Healthy Ageing Policies and Implications

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Questions and Answers

Which type of hearing loss results from damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve?

Sensorineural hearing loss (correct)

Central auditory dysfunction

Temporary hearing loss

Conductive hearing loss

What is the main consequence of vision impairment in older adults?

Improved depth perception

Increased physical strength

Enhanced ability to communicate

Loss of confidence and sense of belonging (correct)

What age-related change occurs in the lens of the eye, affecting near vision?

Presbyopia development (correct)

Increased flexibility

Cataracts formation

Enhanced color discrimination

Which condition is characterized by the clouding of the lens in the eye?

Cataracts Signup and view all the answers

What accurately describes the implications of sarcopenia in older adults?

It leads to decreased metabolic rate and increased risk of falls. Signup and view all the answers

What significant physiological change occurs in the heart as individuals age?

Thickened left ventricular wall Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of central auditory dysfunction?

Damage to the brain's nerve centers Signup and view all the answers

What change occurs in the blood vessels as people age?

Increased stiffness and calcification Signup and view all the answers

What is a common result of aging on the auditory system?

Reduced efficiency of sound transmission Signup and view all the answers

What best describes the term 'compression of morbidity'?

Delaying the onset of diseases without increasing lifespan. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the benefits of improving overall fitness for seniors?

Improved self-esteem Signup and view all the answers

How can following physical activity guidelines impact seniors' health?

It maintains functional independence. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of seniors were prescribed 10 or more drug classes in 2016?

25% Signup and view all the answers

Which factor affects drug absorption in older adults?

Reduced motility of the gastrointestinal tract Signup and view all the answers

What can affect the potency of a drug in an elderly individual compared to a younger adult?

Altered body fat composition Signup and view all the answers

What is a marked indicator of frailty in older adults?

Low BMI Signup and view all the answers

What can be a response change in older adults when taking medication?

Receptors may exhibit reduced sensitivity to drugs. Signup and view all the answers

How does kidney function relate to aging and medication excretion?

Impairment in kidney function can delay drug elimination. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common sign of periodontal disease?

Bleeding gums Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributes to an increased risk of dental issues in older adults?

Dependence on others for mouth care Signup and view all the answers

What does functional ability comprise in older adults?

Health-related attributes that enable daily activities Signup and view all the answers

What environmental factor can influence health in older age?

Social activities available in the community Signup and view all the answers

Why is oral disease prevalent among residents in personal care homes?

Plaque removal is challenging without cooperation and proper tools Signup and view all the answers

What is intrinsic capacity in the context of aging?

The combination of all physical and mental capacities of an individual Signup and view all the answers

Which medication type is commonly associated with a dry mouth in older adults?

Antidepressants Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of monthly oral screenings for older adults?

To catch dental problems early Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Combat Ageism, Enable Autonomy, Support Healthy Ageing in Policies

Physiological dysfunction with age is a significant obstacle to optimal longevity
The Nathan Shock model describes aging as a decline in physiological parameters, including cognitive function, nerve conduction, muscle strength, visual acuity, vascular stiffness, and insulin sensitivity.

Implications of Physical Changes with Aging

Lessened reserve capacity, leading to slower responses, difficulty managing stress, and a need for careful pacing.
More complex disease patterns including multiple co-morbidities, atypical symptoms, and under-reporting.
Increased importance of accident prevention due to longer recovery times and potentially more severe consequences.
Emphasis on health promotion strategies to mitigate the effects of aging.
Compression of morbidity aims to extend the healthy lifespan, delaying the onset of chronic diseases and disability.

Conductive Hearing Loss

Occurs in the external and middle ear, preventing sound from reaching the inner ear

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Caused by dysfunction in the inner ear, auditory nerve, or both.

Central Auditory Dysfunction

Due to damage in brain nerve centers.
Rare

Causes of Hearing Loss

Heredity, disease, injury, and occupational factors.

Vision Impairment

Leads to the loss of basic skills, challenges in communication, decreased confidence, and social isolation.

Structures of the Eye

Cornea: The outer, fluid-filled layer of the eye, highly susceptible to damage.
Lens: Clear disk behind the pupil.
Iris: Muscular sphincter that controls pupil opening.
Retina: Photosensitive tissue at the back of the eye.
Cataracts: Clouding of the lens.
Presbyopia: Reduced ability to focus on nearby objects due to lens rigidity.

Changes in the Retina and Lens with Aging

Reduced light reaches the retinal cells as the lens develops a yellowish tint.
Night vision is impaired.
Difficulty differentiating between green, blue, and violet colors.
Increased sensitivity to glare.
Peripheral vision loss.

Common Eye Conditions

Glaucoma: Elevated fluid pressure within the eye.
Macular Degeneration: Impairment of the macula, essential for sharp central vision.
Diabetic Retinopathy: Blood vessels that supply the retina become dysfunctional.

Sarcopenia

Age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and contractile function.

Secondary Effects of Sarcopenia

Heat and cold intolerance.
Reduced metabolic rate.
Changes in nutrition and energy requirements.
Decreased fat-free mass and increased obesity.
Increased glucose intolerance and insulin resistance.
Osteoporosis.
Risk of falls and frailty.
Reduced physical performance.

Decrease in bone mineral density.
Bones become more porous, increasing fracture risk.
Slower fracture healing.
Thinning of vertebrae.

Thickening of the left ventricular wall.
Increased collagen and reduced elastin in heart tissue.
Stiffening and calcification of heart valves.
Decrease in pacemaker cells.
Reduced coronary artery blood flow and oxygen delivery.

Increased collagen and reduced elastin.
Calcification.
Stiffening and reduced ability to dilate.
Increased systolic blood pressure.

Reduced lung elasticity and increased stiffness in the chest wall.
Decreased respiratory muscle strength.
Reduced gas exchange, affecting maximum capacity but not resting capacity.

Loss of nerve cells in certain areas.
Structural changes in glial cells (myelin).
10% decrease in nerve conduction velocity.
Decline in cerebrospinal fluid.
Lipofuscin deposition in nerve cells.
Free radical accumulation.
Alterations in neurotransmitter balance.

Reduced number of cells.
Decreased nerve conduction primarily due to changes in peripheral nerves.
Older adults are less responsive to environmental stress.
Older adults have increased susceptibility to disease.

Disability

Physical, mental, cognitive, or developmental condition that limits a person's capacity to perform daily activities and social interactions.
Can impact participation in planned exercise, recreational activities, sports, transportation, occupational demands, and social engagements.

Benefits of Improved Overall Fitness

Improved physical health, cardiovascular capacity, muscle strength, and balance.
Enhanced sense of well-being.
Reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms.
Increased self-esteem.
Minimized physical declines, allowing for continued performance of activities of daily living (ADL's) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL's).

Physical Activity Guidelines

Reducing chronic disease risk and premature death.
Maintaining functional independence and mobility.
Improved fitness, body composition, bone health, cognitive function, and mental health indicators.

Pharmaceuticals and Aging

In 2016, 25% of seniors were prescribed 10 or more drug classes.
The most common drug classes include those used for pain, anxiety, depression (37%), cardiac and blood pressure (44%), and ulcers, constipation, or diabetes ( 23%).
For a drug to be effective, it must be absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and elicit a response.

Pharmacological Changes with Absorption

Delayed absorption may occur due to reduced gastric acidity, decreased intestinal motility, and a reduction in small intestine surface area.

Pharmacological Changes with Distribution

Drugs preferentially stored in fat are affected by changes in body composition, making the same dose more potent in older adults.
Certain drugs bind to proteins in the blood, altering their potency

Pharmacological Changes with Hepatic Metabolism

Liver function tests may not accurately predict drug metabolism capacity.
Individual variability is significant.
Two enzymes involved in drug metabolism can be affected by age, disease, or other medications.

Pharmacological Changes with Aging

Receptors in older adults may be normal or show decreased sensitivity to drugs.
Drug effects may be diminished or unexpectedly exaggerated due to homeostatic instability.

Pharmacological Changes with Excretion

Medications and their metabolites are eliminated through urine or feces.
Kidney function declines with age, which may lead to slower drug elimination.
Dosage adjustments may be necessary.

Markers of Frailty

Low Body Mass Index (BMI).
Low cholesterol.
Postural hypotension.
Cognitive impairment.
Immobility.
Incontinence.
Functional dependence.
Social isolation.

Oral Health in Older Adults

Pre-existing challenges with diabetes increase the risk of dental complications.
Periodontal disease, an infection affecting the gums and bone, is preventable but requires consistent plaque removal, which may be difficult due to physical or cognitive limitations.
Dry mouth is a risk factor for tooth decay, gum disease, and infections.

Oral Health in Personal Care Homes

Oral disease is prevalent in this population.
Residents often have complex needs and rely on others for oral care.
Regular oral screenings are important for early detection of problems.

The World Report on Ageing and Health

Provides a comprehensive overview of aging and health.
Outlines recommendations for action around the concept of functional ability.

Health Aging

Defined as the process of developing and maintaining functional capacity for well-being in older age.

Functional Ability

The combined health attributes that enable individuals to participate in valued activities.

Intrinsic Capacity

The composite of all physical and mental capabilities.

Environment

All external factors that influence an individual's life, including housing, assistive technologies, transportation, and social facilities.

Influences on Health in Older Age

Individual behavior, age-related changes, genetics, disease, and the environment.

Maximizing Functional Ability

Strategies to maintain and enhance functional ability are essential for healthy aging.
Interventions can target both intrinsic capacity (e.g., exercise, healthy diet) and environmental factors (e.g., accessible housing, supportive social networks).

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Description

This quiz explores the various physiological changes associated with aging and their implications for health policy. It delves into the challenges posed by physical dysfunction and the importance of health promotion strategies for enhancing quality of life in older adults. Additionally, it highlights the significance of understanding age-related conditions like conductive hearing loss.