Download Older Adulthood

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What do you believe are
the changes that come
with being 66+
Older Adulthood
Age 66 Plus
Physical Qualities and Changes
Older adulthood typically refers to the stage when
people are age 66 and above. This spans a wide
range of ages. Those entering older adulthood are
just starting to see perceptual declines when
compares to people ages 85 years older.
Centenarians refers to a person age 100 or older.
Physical Qualities and Changes
Changes in physical appearance and functioning are
common for older adults.
 Skin becomes less elastic more wrinkles
Age spots known as Liver spots – flat gray, brown or
black. They vary in size and may appear on the face,
hands, shoulders and arms
Older adults become shorter in stature or height as
they experience cartilage loss in their vertebrae
Muscle tissue and body weight decreases
Physical Qualities and Changes
Muscle loss also affects range in motion and movement becomes slower.
Physical activity such as strengthening exercises can slow this process,
improving both physical appearance and abilities
Other signs of aging cannot be seen externally. Internal body organs lose
some efficiency of their function.
 The brain shrinks and pulls away skull
 Heart capacity decreases and blood vessels harden (Heart may have
to pump harder to get blood to other organs)
 Lungs have a lower air capacity
 Digestive system slows (which can result in constipation)
Physical Qualities and Changes
Incontinence – involuntary urination or defecation may
occur as health problems increase.
Sensory Skills
Sensory changes from middle adulthood continue
throughout older adulthood. Presbyopia progressively
worsens. The ability to adjust from light to darkness, from
low glare to high glare and to see objects in the side
view becomes more challenging.
Vision Conditions
The most common vision conditions in older adulthood
 Cataracts
Glaucoma
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
 Diabetic retinopathy
 Dry eye
 Retinal detachment
Vision Conditions
As people age the lens of the eye thickens causing cloudy or
distorted vision. This condition is known as Cataracts. As the
disease progresses surgery is necessary.
What is Cataracts
(click)
Macular Degeneration is an eye disease that causes people to
have difficulty seeing objects inside the center of the field of
vision. Objects in the Periphery, the outer edge of the center
view, are clearly visible.
What is Macular Degeneration (click)
Vision Conditions
Glaucoma is an eye condition that involves damage to the
optic nerve. This is caused by fluid buildup that puts pressure
on the nerve. Glaucoma is far less common than cataracts
What is Glaucoma
(click)
Vision Conditions
Macular degeneration is the leading cause of
blindness in older adults which occurs in the retina.
Diabetic Retinopathy- is an eye disease that involves
damage to the blood vessels in the retina. The blood
vessels becomes blocked and leak fluid into the eye.
What is Diabetic Retinopathy
(click)
Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can happen for a variety of reasons
Genetics
Illness
Exposure to Loud Sounds
Damage to Inner or Middle Ear
Turn down the music volume.
Buy power tools that have sound controls.
When you must be around noise, either at work or at
play, use something to protect your hearing.
Hearing Loss
Hearing loss associated with age is called
Prebycusis, which is most often caused from
damage to the inner ear.
Many older adults complain of hearing a ringing
sound in their ears called Tinnitus
Hearing loss can lead to increased feelings of
isolation from family and friends, which may then
lead to depression.
Changes in Body Composition and Strength
Fat tissue increases, and fat deposits
continue to change as well. Joints often
ache. Many adults feel more stiffness in their
bones along with muscle aches and pains.
Bones break more easily.
Nutrition and Physical Activity
The body’s ability to absorb certain nutrients
decreases in older adulthood. Older adults may
need to take dietary supplements to ensure they
are meeting nutritional needs.
The need for:
Calcium and Vitamin D – increase to help
promote bone strength
Vitamin B12 and Potassium needs also increase
Fiber and water may prevent constipation
Nutrition and Physical Activity
Caloric needs vary depends on age, weight, height, and
level of activity. Calories consumed should come from
nutrient dense, well balanced sources that include
protein, vitamins and minerals.
Physical activity recommendations for older adults vary
depending on ability and condition of health. The
Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend
150 minutes of physical activity per week for older adults
in good health.
Sleep
Older adulthood adults need 7-9 hours of sleep. As adults
age they may experience more trouble falling and staying
asleep. As a result older adults may take frequent naps.
Sleeping can become a safety issue for some people. Sleep
apnea, is a condition in which the airways collapses or
becomes blocked and causes the person to have pauses in
breathing while sleeping.
 Can last for several seconds to a few minutes
 Resumes often with a loud snort or choking sound
Medical Care
Specific exams are recommended in older adulthood
 Blood Pressure – Recommended yearly
 Cholesterol – Periodic
 Diabetes - Periodic
 Colon Cancer - Periodic
Women should still have an annual mammogram
Mammogram
Men should schedule a prostate exam What to expect
Rectal Exam
Dental Care
Older adults are at a higher risk for developing
cavities. Cavities often develop because many
medications interfere with the level of saliva
produced in the mouth. Saliva acts as a natural
cleaner for teeth.
 Schedule annual exams and cleanings every six
months
Dental Care
For a variety of reasons, older adults may lose some
or all of their natural teeth. Missing teeth can
interfere with the ability to eat and speak. Missing
teeth can also change smile structure, altering
facial appearance. Dentures, or manufactured
teeth that replace natural teeth can be custom
made to help adults comfortably eat, speak, and
smile
Health and Disease
There is a high incidence of chronic disease in older adults,
especially those over age 85.
 Cardiovascular disease and cancer are the most prevalent
 Diabetes is a concern
 Arthritis can make movement difficult
 Hypertension is also common. If undetected, hypertension can
damage blood vessels, increasing the risk of cardiovascular
disease
 More likely to catch common colds and flu. Which many times
may develop into conditions that are more serious.
Since the body’s immune system becomes less effective in fighting
illness, diseases can progress more rapidly
Health Care
A growing older adult population can be seen around the world. The reduction in
deaths due to heart disease is one of the largest contributing factors toward
increased life expectancy.
Many diseases can be prevented or at least symptoms can be relieved with
 Proper nutrition
 Physical Activity
 Food Availability
 Weight Management
 Oral Health
 Vision Care
 Hearing Care
Health Care
In the U.S., Medicare and Social Security have been offered to older
Americans for many decades – some in the form of aid, some in the form
of prepaid care.
Medicare, a government health insurance program, helps older adults pay
for medical costs.
Social Security a government retirement fund, provides supplemental
income to Americans who are at least 62 years of age and who have met
employment contribution eligibility standards.
Other assistance programs are available for special needs population
RECAP
1. What age range does older adulthood typically include? What is
a centenarian?
2. List three common sensory changes in older adults.
3. List three common changes older adults may experience in
body composition and strength
4. Explain the increase for nutritional needs in older adults
5. Describe sleep apnea
6. Compare and contrast Medicare and Social Security
Cognitive Development
Brain Functioning
As in any stage of life, aging affects cognitive changes and
development. Aging brains are resilient, and they respond to
stimulating experiences. How aging affects each person’s cognitive
abilities will vary among individuals.
Since the brain is shrinking in older adulthood, older adults may have
more trouble processing new information, recalling memories and
concentrating. The ability to learn can be affected by decline in
cognitive abilities.
With a slower learning pace and much repetition, older adults can
learn as effectively as younger ones
Alzheimer’s
• Discovered by German neurologist Alois Alzheimer in
1906, but did not gain attention until the 1970s
• Researchers now believe a gene is involved
• Difficult to diagnose and treat
Vascular Dementia
• Decreased blood flow to the brain
Dementia
In older adults dementia is common. Dementia is a term used describe
cognitive declines and memory loss, which are caused by damage to
the brain.
Dementia impairs a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks, such as
self dressing, cleaning, eating, and remembering where items are
placed. An example of a dementia concern would be noted when an
adult asks the same question repeatedly, without realizing they already
asked the question.
Dementia does not have a cure, but with some medications, symptom
may significantly improve.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Whereas dementia is a slow decline, Alzheimer’s Disease is a progressive brain
disorder that includes not only memory loss, but also progressive severe confusion.
People with Alzheimer’s Disease may not be able to
 Recall past life events
 Know where they are
 Know how they got there
 Know how to leave
Eventually they may:
 Have trouble speaking or recognizing family and friends
 Suffer from hallucination and depression
Like dementia, there is no current cure. Treatment options include therapy,
medications, help from caregiver and adjustment to housing
Diagnosing Alzheimer's Disease
Vascular Dementia
(click)
(click)
Preventing Brain Loss
Brain Help
Memory
Older adults may remember some details easier than others.
For example, they may search for a word that is “on the tip of their tongue” but can
easily remember very specific details of a childhood experience.
Why does this happen?
One theory claims:
 Memory loss comes from having too much information compiled over time
Another theory claims:
 Memory declines occurs as brain functioning decreases.
Most likely:
 Memory loss occurs because of a combination of both theories
Moral Development
Older adults remain in Kohlberg’s post conventional
morality stage of moral development. Traits of this stage
includes valuing society as a whole and successfully
contributing to the well-being of others.
Signs of Socio-Emotional Change
The need to be connected with others do not diminish in
older adulthood, although social roles may change. Taking
care of grandchildren or great grandchildren may occur
less often as physical abilities diminish. At the beginning of
older adulthood many people retire.
Socio-Emotional Change
Erickson theorized that older adults experience a period of reviewing their
life and accepting or struggling with experiences and decisions. This
stage of Erickson’s psychosocial development theory is called integrity
versus despair.
Integrity – involves accepting one’s life choices, including successes and
failures.
 Faces challenging roles with optimism and enthusiasm.
 Do not despair over what did not happen and what they cannot
change
 Acknowledge and accept what has been and who they are today.
Achievements, career choices, and relationships
Socio-Emotional Change
Despair – refers to dissatisfaction with ones life choices.
This final stage begins around 60 years of age and involves evaluating
integrity in one’s life versus despair over reaching the end of life.
Summary of Major Development Theories Related to
Older Adulthood
Type of Development
Theory
Description
Cognitive
Fluid and Crystallized
Intelligence
Crystallized intelligence continues to
dominate as fluid intelligence
continues to decrease.
Socio-emotional Development
Erickson: Integrity versus Despair
The final socio-emotional stage in
older adulthood in which adults come
to terms in which adults come to terms
with their life review rather than
despairing over what did not happen
and what they cannot change
Activity Theory
The more active and involved older
adults are, the more satisfied they are
with life
Kubler-Ross: Stages of Dying
The 5 mental and emotional stages
facing death: denial, anger,
bargaining, depression, and
acceptance.
Family Relationships
The relationship between aging parents and adult
children may change. Older adults may require more
help and support from their adult children. Older
adults may also struggle with accepting help. They
may see acceptance as a sign of losing
independence.
As aging parents learn to accept help, they can
continue to offer advice to their adult children who
are also experiencing another stage of the aging
process
Family Relationships
Many older adult siblings face the passing of their parents
and other siblings. If there is a surviving parent the sibling
often help the remaining parent adjust. The oldest
remaining sibling may take on the role of becoming the
oldest adult in the family.
A woman may become the matriarch, the oldest
influential female family member.
A man may become the patriarch, or the oldest
influential male family members.
Emotional Changes
Most studies indicate that despite physical and social roles,
many older adults report a higher level of happiness than
younger adults.
Depression is common in older adults as work and family
roles change and physical abilities decrease. Intense
sadness, pessimism, and hopelessness may follow.
Depression may increase if
 Independence and control are lost
Financial resources are scarce
Familial and social interaction reduce
Emotional Changes
Many older adults take multiple medications and
supplements to relieve pain and other symptoms. Many
of these medication have side effects that cause
depression especially when adults take more than one
prescription.
Maintaining social relationships with old and new friends
and spending time participating in club or community
events positively affect self-esteem.
Cultural and Societal Influences
Myths on aging come from societal sharing of false or inaccurate beliefs. Bias
against or unfair treatment of older adults is termed Ageism.
Myths:
 Older Adults are rigid and inflexible
 They do not like new ideas or ways of doing things
 They become crabby and impatient with young people
Reality
 Older adults have a lot to offer society
 Often more accepting of differences on others
 Most tend to mellow with age
Older adults are the carriers of cultural traditions. They have lived life and have
wisdom or expert knowledge in practical issues
Living in New Communities
During older adulthood abilities often decline and older adults may
need help with daily tasks or require new living arrangements.
There are (3) three main types of living communities:
Independent Living Communities: Provide housing for older adults
who can care for themselves, but desire the community support of
those of similar age
Assisted living housing: Environments provide gradually expanded
oversight an help with daily activities. Medical care can be
provided when necessary
Retirement homes: Provide more intense nursing care for residents,
usually with a medial staff that provides oversight as needed
DO NOW
Plug them up or put them away
At the back of your eulogy
paper from yesterday…
Create your Bucket List
Hospice Care
Hospice Care is a form of care given by trained medical
professionals, focuses on making a person comfortable in his or
her last days and hours of life.
Hospice Caregivers
 Attempt to control their patient’s pain while serving emotional
and sometimes spiritual needs
 Focus on the needs of the family and loved ones as well.
Care can be provided either in the patient’s home or in a hospice
living center.
RECAP
1. What is dementia? How does dementia differ from normal memory loss?
2. Define Alzheimer’s disease. What are treatment options available for
Alzheimer’s disease?
3. Why may living arrangements need to change as an adult ages?
4. What are three main types of living communities available for older adults?
5. Explain hospice care and the needs it serves.
Death and Grief
Facing death is one of the most significant life events one experiences.
As adults progress through older adulthood they become aware of
impending death. They see this event as a reality in the relatively near
future.
Older adults may arrange their own funeral or memorial service in
advance. They may seek burial plots or crenation holdings. They may
prepare a Last Will and Testament (a will) which is a legally binding
document that gives directions on how to divide financial assets.
Those who receive the financial assets are called Beneficiaries.
Death and Grief
A living will is a legal document that informs family and medical
workers of preferences for being kept alive by artificial means, or
allows the decision to let them pass, when there is no chance of
recovery. Creating these legal documents eases the process of
dying for the individual, family and friends
Some older adults do not make any advance preparations. Dying
intestate means to die without a will. This can cause problems for
remaining loved ones. When there is no will state laws determine
the division of assets among remaining family members.
The Stages of Dying
Denial
1st stage – Individuals who learn they are terminally ill reject the idea of dying. They
may ignore the concept of their own death and decide not to acknowledge it. They
cannot believe that this could be happening to them
Anger
2nd Stage – Feelings of negativity and resentment develop. Individuals may be angry at
the illness or disease. They may be angry that they will experience death and possible
pain, while others are still going to be alive and healthy
Bargaining
3rd Stage - Individuals realize their own death, but wish for more time. They may
propose deals or exchanges in order to preserve their own life. Bargaining may be with
doctors, family, friends, or a higher power. Ex: They may offer to become a “better
person” if their life is extended
Depression
4th Stage - Individuals struggle with the loss of life. They may think about people,
activities, and even events they will miss. They may become sad, withdrawn, and lose
interest in activities, They may be afraid or feel they are not ready
Acceptance
Final Stage - Individuals understand accept that the reality of their own death is near.
They may no longer be afraid or resentful. This stage is usually calm which can transition
into a peaceful passing
Widowhood
For those who have spent time as a couple for many years they may feel like a part of
themselves is gone forever.
In marriage, when a husband passes away the wife becomes a widow. If the wife dies the
surviving husband becomes a widower.
Bereavement is a term used to describe the state of losing a loved one through death.
Grief describes the mental anguish or sadness that accompanies bereavement. Great
distress and sorrow are often part of grieving
Mourning includes the period when family members and friends remember and grieve for the
loss of the beloved one. The length of mourning varies per individual.
Stages of Grieving
Denial
Survivors of the loved one may not believe or fully understand that the loved
one passed away. They may ignore the death and continue in daily activities
as if it did not happen
Anger
After denial feelings of anger may arise. The individuals may be angry that he
or she is left to deal with many new issues and possibly new roles. The
individual may also be angry toward other family members, friends, and
coworkers in the belief that others do not understand
Bargaining
This stage occurs before the loved ones die. The individual may try to offer a
deal or exchange in order to extend the life of a lived one.
Depression
Feelings of sadness, despair, withdrawal and possible loneliness may
dominate now that the survivor understands the loved one will no longer be
alive
Acceptance
Individuals begin to accept or feel comfortable with the loss of the loved
one. They recognize that death is a normal part of the lifespan. They are able
to move forward, without forgetting the loved one’s death.
Stages of Grieving
Experiencing grief is normal and healthy. Individuals may not experience
these stages in order. There is no right or wrong amount of time to spend
grieving. After experiencing death the survivors may continue to grieve
for weeks, months or years after the death.
Friends and family can help individuals cope with the natural grieving
process. Celebrating the life, unique contributions, and personality of the
one lost through death may ease the feeling of loss.
Death is inevitable and although is not always easy to accept it’s the
final chapter of life.