Download The Aging Process

Common Health Issues and Concerns
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Nutrition
Mobility
Stress and loss
Safety
Drug use and misuse
Mental health/behavioral health
Elder neglect and abuse
HEALTH CARE ISSUES IN HOSPITALS
• The Fulmer SPICES framework
Sleep disorders
Problems with eating or feeding
Incontinence
Confusion
Evidence of falls
Skin breakdown
NUTRITIONAL ASSESSMENT
• What factors cause inadequate
nutrition intake with the aging
populations?
Nutrition
• Causes of older adult malnutrition:
– Inflation, reduced income, and lack of
transportation
– Inappropriate or unbalanced foods
– Trouble carrying heavy bags or packages
– Loneliness
– Diminished sense of taste and smell
– Tooth loss and poorly fitting dentures
Benefits of Regular Exercise
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Decreased risk for falls
Increased mobility
Increased sleep
Reduced or maintained weight
Improved well-being and self-esteem
Fewer depression symptoms
Improved longevity
Reduced risk for DM and CAD
Frequent Sources of Stress
•
•
•
•
•
•
Rapid environmental changes
Changes in lifestyle
Acute or chronic illness
Loss of significant others
Financial hardships
Relocation stress syndrome
Fall Prevention and Safety
• Home modification
• Exercise
• Tai chi
Driving Safety
• Motor vehicle accidents are the most common
cause of injury-related death in the young-old
population, those between 65 and 74 years of
age.
• Adult driver safety:
– Attend driving refresher classes.
– Avoid high-risk driving conditions.
– Be aware of prescription side effects.
Drug Use and Misuse
• Polypharmacy
• May not be able to tolerate standard dosage
of drugs
• Physiologic changes from aging can affect
absorption, distribution, metabolism, and
excretion of drugs from the body
• “Start low and go slow” policy
• Self administration of drugs