Age Related Changes in Health

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Questions and Answers

What was one emotional response participants had due to disruptions in their usual practices during the confinement period?

Enhanced physical health

Feelings of boredom and frustration (correct)

A greater sense of community connection

Increased enthusiasm towards new activities

What significant opportunity did many individuals find during the confinement period?

An opportunity for more social gatherings

A reduction in self-reflection and awareness

An increase in physical limitations

A chance for personal growth and reevaluation of identity (correct)

How did some participants cope with social isolation during the pandemic?

By using digital technologies to maintain connections (correct)

By avoiding all forms of social contact

By focusing solely on personal challenges

By engaging in extensive travel

What aspect of older adults' engagement was highlighted as important during crises?

Supporting engagement in meaningful activities Signup and view all the answers

What factor fostered resilience and adaptability among individuals during the pandemic?

Adjustments and new skills developed during the period Signup and view all the answers

What structural change occurs to the diaphragm with age?

It flattens. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors can contribute to falling below the functional performance threshold?

Progressive age-related changes. Signup and view all the answers

What does functional capacity refer to?

An individual's maximum ability to perform daily activities. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when an individual's functional capacity is below their functional performance threshold?

Self-care and independent living cannot be maintained. Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of low vision in older adults?

Age-related visual loss that is uncorrectable. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the older population is affected by vision problems?

18% Signup and view all the answers

What can cause decreased efficiency in gas exchange in older adults?

Structural changes to the lung tissue. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes decreased contractile ability of the venous system?

Reduced efficiency in pumping blood. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of active leisure?

Walking Signup and view all the answers

What element of leisure refers to the experience of being fully engaged in an activity?

Flow Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes identity achievement according to James Marcia?

Having a clear idea of one's life direction Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for gradually reducing work hours while still maintaining a connection to the job?

Phased retirement Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT typically influence career selections?

Hobbies Signup and view all the answers

In the context of leisure, what does 'committed leisure' refer to?

Leisure that is part of a larger social commitment Signup and view all the answers

What kind of leisure activity is characterized by passive engagement?

Watching movies Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes an individual in the 'identity diffusion' stage?

They are indifferent to career planning Signup and view all the answers

What age does hearing loss typically begin to manifest?

30s Signup and view all the answers

Which type of hearing loss is the primary cause in older adults?

Sensorineural hearing loss Signup and view all the answers

At what age does the decline in taste and smell typically begin to become noticeable?

65-70 Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary change in bone health associated with aging?

Calcium loss Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about presbycusis is true?

It is age-related hearing loss. Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical peak age for bone mass before decline begins?

30 Signup and view all the answers

Which behavior may indicate a person is experiencing hearing loss?

Leaning outward or tilting their head to one side. Signup and view all the answers

What does decreased proprioception in older adults affect?

Balance and spatial awareness. Signup and view all the answers

What is everyday competence primarily concerned with?

Ability to perform essential activities for independent living Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT significantly affect everyday competence?

Physical appearance Signup and view all the answers

How does leisure contribute to overall well-being?

It is associated with engagement in personally significant activities Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential consequence of an inability to perform self-care?

Increased loneliness and social isolation Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is considered integral to human function and community status?

Everyday competence Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a factor affecting self-care according to the content?

Personal financial status Signup and view all the answers

How do Western cultural norms influence self-care?

They promote self-care as a social expectation Signup and view all the answers

Which element is essential for the perception of life situation and personal identity?

Healthy self-esteem Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of driving assessments for older adults?

To identify unsafe driving conditions Signup and view all the answers

What approach is recommended to assist older adults in transitioning from driving?

Proactive discussions on alternative transportation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a recommended community and policy action for improving transportation for older adults?

Encouraging reliance on personal vehicles only Signup and view all the answers

How does the study on older adults during COVID-19 characterize their experiences?

Through the lens of doing, being, becoming, and belonging Signup and view all the answers

What key theme was explored in relation to older adults adapting to confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Changes to routines and hobbies Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant benefit of addressing transportation needs proactively for older adults?

Reduced social isolation and maintained independence Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is emphasized as critical for healthy and engaged aging according to the study?

Effective transportation transitions Signup and view all the answers

What role do community-level investments play in the transportation of aging populations?

They ensure transportation systems are age-friendly and accessible Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cardiovascular Changes:
- Lungs: Diaphragm flattens, thorax less flexible, decreased gas exchange efficiency.
- Heart: Irregular heart conduction, less efficient pumping, decreased elasticity in blood vessels, decreased contractile ability of the venous system.
Functional Performance Threshold:
- Definition: The ability to complete Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) to maintain self-care and independent living. It's the maximum sustained activity level before exertion becomes unsustainable.
- Functional Capacity: An individual's maximum ability to perform daily tasks.
- Threshold: When physical decline reduces functional capacity below the performance threshold, self-care and independent living become difficult. This may be due to age-related changes or other health conditions and a decline in minimal reserves.

Sensory Function

Low Vision:
- Definition: Severe vision loss not correctable by medical or surgical intervention or glasses.
- Prevalence: Affects 18% of older adults, 30% of those over 85.
- Types: Age-related changes in eyes and visual pathways.

Nervous System Changes

Slower processing of visual stimuli
Requires longer time to process and identify visual stimuli
Pathological changes in the eyes and visual pathways
Cataracts -Lens degeneration -Decreased visual acuity -Blurred vision -Altered color perception -Sensitivity to glare -Distorted image
Age related macular degeneration (AMD) -Affects people over 50 -Loss of central vision, commonly in industrialized countries -Risk factors: Caucasian, smoking, family history
Glaucoma -Progressive optic nerve damage in stages -Treated medically or surgically, depending on the stage -Peripheral vision loss
Diabetic retinopathy -Results from damage to retinal blood vessels -Scotoma (blind spots) can be a result of this
Presbyopia Deficits (vision issues) -Difficulty focusing on objects close up -The ability to accommodate (adjust focus) on nearby objects is reduced -Affects occupations that require close-up work.

Hearing Loss

Hearing loss begins in the 30s
Types:
- Conductive hearing loss (Not the primary cause)
- Sensorineural hearing loss
  - Tinnitus
  - Presbycusis (age-related hearing loss)
Changes in Behavior:
- Repeated requests to speak louder
- Non responsiveness to questions/conversations -Inappropriate responses
  -Leans to side, tilts head. -Distress or irritation -Disoriented/confused in conversations -Avoids social interaction

Taste and Smell Loss

Declines as age increases; noticeable around 65-70 years old
Factors: Less saliva, fewer taste buds, and fewer odor receptors.

Neuromusculoskeletal

Muscle strength and power decrease.
Skeletal muscle mass loss.
Reduced functional motor units.
Changes in posture
Changes in balance and gait
Reduced maximal speed of movement
Reduced sensitivity to vibration
Reduced proprioception

Bone Changes

Calcium loss is a major primary aging bone change
Peak bone mass around 30, declines gradually thereafter.
Osteoporosis: Significant bone mass loss
Osteoarthritis: Most common form of joint disease.

Active Aging

Self-care
- Definition: Personal care and chores that range from personal care to personal business.
- Includes individual, family, and community self-care, participation.
- Importance of personal self-care in maintaining quality of life and societal participation. Models for understanding performance for self-care (EHP)

Leisure

Definition: Discretionary time not obligated to work, self-care, or instrumental activities.
Culturally recognized.
A state of being relaxed, contented; usually experience-based.
Importance of leisure in maintaining well-being and quality of life.

Work and Retirement

Career Identity: Formation of stages and developmental tasks, including career selection.
Effects: Gender, family influence, and educational attainment.
Retirement: Phases and types, including phased retirement, and bridged retirement.

Resilience in Aging

Definition: Capacity to maintain or regain well-being despite adversity. Includes adapting to physical, emotional and social changes, retaining a sense of purpose.
Factors:
- Individual resources (optimism, self-efficacy)
- Social support
- Physical/mental health
- Meaningful engagement
Resilience pathways: Recovery, and sustainability
Strategies/suggestions: Promoting resilience in aging by enhancing individual resources, building support, and creating opportunities for meaningful engagement.

Community Mobility and Public Transportation

Importance: Critical for community participation, especially for vulnerable groups (older adults, disabilities, low-income).
Impact: Access to essential services, employment, and social activities, maintaining independence, improving quality of life.
Barriers and opportunities for improvement:
- Limited routes, schedules, physical accessibility.
- Safety concerns, funding issues.
Implications: Public policy and urban planning to prioritize accessible, affordable public transit for a more inclusive community and positive outcomes.

Transportation Transitions

Key to independence: Ability to travel safely and efficiently is vital for older adults, enabling access to essential services and participation.
Challenges:
- Physical/cognitive decline.
- Limited alternative transportation options.
- Emotional impact of losing driving ability.
Role of OT:
- Driving assessments
- Education/counseling
- Skill training (Transit use/ride-sharing apps)
- Future-proofing:
  - Early discussion on alternatives
  - Age-friendly transportation
  - Community-based investment
Policy recommendations:
- Advocate for inclusive transportation systems.
- Develop policies that promote sustainable practices

100 Days of Confinement

Context: Study of older adults experiencing COVID-19 restrictions
Key Themes/Findings:
- Adapting daily routines and hobbies to confinement.
- Internal reflection on values, roles, and identities.
- Strategies for becoming more adaptable and resilient.
- Maintaining social connections (using digital tools/socially distanced activities.)

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Description

Explore the various age-related changes in cardiovascular health and sensory function. This quiz covers how aging affects functional performance, self-care, and daily living activities, along with the implications of low vision. Test your knowledge on these critical aspects of geriatric health.