Gerontological Nursing Overview

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Questions and Answers

What percentage of older adults aged 65 or older were projected to be in the population by 2050?

12%

20%

16% (correct)

What is the most common situation among older Filipino women according to the demographics?

Most are single

Most live with family

Most are widows (correct)

Most are married

Which age group is classified as 'young-old'?

65-74 years (correct)

85 years and older

55-64 years

75-84 years

What aspect of aging is primarily influenced by cultural norms?

Perception of aging Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of older adults is reported to have at least two chronic conditions?

68% Signup and view all the answers

What demographic trend is being witnessed among the elderly populations in less-developed countries?

Rapid aging populations Signup and view all the answers

What is a key challenge perceived by student nurses regarding geriatric nursing?

Dealing with chronic diseases Signup and view all the answers

What role do living wills and retirement planning play in the lives of today's elderly?

They enhance independence. Signup and view all the answers

What does cultural competence in nursing primarily require nurses to understand?

Communication styles, including non-verbal cues. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is NOT mentioned as a barrier contributing to health disparities?

Nutritional habits Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following theories of aging relates to the idea that aging results from accumulated damage due to external stressors?

Wear and Tear Theory Signup and view all the answers

How do biological theories of aging generally overlap with psychosocial theories?

They offer different but overlapping views on the aging process. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a biological theory of aging that involves the concept of cellular damage from environmental factors?

Free Radical Theory Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of culture does the definition specifically highlight?

Shared and learned values and beliefs of a group. Signup and view all the answers

Which experience best illustrates the significance of cultural competence in nursing?

A nurse understands the cultural background of a patient to deliver personalized care. Signup and view all the answers

What is a major theme in understanding the differences in aging among individuals?

Aging experiences vary significantly among different individuals. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of older men remain economically active?

57% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the living conditions of older adults in the Philippines?

58% reside in rural areas. Signup and view all the answers

How does Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs relate to elderly care?

It prioritizes physiological needs before self-actualization. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three classifications of older adults based on age?

Young-old, middle-old, old-old Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about families and older adults is accurate?

Changing family structures can affect caregiving dynamics. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of geriatrics as a medical branch?

Treating and preventing diseases in older adults. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following concepts encompasses wellness in aging?

It includes emotional, social, and spiritual well-being. Signup and view all the answers

What is one key implication for gerontological nursing?

Nurses should empower older adults for quality of life. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes crystallized intelligence?

It is knowledge accumulated over a lifetime. Signup and view all the answers

What is osteopenia?

Moderate loss of bone density. Signup and view all the answers

Which change in the eyes is typical with aging?

Reduced ability to see in dim light. Signup and view all the answers

How does aging affect muscle mass and strength?

Muscle mass and strength decrease starting around age 30. Signup and view all the answers

What is presbycusis?

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

Which change occurs in the gastrointestinal system due to aging?

Higher risk of lactose intolerance. Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of aging on the skin?

The skin becomes thinner and less elastic. Signup and view all the answers

What nursing implication can help reduce the effects of aging on bones?

Encourage daily exercises and safety measures. Signup and view all the answers

Which theory suggests that older adults should maintain an active lifestyle to counteract aging?

Activity Theory Signup and view all the answers

What is the main idea behind the Neuroendocrine Theory of aging?

Functional decline in neurons and hormones triggers aging. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Genetic Theory of aging indicate?

Aging is impacted by individual genetic programming. Signup and view all the answers

Which theory explains that older adults reflect on their lives to achieve either fulfillment or regret?

Ego Integrity vs. Despair Signup and view all the answers

What does the Theory of Thriving emphasize in the context of aging?

Finding meaning in life despite challenges. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a focus of Psychosocial Theories of Aging?

Changes in societal norms. Signup and view all the answers

What theory relates to the decline in immune system capacity in the context of aging?

Autoimmune Theory Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is considered a positive lifestyle factor for aging well?

Regular and adequate sleep Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Overview of Gerontological Nursing

Gerontological nursing focuses on providing care to older populations.
Nursing knowledge and skills have evolved to cater to the specific needs of older adults.
Nurses play a crucial role in promoting healthy aging and wellness.

History of Nursing and Aging

Florence Nightingale's experiences during the Crimean War shaped modern nursing practices.
Nursing has evolved in response to the changing demographics and healthcare needs of the population.

Aging as a Developmental Process

Aging is a lifelong process encompassing physical, psychological, and social changes.
Cultural norms influence how people view aging and their expectations.

Demography of Aging and Health Care

Today's older adults tend to be healthier and more proactive about healthcare than previous generations.
Living wills, retirement planning, and proactive healthcare decisions have become more common.

Global Aging Trends

The population of individuals aged 65 and older is increasing worldwide.
In 2010, 8% of the global population was 65 years or older, projected to reach 16% by 2050.
The fastest growth in aging populations is occurring in developing countries due to declining fertility rates and increasing lifespans.

Implications for Health and Nursing Care

Chronic diseases are common among older adults; 68% have at least two chronic conditions.
Home-based care is increasingly demanded as older adults may require assistance with tasks, making family and caregivers more involved.

Impact on Nursing

The increasing elderly population necessitates nurses to adapt care strategies to cater to their specific needs.

Characteristics of Older Filipino Persons

Women constitute a majority (60%) of the older Filipino population.
Many older Filipino women are widows, while men are more likely to be married or living with partners.

Educational and Employment Profile of Older Filipinos

66% of older Filipinos have completed elementary-level education.
Improved educational attainment is observed in more recent cohorts.
57% of older men and 39% of older women remain economically active, with activity decreasing with age.

Religion and Living Conditions of Older Filipinos

86% of older Filipinos are Roman Catholic.
Rural areas house a higher percentage (58%) of older adults compared to urban settings (42%).

Impact of Aging on Families

Families play a crucial role in caring for older adults.
Changing family structures impact caregiving dynamics.
Emotionally distant families face greater challenges in supporting older members.

Phases of Aging

Elderly individuals are categorized into three groups:
- Young-old (65-74 years)
- Middle-old (75-84 years)
- Old-old (85 years and above)

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Human Needs

This framework prioritizes elderly care, addressing basic physiological needs before moving towards self-actualization.
Nurses can use this model to understand and cater to the needs of older adults.

Wellness in Aging

Wellness encompasses physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Nurses strive to promote wellness in supportive environments to enhance the quality of life for older adults.

Gerontology and Geriatrics

Gerontology is the multidisciplinary study of aging, encompassing biological, sociological, and psychological aspects.
Geriatrics is the medical specialty focusing on preventing and managing diseases in older adults.

Conclusion: Implications for Gerontological Nursing

Nurses play a critical role in providing high-quality care for older adults.
Ageist attitudes must be challenged and nurses should empower older adults to maximize their potential.

Key Concepts

Aging is influenced by a combination of biological, social, and cultural factors.
Older adults have the potential to achieve a higher level of wellness, regardless of their health status.
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs helps prioritize nursing interventions in elderly care.
Gerontological nursing is essential for addressing the complex needs of the aging population.

Cultural Competence in Nursing

Nurses must provide competent care to individuals from diverse backgrounds, considering cultural values, beliefs, and communication styles.
Cultural competence encompasses understanding non-verbal cues like facial expressions and gestures.

The Lived Experience

Different individuals experience aging in diverse ways, influenced by cultural backgrounds and personal beliefs.

Culture

Culture encompasses shared values, beliefs, expectations, and behaviors within a group.
It shapes perceptions of aging, health, illness, treatment, and prevention.

Health Disparities

Health disparities highlight differences in health outcomes between groups, often linked to factors like race, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, or location.

Theories of Aging

Theories aim to explain aging phenomena, offering various perspectives on the aging process.

Biological Theories of Aging

Error (Stochastic) Theories:
- Aging results from accumulating errors in cellular DNA and RNA replication.
- Cross-Linking Theory: Stiffening of proteins like collagen contributes to aging signs.
- Free Radical Theory: Damage caused by free radicals, exacerbated by environmental factors.
- Wear and Tear Theory: Aging is due to accumulated damage from use and external stressors.
- Evolutionary Theories: Aging is linked to the interplay between mutation, natural selection, and energy use.
- Biogerontology Theory: Pathogens play a role in physiological changes over time.
Programmed Aging (Non-stochastic) Theories:
- Aging is predetermined at the cellular level.
- Apoptosis (Programmed Cell Death): Cells have a limited replication capacity.
- Genetic Theory: Aging is influenced by genetic makeup.
- Autoimmune Theory: Aging is caused by a decline in immune system function.
- Neuroendocrine Theory: Decline in neural and hormonal function triggers aging.
- Radiation Theory: UV light exposure accelerates skin aging.
- Nutrition Theory: Proper nutrition promotes healthy aging.
- Environmental Theory: Exposure to harmful substances accelerates aging.

Sociological Theories of Aging

Disengagement Theory: Older adults gradually disengage from society for mutual benefit.
Activity Theory: Older adults should maintain a middle-aged lifestyle to defy aging.
Continuity Theory: Personal behavioral patterns remain consistent with age.
Age Stratification Theory: Individuals of similar age groups share common experiences and life transitions.
Subculture Theory: Older adults form separate groups with unique norms, beliefs, and issues.

Psychosocial Theories of Aging

These theories explore changes in behavior, roles, and relationships with age.
Developmental Task Theory: Describes healthy psychological aging, focusing on adapting to life challenges.
Gerotranscendence: A shift from a materialistic to a cosmic perspective as individuals age.

Developmental Theories of Aging

Erik Erikson's Ego Integrity vs. Despair: Older adults reflect on their lives with either a sense of fulfillment or regret.
Robert Havighurst's Model: Focuses on biological, psychological, and social development throughout life.
Robert Peck's Theory: Emphasizes adapting to aging through body transcendence, role differentiation, and ego transcendence.

Nursing Theories of Aging

Functional Consequences Theory: Promotes wellness by addressing the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit.
Theory of Thriving: Finding meaning in life despite challenges is essential for thriving.
Theory of Successful Aging: Encompasses physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, with individuals adapting to their environments.

Positive Lifestyle Factors for Aging Well

Regular and adequate sleep
Balanced meals and regular physical activity
Maintaining a healthy body weight
Avoiding tobacco and using alcohol in moderation

Terminologies

Crystallized Intelligence: Knowledge accumulated over time, arising from the dominant hemisphere of the brain.
Fluid Intelligence: Involves new information processing, coming from the non-dominant hemisphere.
Immunosenescence: Aging of the immune system.
Presbycusis: Age-related progressive hearing loss.
Presbyopia: Inability to focus due to reduced lens elasticity.
Presbyesophagus: Decreased intensity of propulsive waves in the esophagus.

Aging Cells

Old cells function less effectively and eventually die.
Cells can be damaged by radiation, chemotherapy, or other harmful substances.
Cell death is programmed, and cells have a limited number of divisions.

Bones and Joints

Osteopenia: Moderate loss of bone density.
Osteoporosis: Severe bone loss, often due to reduced estrogen production after menopause.
Lower calcium and vitamin D levels contribute to bone density decline.
Aging affects joints and cartilage, contributing to conditions like osteoarthritis.

Muscles and Body Fat

Muscle mass and strength decrease starting around age 30, reducing by 10-15% over a lifetime.
Physical inactivity accelerates this loss.
By age 75, body fat typically doubles compared to young adulthood.

Nursing Implications

Promote a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D.
Encourage daily exercise and safety measures.

Eyes

The lens stiffens and becomes thicker, making it harder to focus on close objects and see in dim light.
Vision changes may include yellowing of the lens, decreased depth perception, and floaters.

Ears

Hearing high-pitched sounds becomes challenging (presbycusis).
Consonants may be more difficult to distinguish, especially in noisy environments.

Mouth and Nose

Taste and smell decrease with age.
Dry mouth and tooth enamel erosion increase the risk of tooth decay.
Nursing interventions include ensuring proper denture fit, cleanliness, and using safety measures like smoke detectors.

Gastrointestinal System

Changes include slower stomach emptying, reduced nutrient absorption, and increased risk of constipation and lactose intolerance.

Skin

Skin becomes thinner, less elastic, and prone to tearing and bruising due to changes in collagen and elastin.

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Description

This quiz explores the fundamentals of gerontological nursing, emphasizing the evolution of nursing practices to meet the needs of older patients. Topics include the role of nurses in promoting healthy aging, the history of nursing in relation to aging, and current trends in geriatric healthcare. Test your knowledge on how nursing adapts to the challenges of an aging population.