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Questions and Answers
Which subgroup of older adulthood is defined as individuals aged 85 to 99 years?
Which subgroup of older adulthood is defined as individuals aged 85 to 99 years?
How does the U.S. Census Bureau project the population of individuals aged 65 and older will change by the year 2050?
How does the U.S. Census Bureau project the population of individuals aged 65 and older will change by the year 2050?
Which term refers specifically to individuals over 100 years of age?
Which term refers specifically to individuals over 100 years of age?
What percentage of the population aged 65 and older was recorded in the U.S. in 2015?
What percentage of the population aged 65 and older was recorded in the U.S. in 2015?
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What is the appropriate term for older adults who are over 75 years of age and have health concerns?
What is the appropriate term for older adults who are over 75 years of age and have health concerns?
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What is indicated as a deflector of typical aging perils for older adults?
What is indicated as a deflector of typical aging perils for older adults?
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Which characteristic is NOT necessarily an accurate predictor of an individual's health or behavior in older adulthood?
Which characteristic is NOT necessarily an accurate predictor of an individual's health or behavior in older adulthood?
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What demographic is projected to make up a majority of older adults in the U.S. in 2060?
What demographic is projected to make up a majority of older adults in the U.S. in 2060?
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What percentage of the population will Hispanic older adults make up?
What percentage of the population will Hispanic older adults make up?
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What is the average life expectancy in the United States as of 2015?
What is the average life expectancy in the United States as of 2015?
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Which of the following is NOT a reason health care for older people has become more complex?
Which of the following is NOT a reason health care for older people has become more complex?
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Which of the following statements about older adults is true?
Which of the following statements about older adults is true?
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What is one of the primary prevention strategies for older adults?
What is one of the primary prevention strategies for older adults?
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Which vaccination is recommended for older adults over the age of 60?
Which vaccination is recommended for older adults over the age of 60?
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What trait is associated with a healthy person?
What trait is associated with a healthy person?
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Which of these is a common myth about older adults?
Which of these is a common myth about older adults?
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Which factor does NOT contribute to maintaining energy in older adults?
Which factor does NOT contribute to maintaining energy in older adults?
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What is one of the focuses of secondary prevention in older adults?
What is one of the focuses of secondary prevention in older adults?
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Which of these factors is important for promoting well-being in older adults?
Which of these factors is important for promoting well-being in older adults?
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What percentage of people over 85 years old are affected by dementia?
What percentage of people over 85 years old are affected by dementia?
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What approach does health promotion emphasize?
What approach does health promotion emphasize?
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Which of the following is considered a part of wellness?
Which of the following is considered a part of wellness?
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What is the primary focus of ageism as described?
What is the primary focus of ageism as described?
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Which biologic theory of aging explains that cells can only reproduce a limited number of times?
Which biologic theory of aging explains that cells can only reproduce a limited number of times?
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The Older Americans Act (OAA) primarily aims to:
The Older Americans Act (OAA) primarily aims to:
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In which psychosocial theory is the concept of substitution of roles emphasized for enhancing later-life well-being?
In which psychosocial theory is the concept of substitution of roles emphasized for enhancing later-life well-being?
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What is one outcome associated with caregivers of older adults experiencing high stress?
What is one outcome associated with caregivers of older adults experiencing high stress?
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Which of the following is a characteristic of the Disengagement Theory?
Which of the following is a characteristic of the Disengagement Theory?
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The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) is designed to improve what aspect for seniors?
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) is designed to improve what aspect for seniors?
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Which theory suggests that personality remains stable and behaviors become more predictable with age?
Which theory suggests that personality remains stable and behaviors become more predictable with age?
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What major piece of legislation was enacted in 1935 to provide financial security for older adults?
What major piece of legislation was enacted in 1935 to provide financial security for older adults?
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What is a common misconception about aging depicted in many myths?
What is a common misconception about aging depicted in many myths?
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What theoretical aspect explains the immune system's decreased effectiveness in older adults?
What theoretical aspect explains the immune system's decreased effectiveness in older adults?
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What common stressor do older adults receiving care often feel?
What common stressor do older adults receiving care often feel?
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What describes the impact of increasing numbers of older adults on caregivers?
What describes the impact of increasing numbers of older adults on caregivers?
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Which of the following factors does NOT contribute to the wear and tear on the body's cells?
Which of the following factors does NOT contribute to the wear and tear on the body's cells?
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What is one of the main sources of conflict among family members regarding an older individual?
What is one of the main sources of conflict among family members regarding an older individual?
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What challenge does the sandwich generation commonly face?
What challenge does the sandwich generation commonly face?
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What is one of the common symptoms of depression among older adults?
What is one of the common symptoms of depression among older adults?
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How can caregivers best decompress from the caregiving stress?
How can caregivers best decompress from the caregiving stress?
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What is a common misconception about older adults?
What is a common misconception about older adults?
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What does respite care primarily aim to provide for caregivers?
What does respite care primarily aim to provide for caregivers?
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What is one of the critical considerations for nurses when caring for dying patients?
What is one of the critical considerations for nurses when caring for dying patients?
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What role does the Patient Self-Determination Act (PSDA) serve?
What role does the Patient Self-Determination Act (PSDA) serve?
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Which intervention is encouraged for older adults experiencing loss or grief?
Which intervention is encouraged for older adults experiencing loss or grief?
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How can the environment be adapted to support independence in older adults?
How can the environment be adapted to support independence in older adults?
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What is a significant cause of stress for the sandwich generation?
What is a significant cause of stress for the sandwich generation?
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What is often a misunderstanding of symptoms in older adults?
What is often a misunderstanding of symptoms in older adults?
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What is a recommended strategy for coping with grief in older adults?
What is a recommended strategy for coping with grief in older adults?
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What financial impact does caregiving have on businesses in the US?
What financial impact does caregiving have on businesses in the US?
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Which age group is classified as the Young-old?
Which age group is classified as the Young-old?
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What term is used for individuals older than 75 years with health concerns?
What term is used for individuals older than 75 years with health concerns?
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By 2060, what percentage of the older adult population is projected to be non-Hispanic white?
By 2060, what percentage of the older adult population is projected to be non-Hispanic white?
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What critical factor is essential for promoting well-being in older adults?
What critical factor is essential for promoting well-being in older adults?
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Considering the demographics of older adults, what was the percentage of the U.S. population aged 65 and older in 2015?
Considering the demographics of older adults, what was the percentage of the U.S. population aged 65 and older in 2015?
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What is the primary reason some individuals may be considered 'old' in their 50s?
What is the primary reason some individuals may be considered 'old' in their 50s?
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How does the population of older adults (65 and older) compare to the rest of the population in growth rate over the past two decades?
How does the population of older adults (65 and older) compare to the rest of the population in growth rate over the past two decades?
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What is often considered a deflector of typical aging perils for older adults?
What is often considered a deflector of typical aging perils for older adults?
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What is emphasized as a vital aspect of health promotion for older adults?
What is emphasized as a vital aspect of health promotion for older adults?
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Which statement correctly reflects the realities of older adults?
Which statement correctly reflects the realities of older adults?
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What is one of the main reasons health care for older people has become more complex?
What is one of the main reasons health care for older people has become more complex?
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Which aspect is crucial for maintaining dignity in older adults during care?
Which aspect is crucial for maintaining dignity in older adults during care?
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Which trait is commonly associated with individuals who are considered healthy?
Which trait is commonly associated with individuals who are considered healthy?
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What is a common myth regarding older adults and memory?
What is a common myth regarding older adults and memory?
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What percentage of people over 85 years are affected by dementia?
What percentage of people over 85 years are affected by dementia?
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Which type of prevention focuses on early detection and treatment of diseases in older adults?
Which type of prevention focuses on early detection and treatment of diseases in older adults?
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What contributes significantly to the complexity of health care for older adults?
What contributes significantly to the complexity of health care for older adults?
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What is an important component of wellness for older adults?
What is an important component of wellness for older adults?
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What is a significant health recommendation to prevent cardiovascular disease in older adults?
What is a significant health recommendation to prevent cardiovascular disease in older adults?
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What is a commonly observed result of aging that is often misunderstood?
What is a commonly observed result of aging that is often misunderstood?
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Which of the following is part of primary prevention for older adults?
Which of the following is part of primary prevention for older adults?
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What is a key aspect of wellness when older adults are facing chronic illnesses?
What is a key aspect of wellness when older adults are facing chronic illnesses?
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What is the primary focus of ageism as described?
What is the primary focus of ageism as described?
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Which of the following theories explains the diminished protection from infection as people age?
Which of the following theories explains the diminished protection from infection as people age?
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What is one of the psychosocial concerns older adults may experience regarding caregiving?
What is one of the psychosocial concerns older adults may experience regarding caregiving?
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Which theory suggests that aging is a process of gradual withdrawal from society?
Which theory suggests that aging is a process of gradual withdrawal from society?
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What aspect of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) is aimed at seniors?
What aspect of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) is aimed at seniors?
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Which biological theory of aging addresses the idea of cells having a limited number of reproductions?
Which biological theory of aging addresses the idea of cells having a limited number of reproductions?
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What is a significant concern for caregivers of older adults?
What is a significant concern for caregivers of older adults?
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Which piece of legislation was enacted in 1965 to protect older Americans' rights and dignity?
Which piece of legislation was enacted in 1965 to protect older Americans' rights and dignity?
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What is the focus of the Activity Theory in relation to older adults?
What is the focus of the Activity Theory in relation to older adults?
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What was the first major legislation to provide financial security for older adults?
What was the first major legislation to provide financial security for older adults?
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What common stressor do caregivers of older adults often experience?
What common stressor do caregivers of older adults often experience?
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Which theory posits that personality remains stable as people age?
Which theory posits that personality remains stable as people age?
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What does the term ageism primarily refer to?
What does the term ageism primarily refer to?
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What is a crucial aspect of reducing stress for caregivers?
What is a crucial aspect of reducing stress for caregivers?
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What is a potential source of conflict between family members concerning an older individual?
What is a potential source of conflict between family members concerning an older individual?
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What stressor is commonly faced by individuals in the sandwich generation?
What stressor is commonly faced by individuals in the sandwich generation?
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How should a nursing assessment consider the needs of the caregiver?
How should a nursing assessment consider the needs of the caregiver?
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What is the typical approach to managing complex grief among older adults?
What is the typical approach to managing complex grief among older adults?
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Why is it important for nurses to understand the cultural and religious beliefs of patients at the end of life?
Why is it important for nurses to understand the cultural and religious beliefs of patients at the end of life?
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What is a common misunderstanding about symptoms of depression in older adults?
What is a common misunderstanding about symptoms of depression in older adults?
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Which intervention is NOT recommended for older adults dealing with loss or grief?
Which intervention is NOT recommended for older adults dealing with loss or grief?
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What is a notable financial impact of caregiving mentioned in relation to U.S. businesses?
What is a notable financial impact of caregiving mentioned in relation to U.S. businesses?
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What is the purpose of respite care for caregivers?
What is the purpose of respite care for caregivers?
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Which describe the emotional symptoms of depression in older adults?
Which describe the emotional symptoms of depression in older adults?
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How does the inability to make choices affect older adults with helplessness?
How does the inability to make choices affect older adults with helplessness?
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What is a negative consequence of conflicting information about a caregiver's report?
What is a negative consequence of conflicting information about a caregiver's report?
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What major legislation affects patient rights in relation to end-of-life decisions?
What major legislation affects patient rights in relation to end-of-life decisions?
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Which strategy is typically advised for older adults to cope with grief?
Which strategy is typically advised for older adults to cope with grief?
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Study Notes
Older Adulthood Defined
- Older adulthood is categorized into four stages:
- Young-old: 65–74 years
- Middle-old: 75–84 years
- Old-old: 85–99 years
- Elite-old: 100 years and older
Demographics
- In the United States in 2015, 47.9 million people were 65 years of age and older, which is more than 14.9% of the population.
- The number of older adults is expected to double by 2050.
- By 2060, the majority of older adults will be non-Hispanic white (56%) followed by Hispanic older adults (21.2%).
- In 2015, life expectancy in the United States was 79.3 years, ranking 30th in the world.
- Life expectancy in the United States has increased by almost 10 years in the past 50 years.
Wellness, Health Promotion, and Disease Prevention
- Wellness is not just the absence of disease, it is the individual operating at the optimal level of function.
- Wellness involves a balance among the individual’s emotional, spiritual, social, cultural, and physical states.
- Primary prevention includes exercise to prevent cardiovascular disease, falls, and depression, quitting smoking to reduce the risk of heart disease, a well-balanced diet, and recommended vaccinations including:
- Annual influenza
- Tetanus/diptheria (Td) booster every 10 years
- Zoster (shingles) vaccine for those over 60
- Pneumococcal vaccines (PCV13 and PPSV23) after 65
- Secondary prevention focuses on early detection and treatment of disease, including screenings for heart disease and hypertension, cancer, infectious disease, polypharmacy, nutrition, oral health, osteoporosis, falls, and social isolation.
Healthy Aging
- Common myths about aging include individuals becoming senile with age, forgetfulness leading to dementia, older adults being isolated and alone, most older adults living in nursing homes, older adults not having much energy and being tired, and older adults being ill and disabled.
- Many myths about aging are inaccurate and generalizations that focus on the negative aspects of aging.
- Theories of aging are categorized as either biologic or psychosocial.
- Biologic theories try to explain why the body ages.
- Psychosocial theories try to give reasons for the responses and interactions older adults have with society.
- Ageism is a form of prejudice against older adults that reflects a negative response by younger people.
- It systematically stereotypes and discriminates against people because they are old.
- Legislation that affects older adults includes:
- The Social Security Act of 1935
- The Older Americans Act (OAA) of 1965
- The National Family Caregiver Support Program
- The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010
Psychosocial Concerns of the Older Adult
- Older adults receiving care may feel they are being a burden, be angry or frustrated about giving up their independence, or become demanding in an attempt to regain control.
- Caregivers are often overloaded and at risk for stress-related problems, including depression, anxiety, and increased vulnerability to physical health problems.
- The “sandwich generation” are individuals who care for their parents while also caring for their own children, placing stress on both individuals and companies.
- The needs of the caregiver should be included in the nursing assessment.
- Referrals to social services and available community resources may be indicated.
- Respite care refers to the provision of care by nonfamily members to provide relief for primary caregivers.
- Significant psychosocial changes experienced by older adults include personal, social, and economic losses.
- Successfully coping with grief and losses may include avoiding isolation and self-pity, helping others, joining groups, adopting a pet, setting goals, maintaining independence, and retaining a sense of humor.
- Short-term or long-term depression can result from grief over real and perceived losses.
- Symptoms of depression in older adults include fatigue, sadness, insomnia, anorexia, helplessness, crying, agitation, and hypochondria, which are often misunderstood as normal changes of aging.
- Many older adults fail to receive the needed treatment for depression.
- Nurses who work with older adults assist the entire health care team to meet the physical, spiritual, and psychosocial needs of dying patients or residents.
- Nurses caring for patients at the end of life need to understand the 1991 Patient Self-Determination Act (PSDA) as it relates to advance directives, living wills, durable powers of attorney, and do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders.
Older Adulthood Defined
- Older adulthood is divided into young-old (65–74 years), middle-old (75–84 years), old-old (85–99 years), and elite-old (100 and older).
- Frail elderly refers to individuals older than 75 years of age with health concerns.
- Centenarians are older than 100 years of age.
- Chronologic age may not be an accurate predictor of health or behavior.
Demographics of Older Adults
- In 2015, 47.9 million people in the US were 65 years of age and older, representing over 14.9% of the population.
- The population of older adults is growing at a faster rate than the rest of the population.
- By 2050, the US Census Bureau estimates 83.7 million people over the age of 65, making up about 23.55% of the population.
- Women make up a larger percentage of older adults than men (54% vs. 46%).
- In 2015, the life expectancy in the US was 79.3 years, placing the US at 30th globally.
- Health care for older adults is becoming more complex due to advancements in treating life-threatening conditions, increased life expectancy, and greater focus on ethical and legal issues.
Wellness, Health Promotion, and Disease Prevention
- Wellness involves a balance among emotional, spiritual, social, cultural, and physical states.
- Health promotion emphasizes individual strengths, resources, and abilities.
- Primary prevention includes activities like exercise to prevent cardiovascular disease, falls, and depression, as well as healthy diet, and recommended vaccinations.
- Secondary prevention focuses on early disease detection and treatment, including screenings for heart disease, hypertension, cancer, infectious disease, polypharmacy, nutrition, oral health, osteoporosis, falls, and social isolation.
Healthy Aging
- Most myths about aging are generalizations that focus on negative aspects and are often inaccurate.
- Theories of aging include both biologic and psychosocial explanations.
- Biologic theories attempt to explain why the body ages, including the programmed aging theory, genetic factors, immunologic theory, free radical theory, and wear and tear theory.
- Psychosocial theories focus on older adults' interactions with society, such as Erikson's developmental stages, disengagement theory, exchange theory, activity theory, and continuity theory.
- Ageism is prejudice against older adults, reflecting negative stereotypes and discrimination.
Legislation Affecting Older Adults
- The Social Security Act of 1935 aimed to provide financial security for older adults.
- The Older Americans Act (OAA) of 1965 (updated in 2006) aims to preserve the rights and dignity of older citizens.
- The National Family Caregiver Support Program and a program supporting caregivers of American Indian elders address the growing needs of caregivers.
- The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010 encourages prevention services for Medicare recipients and provides a drug discount for eligible seniors in the "donut hole."
Psychosocial Concerns of Older Adults
- Stressors of caregiving can include feeling like a burden, anger, frustration, demanding behavior, caregiver overload, and conflict between family members about caregiving decisions.
- The "sandwich generation" faces the challenge of caring for both their parents and their own children.
- Loss, grief, and depression are common psychosocial changes in older adults resulting from role changes, retirement, and loss of significant others.
- Symptoms of depression in older adults can include fatigue, sadness, insomnia, anorexia, helplessness, crying, agitation, and hypochondria.
- End-of-life care involves meeting the physical, spiritual, and psychosocial needs of dying patients and their families.
- The Patient Self-Determination Act (PSDA) of 1991 emphasizes advance directives, living wills, durable powers of attorney, and do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders.
Check on Learning Questions
- Common myths concerning older adults include:
- All older adults become senile.
- Forgetfulness always leads to dementia.
- Older adults are isolated.
- Most older adults live in nursing homes.
- Older adults lack energy.
- Older adults are ill and disabled.
- Common psychosocial events that occur in older adults include:
- Personal losses
- Social losses
- Economic losses
- Loss of significant others
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Description
This quiz explores the stages of older adulthood and the demographic trends in the United States. It discusses the growth of the older adult population and implications for health and wellness. Test your knowledge of the important aspects of aging and wellness promotion.