Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is gerontology concerned with?
What is gerontology concerned with?
What often declines as a result of aging?
What often declines as a result of aging?
Which of the following is a common myth about aging?
Which of the following is a common myth about aging?
What factor can cause money problems for older adults after retirement?
What factor can cause money problems for older adults after retirement?
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What may older individuals do to prevent bone loss?
What may older individuals do to prevent bone loss?
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Why might loneliness increase for foreign-born older persons?
Why might loneliness increase for foreign-born older persons?
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What causes wrinkles to appear on an older person's skin?
What causes wrinkles to appear on an older person's skin?
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What happens to older persons' nerve endings over time?
What happens to older persons' nerve endings over time?
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Study Notes
Geriatrics and Gerontology
- Geriatrics focuses on the care of aging people.
- Gerontology studies the aging process.
Aging in a Family Setting
- Most older people live in a family setting.
- The oldest-old are 85 years and older.
Changes in Aging
- Changes are often slow as aging occurs.
- Mental function decline with age.
- It's a myth that mental function declines with age.
Social Changes of Aging
- Retirement and deaths of loved ones are social changes of aging.
- Reduced income may affect lifestyle.
Retirement and Finances
- Retirement can reduce income, affecting lifestyle.
- Money problems can result from reduced income.
- Loneliness may be a bigger problem for foreign-born persons because they may not have anyone to talk to in their own language.
Adjusting to Social Relationship Changes
- Older persons can adjust by staying active and involved.
- They can maintain social relationships.
- They can pursue new interests.
Benefits of Children Caring for Older Parents
- Benefits include emotional support.
- Drawbacks include potential financial strain.
- Children caring for aging parents may develop serious physical and mental problems.
Loss of a Partner
- When a partner dies, the older person experiences emotional and social changes.
Physical Changes of Aging
- Loss of elasticity, strength, and fatty tissue layer causes wrinkles.
- Fewer nerve endings contribute to decreased sensation.
- Healing is delayed with age due to reduced blood flow.
Safety Concerns for Older Persons
- Hot water bottles and heating pads are not used with older persons because they are more susceptible to burns due to decreased heat and cold sensing.
- Activity, exercise, and diet can prevent bone loss and muscle strength loss.
- Bones become brittle and can break easily.
- Blood flow to the brain is reduced causing dizziness.
Sensory Changes in Aging
- Touch and sensitivity to pain are reduced.
- Taste buds decrease, leading to complaints of food having no taste.
- Tear secretion is less, causing eye irritation.
- High-pitched sounds may be difficult to hear.
Physical and Mental Functioning of Older Adults
- Fatigue is common, and resting during the day may be necessary.
- Severe circulatory changes can cause difficulty breathing.
- Semi-Fowler's position makes breathing easier when difficulty arises.
- Decreased appetite is common due to dulled taste and smell.
- Older persons need fewer calories due to decreased metabolic rate.
- The bladder stores less urine, resulting in more frequent urination, especially at night.
Sexual Changes in Older Women
- Vaginal dryness can make intercourse uncomfortable or painful.
Living Arrangements for Older Adults
- Living with family can provide meals, supervision, and activities.
- Adult day-care centers can provide social interaction, meals, and healthcare services.
- Apartments allow independent living near friends and family.
- Elder Cottage Housing Opportunity or accessory dwelling units allow an older person to live independently but near loved ones.
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Description
This quiz explores key concepts in geriatrics and gerontology, focusing on the aging process and its implications within family settings. Topics include changes in mental function, social impacts of aging, and strategies for maintaining social relationships during retirement. Test your knowledge on how aging affects individuals and families.
