Gero Module Summaries (Final Exam)Module 1Aging Society - Define Oldo Young Old (65-74)o Middle Old (75-84)o Old, Old (85+)- Characteristics of the “Baby Boomers”: Born 1946-1964, Started turning 65 years old in 2011, Diverse group, Older adults are becoming much less alike, Better educated, Higher incomes, More tech savvy, More physically fit, Informed consumers, independent Module 2Gerontological Nursing - Aging must be studied as a complex phenomenon with biopsychosocial and spiritual aspects affecting the manner in which an individual ages.- Although the population as a whole is aging, the greatest categorical increase by group percentage is occurring among those 85 years old and older.- The eldercare workforce is dangerously understaffed and unprepared to care for the growing numbers of older adults.- Requirements for accreditation of nursing programs should include solid evidence of preparation in the care of older adults.Theories and Philosophies of Aging - When one is viewed as old, it is culturally & socially determined.- Regardless of the theory, biological aging results in damage within the cell itself, resulting in a decrease in its ability to function or reproduce- The increased incidence of many chronic diseases in later life can be explained by the immunity theory.- A commonality of the biological theories of aging is the effect of oxidative stress occurring at the cellular level.- The commonality of the developmental theories of aging is the movement or maturing of the individual to higher levels of acceptance of self.Communicating with Older Adults- Communication is a basic need regardless of age or communication or cognitive impairment.- The sensory apparatus all lose some degree of acuity in the aging process.- The nurse needs to adapt communication to enhance sensory input and enhance communication.- Older adults are disproportionately affected by inadequate health literacy and nurses must ensure that health information is provided in an appropriate manner to ensure understanding.Review of Module 2• 85 y/o fastest growing group of OA• Negative stereotyping of OA – ageism, even by own family members• Senescence – deterioration with age – biological theories!• Theories of Aging: Disengagement (cultural issues); Immunity theory (increase in auto-immune diseasesfor OAs); Psychosocial (retirement plans, role changes)1Gero Module Summaries (Final Exam)• Communication Issues: youngsters not exposed to OA may have distorted view; always talk with OA first; use technology – show & tell; hearing loss issues; takes time to answer questions; enjoy OA story-telling/sharing life experiences.Module 3Promoting Healthy Aging• Wellness is a concept, not a condition. It is human adaptation to the most individually satisfying level in response to existing internal and external conditions.• Older people rate their health in terms of the ability to function.• Continued attention must be given to racial and cultural disparities in the health of older people.• Four preventable risk factors – smoking, high blood pressure, elevated blood glucose, and overweight/obesity – currently reduce life expectancy in the U. S. by 4.9 years in men and 4.2 years in women.• A nurse with a wellness focus designs interventions to enhance health promotion and disease prevention for older adults across the continuum of care.Physiological Changes• Many age-related changes are observable and measurable over time.• The rate of aging varies from person to person and system to system within the same person.• Physical appearance inevitably changes.• Lubrication of joints, elasticity, enzymatic processes, and cellular fluids diminish during aging.• Immune and endocrine changes are significant in the aging process.Cultural Diversity in Aging Population• Population diversity is rapidly increasing and will continue to do so for many years.• Nurses can contribute to the reduction of health disparities & the promotion of social justice through increasing their own cultural awareness, knowledge, and skills.• Ethnicity is a complex phenomenon encompassing language, traditions, symbols, & folklore expressed as identity. Module 4Assessment of Older Adult- Assessment of physical, cognitive, psychological, & environmental status is essential in meeting the specific needs of the older adult and implementing appropriate interventions. - Knowledge of how to use a particular gerontological assessment tool is needed to accurately administer it. - Gives you an objective tool for re-assessment at a later date! - Comorbidity of many older adults complicates obtaining and interpreting assessment data.Laboratory Values & Diagnostics- In most laboratory measures, there is little difference in the results between younger adult and an older adult.- Because of limited reserves, the older adult is often more sensitive to slight variations in biological parameters.- The nurse is often responsible for the initial interpretation of laboratory results. 2Gero Module Summaries (Final Exam)- Medications & chronic disorders complicate the measurement of laboratory values in elders because most elders are taking several medications at any given time that may interact to alter the reliability of laboratory measurements.Medication Use by Older Adults- The therapeutic goal of pharmacologic intervention is to reduce the targeted symptoms without undesirable side effects.- Polypharmacy significantly increases the risk of drug interactions and adverse events.- Any time there is a change in the older adult it is reasonable to first consider the possibility of a drug effect.- Nurses must investigate drugs immediately if a change in mental status is observed in an individual who is normally alert and oriented. Many drugs have the potential to cause temporary cognitive impairment.Older Adults & Use of Herbs- Older adults who are diagnosed with chronic conditions are more likely to take herbs and supplements.- The renewed interest in herbal therapies is based in part on the focus on prevention. Herbs are often usedby individuals who want to be more involved in their own health care or who are unable to afford prescription medications.- Nurses and other health care providers should always ask about the use of herbs and supplements when conducting a health interview.Other Notes- A familiar & comfortable environment allows an elder to function