Psychology Chapter 24: The Aging Individual

The study of the aging process.

Medical specialty focusing on elderly health issues.

55-64 (older), 65-74 (elderly), 75-84 (aged), over 85 (very old).

Aging involves withdrawal from social roles, a natural process.

Short-term memory may decline with age.

Crystallized (learned) abilities may stay stable while fluid (reasoning) abilities might decline with age.

U.S. law to prevent discrimination against workers based on age.

Study of the distribution and determinants of aging in population.

Any type of harm or mistreatment, including physical, emotional, sexual, neglect, or financial abuse, targeting elderly individuals.

Physical or psychological indications, such as bruises, depression, neglecting basic needs, or sudden financial losses, signaling potential abuse.

Mental health issues like neurocognitive disorders, delirium, depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, substance use disorders, and sleep disorders that can affect older adults.

Social and economic difficulties that can arise due to retirement, encompassing social isolation and gaps in financial security.

Growing need for assisted living or care facilities as an increasing portion (4-9%) of elderly individuals over 65 years old require such services.

Elderly individuals, particularly those between 45-54 and over 85, face elevated suicide rates compared to the general population

Considering age-related changes, mental state, sensory loss, and various other factors for proper evaluation of elderly conditions or health status.

A crucial step for elder abuse prevention, encouraging individuals to report concerning behaviors or conditions to appropriate authorities if suspected.

Evaluating a patient's ability to perceive and interpret sensory information (like sight, hearing, touch).

Identifies potential health problems related to physical function, such as risk of injury, breathing problems, or nutrition issues.

Identifies potential emotional or mental health problems, like confusion, grief, or low self-esteem.

Patient's ability to manage their own care, with or without assistance.

Caregiver's ability to manage the stress and emotional demands of caregiving.

Measures to ensure a safe environment to prevent injuries, like moving items out of reach and providing assistive devices.

Techniques used to help patients maintain awareness of their surroundings, such as using clocks, calendars, and clear communication.

Support and encouragement to maintain routine activities and self-sufficiency.

Evaluating a caregiver's ability to meet the patient's unmet needs, and providing support and information for these responsibilities.

Encouraging caregivers to attend support groups and express their emotions, particularly anger or frustration, which is common in this role.

Helping patients express their feelings about losing previous status due to aging and assisting them with coping mechanisms for memory deficits.

Incorporating assistive devices, using large print, and providing meaningful sensory stimulation to help patients with sensory impairments.

Using a clock face analogy to help patients locate food on a plate, ensuring proper food intake.

Engaging in discussions about past experiences, memories, and significant events to promote positive mental health in older adults.

Conducting individual sessions to allow patients to work through unresolved past issues in a safe and private setting.

Facilitating group discussions where seniors share past experiences with peers, acknowledging both positive and negative aspects of their lives.