Introduction to Geriatric Nursing

Older adults are a diverse group, often maintaining close family ties and living independently. They experience mild intellectual decline without impacting daily life. Older adults have lower rates of depression compared to younger adults. They typically maintain consistent personalities and adjust well to aging challenges.

The category 'Older Adults' encompasses individuals aged 55 to 64.

The category 'Elderly' includes individuals aged 65 to 74.

The category 'Aged' includes individuals aged 75 to 84.

The category 'Extremely Aged' encompasses individuals aged 85 and older.

Relational care emphasizes building meaningful, respectful relationships between caregivers and older adults. It focuses on open communication, empathy, understanding, trust, and mutual respect.

Older adults typically adjust well to aging challenges, maintaining a positive outlook on life despite the changes.

Older adults generally maintain a consistent personality throughout their lives, their core values and beliefs tend to remain stable over time.

This theory suggests that the body, like a machine, deteriorates over time due to wear and tear from internal and external stressors. It proposes that repeated damage can lead to the breakdown of cells, tissues, and organs, resulting in age-related decline.

The neuroendocrine theory centers on the hypothalamus in the brain. It suggests that as we age, the hypothalamus becomes less efficient in regulating hormones, leading to changes in muscle mass, body fat, and reproductive functions.

Free radicals are unstable molecules produced during normal processes like breathing, metabolism, or exposure to things like radiation and pollution. They are believed to cause damage to our cells, DNA, and immune system, contributing to aging.

Involves respecting older adults' rights to make their own choices, decide their own treatment plans, and collaborate with healthcare professionals.

A core principle of ethical care in gerontology, enabling older adults to make their own choices about their healthcare and treatment.

Acting in the best interests of the patient, promoting their well-being, and providing beneficial care.

Avoiding harm or risks to the patient during care delivery. It's about preventing negative outcomes.

Ensuring fairness and justice in resource allocation, providing equitable care to all older adults, regardless of their circumstances.

The process of addressing conflicting values in care decisions. It involves finding alternative solutions that are ethical and person-centered.

Gerontological nurses have a vital role in supporting the ethical care of older adults. They advocate for their rights, promote autonomy, and ensure ethical decision-making.

Gerontological nurses build strong relationships with older adults, fostering trust and understanding through open communication and empathy.

Applying a humanistic approach in gerontology, fostering reciprocal communication, empathy, and respect in all interactions with elders.

Involves collaborating with the older adults and their care partners to make informed decisions about their care plan.

The experience of care is greatly influenced by the social and physical surroundings where it's provided.

Gerontological nurses assess potential dangers in an older person's environment to maintain their safety.

Gerontological nurses work with older people and their families to ensure their right to make choices about their care.

Gerontological nurses understand that a person's social, economic, and cultural background influence their healthcare needs.

Gerontological nurses advocate for fair access to healthcare resources for older adults.

Gerontological nurses promote changes in healthcare systems to better serve older adults.

Theories of aging explore the processes of aging throughout a person's life.

Biological theories of aging focus on the physical changes that occur with age.

The idea that aging is a consequence of errors in DNA and connective tissue, leading to impaired tissue repair and visible signs of aging, such as wrinkles and loss of elasticity.

This theory proposes that aging occurs due to errors in the production of proteins, leading to a gradual decline in cellular function.

This theory suggests that the immune system weakens as we age, making us more susceptible to infections, autoimmune diseases, and allergies.

This theory proposes that aging follows a predetermined genetic program, with a set number of cell divisions leading to predictable changes like menopause and gray hair.

The study of the relationship between aging and diseases.

The theory suggests that repeated exposure to ultraviolet light can cause skin damage, leading to wrinkles and increased risk of skin cancer.