Promoting health in older adults

1. Promoting Health in Older Adults Reynel Dan L. Galicinao

3. Subjectively: how a person feels

5. Categorizing the Aging Population

6. Care Settings for Elders

8. ED

10. Intermediate care

11. Skilled care units

13. Nurse-run clinics

16. 3. Free-radical Theory

17. 4. Genetic Theories Organism is genetically programmed for a predetermined number of cell divisions, then organism dies

18. 5. Cross-Linking Theories Irreversible aging of proteins (collagen) -> failure of tissues & organs

19. 6. Immunological Theories Immune system becomes less effective with age, resulting in reduced resistance to infection & diseases

20. PHYSIOLOGICAL AGING

21. A. Integumentary ↑skin dryness, pallor, fragility Progressive wrinkling & sagging of skin Brown “age spots” (lentigo senilis) ↓perspiration

22. Thinning & graying of scalp, pubic, axillary hair Slower nail growth; ↑ thickening & brittle Loss of SQ fat

23. Health Promotion Strategies Optimal nutrition Adequate hydration Lotion after bath

24. Avoid products with alcohol/perfume Assess frequency of bathing Sun screen lotions with SPF ≥ 15 Observe for skin changes & seek medical consultation

25. Wide-brimmed hat, sun visor, sunglasses No strong detergent to launder clothes

27. Health Promotion Strategies Pace teaching Encourage visitors with hospitalization

28. Enhance sensory stimulation With sudden confusion, look for cause

29. C. Musculoskeletal ↓ speed & power of muscle contractions Joint stiffness

30. Loss of ht (stature) -> kyphosis

31. Loss of bone mass -> osteoporosis -> pathologic fractures Impaired balance

32. Health Promotion Strategies Slow rising from a resting position Regular exercise

33. High-calcium diet Limit phosphorus intake Calcium & vitamin D supplements as prescribed

34. D. Sensory/Perceptual Loss of visual acuity ↑ sensitivity to glare; ↓ ability to adjust to darkness Arcus senilis Lens opacity (cataract)

36. Adequate indoor lighting with area lights and nightlights Large-print books Magnifier for reading

37. Avoid night driving Contrasting colors Avoid glare of shiny surfaces and direct sunlight Hearing examination Reduce background noise

38. Face person; enunciate clearly Speak with a low-pitched voice Use nonverbal cues Encourage use of lemon, spices, herbs

39. E. Pulmonary ↓ ability to expel foreign/accumulated matter ↓ lung expansion less effective exhalation ↓ vital capacity

40. ↑ residual volume Difficult, short, heavy, rapid breathing (dyspnea) after intense exercise

41. Health Promotion Strategies Regular Exercise No smoking Adequate fluids to liquefy secretions

42. Yearly influenza immunizations Avoid exposure to URTI

43. F. Cardiovascular ↓ cardiac output & stroke volume (during ↑ activity) -> SOB on exertion & pooling of blood in extremities

44. ↓ elasticity, ↑ rigidity of arteries ↑ diastolic & systolic BP Orthostatic hypotension

47. G. Gastrointestinal ↓ salivation Delayed swallowing time ↑ tendency for indigestion & constipation

48. Health Promotion Strategies Small, frequent meals Ice chips, mouthwash Brush, floss, massage gums daily

49. Regular dental care Sit up and avoid heavy activity pc Limit antacids

50. High-fiber, low-fat diet Limit laxatives Toilet regularly Adequate fluids

51. H. Urinary ↓ filtering ability of the kidney; impaired renal function

52. Less effective concentration of urine Nocturnal frequency Retention of residual urine

53. Health Promotion Strategies Adequate fluid intake (8-10 glasses of non-caffeinated liquid) Avoid bladder-irritant foods (sugar, caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, artificial sweeteners, spicy & acidic food) Pelvic muscle exercise

54. I. Genitals

57. J. Immunological ↓ immune response; ↓ resistance to infections Poor response to immunization ↓ stress response

58. Health Promotion Strategies Avoid exposure to infection Up to date influenza, pneumonia immunizations

59. K. Endocrine ↑ insulin resistance ↓ thyroid function

60. Health Promotion Strategies Balance diet Regular exercise Ideal body wt Blood sugar test

61. Psychosocial Theories of Aging

62. 1. Disengagement Theory Mutual withdrawal Reduces society’s pressure Reduces # of people whom elderly interacts

64. Psychosocial Aging

65. Erikson’s Psychosocial Stage Ego integrity vs. Despair

67. Peck’s Developmental Task of Aging

68. Retirement Can be a time when projects or recreational activities can be pursued Can be a difficult time of adjustment

69. Economic Change Adequate financial resources enable the older person to remain independent

70. Grandparenting Provide sense of continuity family heritage, rituals, folklore, support

71. Relocation Older client has many living options depending on income, health status, activity level, level of independence, family or other support systems

72. Maintaining Independence & Self-Esteem It is important for them to look after themselves even if they have to struggle to do so Encourage them to do as much as possible for themselves & maintain safety

73. “I’m getting so old that my friends in heaven will think I didn’t make it.”

74. Facing Death & Grieving Loss is an inevitable part of life; the longer a client lives, the more losses will be experienced.

75. The setting sun is as beautiful as the rising sun. —Japanese proverb

76. Thank you! ☺