The Older Adult

1
The Older Adult
2
OLD AGE

• 65 years old
• Unique
• Variable
• Associated with many myths and stereotypes
• Undervalued
• Rapidly growing population
• Vulnerable

3
Nurses Attitudes

• In relation to attitudes, what must the nurse
  first address?
• Priority
• cultivation of positive attitudes toward older
  adults and specialized knowledge about aging and
  health care needs.

4
Theories of Aging

• Biological theories
• Stochastic
• Nonstochastic
• Psychosocial
• Developmental

5
Assessment of Needs

• Adaptation of techniques for data gathering
• Sensory changes
• Memory deficits
• Physical changes
• Promotion of comfort

6
Age-Specific Assessment Approach

• Must take into account
• Interrelation between physical and psychosocial
  aspects of aging
• Effects of disease and disability on functional
  status
• Decreased efficiency of homeostatic mechanisms
• Lack of standards for health and illness norms
• Altered presentation and response to specific
  disease

7
Communication Adaptations Visual Impairments

• Sit or stand in front of the client in full view
• Face the older adult while speaking do not cover
  your mouth
• provide diffuse, bright, non-glare lighting
• Encourage use of familiar assistive devices

8
Communication Adaptations Hearing Impairment

• Speak directly to the client do not cover your
  mouth
• Speak in clear, low-pitched tones at a moderate
  rate and volume
• Reduce background noises move to a quiet,
  private room
• Ask if there is a good ear, and speak toward
  that ear
• Encourage use of assistive devices
• Check function of assistive device
• Check ear canal for cerumen impaction

9
Physiologic Changes (see handout)
10
Cognitive Changes

• Delirium
• Depression
• Dementia

11
Psychosocial Changes

• Retirement
• Social isolation
• Sexuality
• Housing and environment
• Death

12
Health Concerns

• Heart disease
• Cancer
• Stroke
• Smoking
• Alcohol abuse
• Nutrition
• Dental problems

• Exercise
• Arthritis
• Falls
• Sensory impairments
• Pain
• Medication use

13
Psychosocial Health Concerns

• Communication
• Touch
• Reality orientation
• Validation therapy
• Reminiscence
• Body image