - blood clot obstructs blood flow to brain arteriosclerosis - blood vessel walls become thick and lose elasticity atherosclerosis - walls of blood vessels become narrow from fat and mineral deposits transient ischemic attack (TIA)ministroke

19. Confusion and Disorientation in the Elderly What is dementia? A loss of mental ability characterized by a decrease in intellectual ability, loss of memory, impaired judgement, personality change, and disorientation.

20. Confusion and Disorientation in the Elderly delirium (acute dementia) - reversible, caused by medical problem or medicine chronic dementia - permanent, irreversible, progressive

21. Confusion and Disorientation in the Elderly Alzheimer’s disease: • a form of dementia • cause is unknown, but there are many theories • lack a chemical that allows messages to pass between nerve cells in the brain • no cure • has different stages

22. Confusion and Disorientation in the Elderly Caring for confused individuals: • provide a safe, secure environment • follow a routine • avoid loud noise and crowded rooms • use reality orientation

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