Nursing Assistant Monthly Copyright © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. February 2012 Understanding the Aging Process

Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. February 2012Understanding the Aging Process Aging: A Natural Process  Many older adults remain healthy and vibrant well into their later years  Physical changes that come with aging are normal  Life experience that comes with age often brings wisdom and inner strength

Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. February 2012Understanding the Aging Process Physical Effects of Aging  Skin –Becomes thinner, with less underlying fat –Evidence of sun damage is common (brown spots, dryness, wrinkles) –Aging skin is more fragile and is injured more easily –Healing takes longer

Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. February 2012Understanding the Aging Process Aging Skin: Caregiver Tips  Encourage good fluid intake to keep skin hydrated  Cleanse gently  Apply moisturizer or barrier cream according to the nursing care plan  Reposition with care to prevent fragile skin from tearing  For residents who are unable to move themselves, turn and reposition frequently to prevent pressure on bony areas

Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. February 2012Understanding the Aging Process Physical Effects of Aging (cont’d)  Urinary system −Older adults tend to have less bladder capacity −Muscles that control urination may weaken −Enlarged prostate gland is common, and can interfere with urine flow in men

Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. February 2012Understanding the Aging Process Urinary System: Caregiver Tips  Assist with toileting as needed  Careful cleansing and drying of skin after toileting helps prevent skin breakdown  Report any signs of urinary tract infection − difficulty urinating − frequent urination − strong odor, dark color, bloody, or cloudy urine

Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. February 2012Understanding the Aging Process Physical Effects of Aging (cont’d)  Aging and the GI system – Constipation is common in older adults due to:  changes in bowel activity  lack of exercise  not drinking enough fluid  dietary factors

Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. February 2012Understanding the Aging Process GI System: Caregiver Tips  Encourage adequate fluid intake to keep stools soft  Document bowel movements and I & O carefully  Tell the nurse if: – a resident has fewer BMs than usual – stools are hard and dry, or difficult to pass – you see blood in the stool

Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. February 2012Understanding the Aging Process Cognitive Changes  The brain normally shrinks with age, about 2 percent per decade −May cause mild forgetfulness −Keeping the brain active may minimize these effects  More serious signs of abnormal changes in the brain are: −Forgetting names of familiar people −Getting lost in familiar places −Repeating the same question again and again

Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. February 2012Understanding the Aging Process Cognitive Changes: Caregiver Tips  Alert the nurse if: −You notice behavior changes in a resident −A resident suddenly becomes more confused  Learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias −Watch for the May 2012 issue of Nursing Assistant Monthly for information on dealing with challenging behaviors in dementia

Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. February 2012Understanding the Aging Process Wisdom and Aging Research is beginning to show that older adults are generally happier than younger people. Tips for all of us:  Engage in conversations with older adults  Ask for their advice on life’s challenges  Be open to learning from older adults

Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. February 2012Understanding the Aging Process Tapping Into The Wisdom of Older Adults The Legacy Project Web site legacyproject.human.cornell.edu  A research-based collection of over 1200 elders’ responses to the question: “What are the most important lessons you have learned over the course of your life?”  Also includes links to text and free videos of interviews with elders