1. Chapter 19
The Older Client

2. Defining Old Age Chronological age Exact age of person from birth
Does not dictate:
State of health
Attitude toward daily life
Beliefs about living

3. Theories of Aging Biological Stress Cross-linkage Somatic mutation
Programmed aging
(continued)

4. Theories of Aging
Psychosocial
Disengagement
Continuity
Activity

5. Myths and Stereotypes of Aging
Ill
Nonproductive
Unable to learn
Cute and sweet
No interest in sex
Cannot change
Like to live in past
Live in nursing homes
Lose interest in life

6. Quality of Life among Older Adults
Fear poor health
Live longer
Healthier
Enjoy life

7. Developmental Changes Associated with Aging
Feelings of satisfaction and fulfillment
Coping with losses

8. Physiological Changes Associated with Aging
Neurological
Sensory and perceptual
Cardiovascular
Respiratory
Gastrointestinal
Genitourinary
Endocrine
Reproductive
Musculoskeletal
Integumentary
Alterations in mental status

9. Psychosocial Changes Associated with Aging
Retirement
Social relationships and roles
Living arrangements
Coping with loss

10. Medications and the Older Adult
Responses to medication:
Highly individualized
Adverse drug reactions
Changes in metabolism and excretion
Increased sensitivity
Greater risk
(continued)

11. Medications and the Older Adult
Medication compliance
Complicated dosing schedules
Multiple dosing throughout day
Polypharmacy
Cost of drugs
Limited mobility
Impaired memory

12. Mistreatment of the Older Adult
Forms of elder abuse:
Physical abuse
Neglect
Psychological abuse
Exploitation

13. Older Adults and the Nursing Process
Assessment
Health history
Physical examination
Takes time and patience
(continued)

14. Older Adults and the Nursing Process
Diagnosis
Impaired physical mobility
Activity intolerance
Self-care deficits
Social isolation
Risk for loneliness
(continued)

15. Older Adults and the Nursing Process
Diagnosis
Ineffective role performance
Impaired home maintenance
Acute confusion
(continued)

16. Older Adults and the Nursing Process
Outcome identification and planning
Develop in partnership
Target to either:
Maintain certain level of health
Restore to former state of health
(continued)

17. Older Adults and the Nursing Process
Implementation
Nursing interventions should focus on:
Maintaining physical health
Supporting psychosocial well-being
Promoting safe environment
Providing restorative care
(continued)

18. Older Adults and the Nursing Process
Evaluation
Consider the following questions:
Is assessment still pertinent?
Have diagnoses been resolved?
Do new diagnoses need to be established?