Tuesday 16th April Unit 28 Older Adult

Learning aims:- To define old age. To recognise individual differences Outline different theories of ageing.

What is Old Age????? The last period of human life, now often considered to be the years after 65 So is old age defined as this????? https://www.itv.com/itvplayer/off-their- rockers/series-1/episode-2 Or this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKyN8GHWoVk

Older people are a large and growing segment of our population According to Age Concern England's Key facts and statistics 2008 there are in the UK: 61 million people in total 20.5 million people aged over 50 9.7 million people aged over 65 2.7 million people aged over 80

By 2032 nearly one in four people in the UK will be aged 65 and over By 2032 nearly one in four people in the UK will be aged 65 and over.(Office for National Statistics, Population trends 134, 2008) Population growth between 2008 and 2028 will be fastest amongst the oldest older people: (Office for National Statistics, National population projections)

Group Task Key facts on Older adult

BREAK

Is it a Myths, Fact or Stereotypes

Is it a Myths, Fact or Stereotypes Ill, disabled, and physically unattractive No interest in sex or interest in sexual activities is abnormal Forgetful, confused, rigid, bored and unfriendly Unable to learn and understand new information Mistaken ideas about living arrangements and finances.

Is it a Myths, Fact or Stereotypes Ageism is discrimination Against people because of increasing age Unopposed ageism potential undermine the self- confidence of the older adult Limit their access to care Distort caregivers’ understanding of the uniqueness of older adults Laws ban discrimination based on age Large proportion of older adults affects the consumer economy Older adults influence public policy

Review Question Which of the statements made by a nurse best reflects an understanding of the negative impact of ageism regarding patient care? a. “If I don’t value the older patient, I will never be able to provide the care they are entitled too.” b. “Everyone regardless of age or position, always deserves effective, appropriate nursing care.” c. “As society we lose so much valuable wisdom and knowledge when we devalue our older members.” d. “If older patients do not feel valued, they are less likely to seek health care they need and deserve.”

Theories of ageing Biological Theories of Aging Psychological Theories of Aging Psychosocial Factors and Aging (Models and theories are not clearly distinguished) Why do we think this is?

Psychological Theories of Aging Erikson's Developmental Stages Older Adult: 65 and older         "Old-old" and "Frail-old": 75 and older          "Elite-old": 85 and older Erikson:              Ego integrity vs Despair Ageism: a concern for nurses Aging is a normal, healthy process that begins at birth System-wide physical changes Cognitive changes due to illness not aging Numerous lifestyle changes Goals:  Remain independent, accept aging, transitions, and loss. Strategies: Reminiscence/life review (Storytelling) Exercise, nutrition, sensory stimulation Health Concerns: Chronic illness, medications, depression,, elder abuse

Psychosocial Factors and Aging Erikson Two major theories explain the psychosocial aspects of aging in older adults. Disengagement theory views aging as a process of mutual withdrawal in which older adults voluntarily slow down by retiring, as expected by society. The disengagement theory hold’s that mutual social withdrawal benefits both individuals and society. 

Activity theory Sees a positive correlation between keeping active and aging well. The activity theory hold that mutual social withdrawal runs counter to traditional British ideals of activity, energy, and industry. To date, research has not shown either of these models to be superior to the other. In other words, growing old means different things for different people. Individuals who led active lives as young and middle adults will probably remain active as older adults, while those who were less active may become more disengaged as they age.

Biological Theories of Aging Genetic Theories Programmed cell death Programmed cell death (PCD) - the process of PCD that may occur in multicellular organisms. Biochemical events lead to characteristic cell changes and death

System-Level Theories Wear-and-tear theories Stress Wear-and-tear theory – this theory may not hold for most organ systems. A phrase in gerontology is “Use it or lose it”. Many systems such as cardiovascular system, need regular and moderate exercise to maintain function, and intellectual stimulation may be necessary to the maintenance of cognitive function. However, skeleton joints may be an exception.

Stress – is a feeling that's created when we react to particular events. It's the body's way of rising to a challenge and preparing to meet a tough situation. It could be a over-stress or moderate stress.

Recap Is ageism discrimination? What behaviors as a student would you employ when caring for older adults? What are some of things that affects the attitude of the general public towards the older adults? Name 3 aging theories mentioned today.