Common Aging Changes

7/31/2019 Common Aging Changes

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COMMON AGING CHANGES

Physical Changes of Aging

System Physical Change Nursing Interventions

Special Senses

Sight Diminished visual acuity Provide increased illumination without glareReduction in visual fields Provide safe environment by orienting client to surroundingsReduced accommodation to light changes and removing potential hazards.

Decreased ability to distinguish colors Use sunglasses outdoors.Major eye problems:presbyobia(difficulty seeing Use large print books

clearly at close range), cataracts, glaucoma, Avoid night drivingretinal detachment, senile macular degeneration Use contrasting colors for color coding

Hearing Decreased hearing acuity Look directly at person when speaking and speak clearly and slowly;Presbycusis: hearing impairment especially in low-pitched voice heard best.

higher frequencies Decrease background noise

Taste/Smell Decrease in sense of smell and number of taste buds Provide attractive meals in comfortable social setting.Vary taste, textures, and colors of food.Be alert for difficulty chewing and swallowing when selecting foods

Nervous Progressive loss of number of neurons in brain and Promote independence in daily activities.

spinal cord Allow ample time for completion of taskLoss of total bulk of brain substance Use sleeping medications with caution.

Slowed speed of nerve impulse and conduction; Provide adequate warmth.slowed reaction time Maintain social functioning by providing recreational and diversional activitie

Decreased blood flow to brain Prevent translocation shock, minimizing frequency of transfers.Change in sleep patterns Orient to reality to prevent and treat confusion/disorientation.

Impaired thermoregulationBehavioral changes:diminished emotional responses;

lessened adaptability:decreased short-term memory;narrowed interest;confusion/disorientation


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Integumentary Skin: Thinning, wrinkling, loss of elasticity, dryness Observe and assess the skin frequently.Decreased perspiration Protect the skin from trauma.

Increased sensitivity to cold Avoid overexposure to sun.Hair: loss of pigment (graying), thinning Maintain adequate hydration

Increased vascular fragility(senile purpura) Keep skin clean, dry, lubricated, and pressure free.Subcutaneous drugs absorbed more slowly Provide adequate humidity and heat in environment.

Lower bath water temperature to 100-105 degrees F

Decrease frequency of complete baths

Musculoskeletal Atrophy of muscles with decreased strength, Encourage exercise program to help minimize age related changes.

endurance, and agilityBones more porous and lighter through calcium loss; Promote optimum physical activity within level of ability.

Falls are dangerous Maintain optimum nutrition ,especially intake of protein,Enlarged, stiff joints calcium and vitamins

Stooped posture Encourage use of appropriate adaptive or assistive devicesto enhance mobility.

Cardiovascular Decreased cardiac output Assess symptoms and make appropriate modifications in care

Decreased endurance

Arteriosclerosis,edema Minimize edema and fatigue with rest periods and elevation of legsIncreased sytolic blood pressure Encourage exercises tolerated.Orthostatic hypotension Teach energy conservation methods in daily activities

Teach person to change position slowly to avoid falls.

Respiratory Impaired ventilation and diffusion Manipulate environment to enhance ventilation.Reduced vital capacity Position to promote optimum ventilation.

Reduced cough Maintain tone and efficiency of respiratory muscles by encouragingexercises and prescribed pulmonary exercises.

Diminished lung capacity Encourage person to get influenza vaccinesIncreased risk of pneumonia

Gastrointestinal Reduced gastric motility and impaired absorption Assess condition of teeth and mouth, fit and comfort of dentures,Diminished food appeal and ability to chew.Reduced peristalsis and decreased excretory Encourage fluids and foods high bulk and fiber.

efficiency


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Decreased gastric acid Encourage optimal activityDecreased liver size Promote independence and privacy in use of bathroom.

Decreased saliva Keep stool record and observe for constipation.Loss of teeth common

Constipation common problem

Urinary Decreased kidney function Assess voiding problem

Common problems:frequency, dysuria, incontinence Provide adeqaute fluidsEnlargement of prostate in males Encouarge independencein use bathroom.

Establish voiding schedule or bladder program as needed to control

incontinence(assist to bathroom or offer bedpan every 2-3 hours).Avoid catherization unless no other alternative

Reproductive Decreased production of estrogen/progesterone Promote good perineal care, treat with prescribed creams

Female Atrophy and drying of vaginal canal Use vaginal lubricant as needed.Male Impaired ability to achieve full penile erection; Provide encouragement and discuss modification in sexual expression

reduced frequency of ejaculation as necssary;rest before and after sexual activitySexual responses slower and less intense

Endocrine Decreased function of pituitary gland, thyroid, Assess for endocrine deficiency conditions such as DMadrenal cortex, pancreas, parathyroid, and and hypothyroidismgonads


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Biological / Physiological Changes

CHRONOLOGICAL AGE DOES NOT CORRELATE WITH BIOLOGICAL AGE.

While most of us recognize advanced age in people when we see it, appearances alone do not determine how old we really are. Somethi

more is needed.

Two biological phenomena appear related to the aging process:

1. Accumulation of waste products in the cells

= AS CHRONOLOGICAL AGE INCREASES, cells function less efficiently

= Most frequently, this is an accumulation oflipofuscin, an insoluable fatty substance which, when it exists in large quantities, is

known to affect cellular functioning.

2. Loss of elasticity of the connective body tissue

= THE CULPRIT IS COLLAGEN, a substance which constitutes more than one-fourth of the body's protein. As age increases, the

connective tissue becomes less elastic.

= The most obvious evidence of changes in collagen is wrinkles. However, since collagen fibers also surround the cells and blood

vessels of the body, stiffening of these fibers could also affect the efficient functioning of many body systems.


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Social Factors

SOCIETY IS CREATED FROM A CONSENSUS OF INDIVIDUALS.

These individuals, in turn, are influenced by the society in which they live. Thus, both Individuals and groups define and re-define our

sense of self as we develop and as society changes. And society's view of "growing old" or being "old" is no exception to this process.

1. Ageism = AGEISM REFERS TO DISCRIMINATION BASED ON AGE.

= This attitude arises because of age-related changes in appearance, in beliefs, and in other behaviorsthose characteristics

which supposedly make older persons "different."

2. Gerontophobia

GERONTOPHOBIA IS THE FEAR OF OLD AGE, especially of growing old. This fear is a by-product of the high value contemporary society

places on youth and productivity. It touches all facets of life, from physical appearance to the fear of death.

In his book, Age Wave, Ken Dychtwald identifies seven markers that can induce our phobia:

If young is good, then old is bad

If the young have it all, the old are losing it

If the young are creative, the old are dull

If the young are beautiful, then the old are unattractive

If the young are stimulating, then the old are boring

If the young are full of passion, then the old are beyond caring

If the children are tomorrow, the old represent yesterday


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3. Retirement

RETIREMENT IS AN AMBIVALENT CONCEPT. It represents a reward for participation in the labor force. It also represents a mecha-

nism to ensure turnover of the labor force, with younger workers moving into slots vacated by retirees.

On the other nand, retirement results in decreased income. It also leaves an older person with what some gerontologists describe

a "roleless role"i.e., no alternative to the role, status, and significance of "employee" has yet evolved.

Emotional needs needs someone to talk to (plan time to visit; allow visits with a clergyman) comforted by touch (conveys feelings of concern, interest and acceptance) mainly family contact Provide diversional activities(books/magazines with large prints, radio, TV) allow to verbalize feelings on death (do not avoid the topic)


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Documents

Common Aging Changes