Psychology Chapter 24: The Aging Individual

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Questions and Answers

What is the most common form of elder abuse reported among older Americans?

Physical abuse

Psychological abuse (correct)

Financial abuse

Sexual abuse

Which psychiatric disorder is NOT listed as a concern for later life?

OCD (correct)

Neurocognitive disorders

Delirium

Anxiety

What percentage of adults aged 65 and older live in nursing homes?

4% (correct)

12%

10%

Which symptom is indicative of neglect in elderly individuals?

Consistent hunger Signup and view all the answers

Which age group reportedly has the highest rates of suicide?

45-54 Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential indicator of financial abuse in an older adult?

Existence of unpaid bills Signup and view all the answers

What can increase the risk of elder abuse among caregivers?

Personal experience of family violence Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a sign of physical abuse in older adults?

Burns or welts Signup and view all the answers

What is an effective approach for a nurse when communicating with a patient who has hearing loss?

Look directly at the patient's face while speaking. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a physiological related nursing diagnosis?

Risk for aspiration Signup and view all the answers

What outcome reflects a patient's ability to manage their self-care?

Not experienced injury. Signup and view all the answers

Which intervention is aimed at ensuring environmental safety for a patient?

Use padded side rails on the bed. Signup and view all the answers

How should a nurse assist a patient with diminished sensory perception?

Promote adaptive compensation techniques. Signup and view all the answers

What psychosocial concern might a patient express?

Short-term memory loss. Signup and view all the answers

Which outcome indicates a caregiver's effective adaptation to their role?

Expresses desire to join support groups. Signup and view all the answers

Which strategy should a nurse NOT use when providing orientation to a patient?

Frequently shout to gain attention. Signup and view all the answers

What is one benefit of reminiscence therapy in elderly patients?

It may promote better mental health. Signup and view all the answers

Which method can assist a patient experiencing perception disturbances?

Using large print for better visibility. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key role of caregivers in supporting their clients?

Verbalizing methods to promote safe environments. Signup and view all the answers

In a one-to-one reminiscence therapy setting, what is encouraged?

Sharing unresolved painful issues. Signup and view all the answers

Which approach is recommended for helping clients distinguish between day and night?

Utilizing lighting changes. Signup and view all the answers

What is an appropriate evaluation question for a caregiver regarding client safety?

Can caregivers explain how to create a safe environment? Signup and view all the answers

When assisting a patient with memory deficits, what is important for caregivers to encourage?

Positive expression about past accomplishments. Signup and view all the answers

What is one function of support groups for caregivers?

To promote engagement and expression of feelings. Signup and view all the answers

What is gerontology primarily concerned with?

The study of the aging process Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of geriatrics?

Clinical medicine related to the elderly Signup and view all the answers

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, at what age is an individual classified as 'elderly'?

65 years Signup and view all the answers

What does the Disengagement Theory describe?

Voluntary withdrawal from social roles Signup and view all the answers

How did the percentage of women over 65 years old in the workforce change from 2000 to 2017?

Increased from 9.7% to 15.7% Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of memory is noted to deteriorate with aging?

Short-term memory effectiveness Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true regarding the living arrangements of older adults?

Many live alone or with a spouse Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'young old' refer to in gerontological classification?

Aged 60-74 Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 24: The Aging Individual

Gerontology: Study of the aging process
Geriatrics: Branch of medicine specializing in elderly population issues
Geropsychiatry: Focuses on the psychopathology of the elderly
Age Classifications:
- Older: 55-64
- Elderly: 65-74
- Aged: 75-84
- Very old: Over 85
- Young old: 60-74
- Middle old: 75-84
- Old-old: Over 85

Epidemiology

Application of Psychological Theories:
- Personality Theory: Suggests similarities between personality traits in older age and earlier life. Some genes may link conscientiousness to neurodegenerative diseases.
- Developmental Task Theory: Concept of transcendence, withdrawal from societal roles (inevitable and necessary).
- Disengagement theory: Withdrawal is a predictable, systematic, and necessary societal process.

Psychological Aspects of Aging

Memory: Short-term memory declines, and memory retrieval times are longer.
Intellectual Functioning & Learning: Crystallized intelligence remains consistent; fluid intelligence might decline slightly.
Adaptation to Aging: Losses, grief, attachment to others, personal identity maintenance, and facing death.

Psychiatric Disorders in Later Life

Neurocognitive Disorders, Delirium,
Depression, Schizophrenia,
Anxiety, Substance Use Disorders, Sleep disorders

Special Concerns

Social Implications: Economic implications related to Medicare/Medicaid.
Long-Term Care: 4% of individuals over 65 live in nursing homes, with suicide rates highest for those 45-54 and 2nd highest for those over 85.
Elder Abuse: One in ten older Americans (but only 45% report) are victims of physical, sexual, emotional, neglect, or financial abuse. Oftentimes the abuser is a related family member. White women over 70 are the most common victims.

KNOW Identifying Elder Abuse:

Recognizing warning signs is crucial for identifying potential elder abuse situations

Psychological Abuse

Increased confusion, agitation, depression, withdrawal, anxiety, sleep disruption.

Physical Abuse

Bruises, welts, bites, bumps, lacerations, burns, fractures, dislocations.

Neglect

Consistent hunger, poor hygiene, fatigue, lack of supervision, and unattended medical needs.

Sexual Abuse

Pain, itching, bruising, bleeding in genital areas, and unexplained STDs.

Financial Abuse

Disparity between available assets and satisfactory living arrangements or sudden lack of funds.

Assessment of Older Adults

Evaluate the normal aging process in individuals
Assessing thought process, orientation, state of confusion, sensory (hearing) capabilities, and functional capabilities.

Nursing Considerations

Sensory Capabilities: Hearing loss is common in older adults; speak clearly and lower your voice. Consider communication strategies like eye contact, face-to-face interaction and appropriate lighting.

Psychological and Physiological Assessment

Adapting to sensory limitations and functional limitations
Observing for risk of trauma associated with physical injuries and sensory problems.
Monitoring for potential depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns.

Evaluation of Caregivers:

Ability to troubleshoot and adjust care plans for older adults.
Evaluate caregiver coping strategies associated with the strain of caring for a long-term care recipient.
Open expression of caregiver feelings and resources available

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Description

Explore the psychological aspects and theories related to aging in this chapter. Understand gerontology, geriatrics, and the unique challenges faced by the elderly population. Delve into age classifications and the impact of psychological theories on the aging process.