HEALTH PROMOTION AND CARE OF THE OLDER ADULT

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What age range defines the 'young-old' subgroup of older adulthood?

65–74 years (correct)

75–84 years

100 years and older

85–99 years

Which demographic trend is expected regarding the older adult population by the year 2050?

Population will be primarily Hispanic

Population will remain stable

Population will decrease by 10%

Population will more than double (correct)

What percent of the US population was 65 years of age and older in 2015?

24%

18.5%

10.2%

14.9% (correct)

Which term is used to refer to individuals who are older than 100 years of age?

Centenarians Signup and view all the answers

How is the term 'frail elderly' specifically defined in the context of older adulthood?

Individuals over 75 years old with health concerns Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested about chronologic age in predicting health or behavior among older adults?

It may not be an accurate predictor Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the older adult population is estimated to be women by 2050?

54% Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of Hispanic older adults will make up the population?

21.2% Signup and view all the answers

Which factor has NOT contributed to the increased complexity of healthcare for older adults?

Decreased number of chronic diseases Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can help older adults reduce their risk of heart disease?

Quitting smoking Signup and view all the answers

What is a common myth about older adults concerning memory loss?

All older adults have dementia. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does wellness NOT encompass?

Absence of diseases Signup and view all the answers

Which vaccination is recommended for individuals over the age of 60?

Zoster (shingles) vaccine Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of older adults live independently in their own homes?

80% Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is critical for achieving a balanced wellness according to the principles outlined?

Regular physical activity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about older adults is NOT true?

Most older adults feel isolated. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of ageism as described in the content?

Describing prejudices against older adults Signup and view all the answers

Which theory suggests that personality remains the same as individuals age?

Continuous Theory Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a biologic theory of aging mentioned in the content?

Cognitive Decline Theory Signup and view all the answers

What major piece of legislation was established in 1935 to provide financial security for older adults?

Social Security Act Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of caregivers for older adults as described in the content?

To support older adults and manage stress-related issues Signup and view all the answers

Which psychosocial theory describes the withdrawal of older adults and society over time?

Disengagement Theory Signup and view all the answers

Which form of discrimination against older adults mirrors the effects of racism and sexism?

Ageism Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, which of the following best describes the impact of free radicals as a biological aging theory?

They damage cells and interfere with body function. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of health care does the Affordable Care Act emphasize for older adults?

Encouragement of preventive services Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Lifespan Considerations: Older Adulthood

Older adulthood is divided into four subgroups: young-old (65-74), middle-old (75-84), old-old (85-99), and elite-old (100+).
"Frail elderly" refers to individuals over 75 with health concerns.
Centenarians are those aged 100+.
Chronological age isn't always a reliable indicator of health or behavior; some individuals may exhibit "old" characteristics in their 50s.
Increased longevity and active lifestyles are common in older adults.

Demographics of Older Adults

In 2015, 47.9 million people aged 65+ resided in the US (14.9% of the population).
The population of older adults is growing at twice the rate of the overall population.
By 2050, estimates predict 83.7 million people over 65 in the US (23.55% of population).
Approximately 54% of older adults are women.
Predictions show persistent majority of older adults are non-Hispanic Whites (56%) with significant Hispanic (21.2%) and Non-Hispanic African American (12.5%) populations.
US Life expectancy in 2015 was 79.3 years (rank 30th globally), increasing by almost 10 years in the last 50.

Wellness, Health Promotion, and Disease Prevention in Older Adults

Wellness encompasses emotional, spiritual, social, cultural, and physical well-being, even during chronic illness/dying.
Nurses help older adults adapt to life situations to achieve wellness balance.
Health promotion emphasizes individual strengths and abilities.
Primary prevention focuses on exercise, avoiding smoking, balanced diet, and vaccinations (flu, Td, zoster, pneumococcal-PCV13, and PPSV23).
Secondary prevention aims at early detection/treatment of conditions: heart disease, hypertension, cancer, infections, polypharmacy, nutrition, oral health, osteoporosis, falls, social isolation, (Table 33.1).

Healthy Aging: Myths and Realities

Ageism is prejudice against older adults, often stemming from negative stereotypes.
Aging doesn't automatically lead to senility or dementia (6%-8% over 65, and 1/3 over 85).
Common myths include:
All old people are senile.
Forgetfulness indicates declining mental capacity.
Older adults are isolated.
Most older adults live in nursing homes.
Older adults are universally fatigued.
Older adults are universally ill/disabled.

Theories of Aging

Biological theories attempt to explain the aging process (programmed aging, genetic factors, immunologic factors, free radical, wear and tear)
Psychosocial theories explain responses of older adults in late adulthood. (Erikson's Developmental Stages, Disengagement Theory, Exchange Theory, Activity Theory, Continuity Theory). (Box 33.4)

Legislation Affecting Older Adults

Key legislation impacting older adults includes the Social Security Act (1935), Older Americans Act (1965 - amended 2006), and the National Family Caregiver Support Program (2000), and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA).
The ACA aims to improve healthcare access by paying preventive services to Medicare and providing discounts to eligible seniors for prescription medications.
The ACA has raised concerns regarding costs to beneficiaries and insurers.

Psychosocial Concerns of Older Adults

Caregiving stresses: Caregivers face time constraints, risk stress disorders (depression, anxiety), potential for family conflicts, and sandwich generation challenges (caring for elders and children).
Loss, grief, and depression: Older adults experience losses across various aspects of life (personal, social, and economic).
Coping with loss and grief requires addressing isolation and self-pity, helping others, joining groups, activities, adopting pets, maintaining independence, and maintaining a sense of humor.
Depression symptoms are common in older adults; misdiagnosis is possible.
End-of-life care: Nurses meet the holistic needs (physical, spiritual, psychosocial)of dying patients, including their families, respecting cultural/religious beliefs. Nurses follow the Patient Self-Determination Act (PSDA) and advance directives (living wills, durable powers of attorney, DNR orders).

Additional Information

Box 33.1 details traits of a healthy person.
Box 33.3 lists common myths associated with aging

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.