GERONTOLOGY

the scientific study of old age, the process of ageing, and the particular problems of old people.

GERIATRICS

the branch of medicine or social science dealing with the health and care of old people.

 young-old 65-74 years (53%)

 middle-old 75-84 years (35%)
 old-old 85 years and older (12%)
social gerontology
refers to specialized field of gerontology that examines social aspects of gerontology

AGEISM: discrimination against individuals or groups on the basis of their age . 

Gastrointestinal tract
 Atrophy of secretion mechanisms
 Decreasing motility of the gut
 Loss of strength/tone of muscular tissue & supporting structures
 Changes in neurosensory feedback
– Enzyme & hormone release
– Innervation of the tract
– Diminished response to pain & internal sensations
Cardiopulmonary:
Heart valves tend to increase in thickness with age
BP tends to go up with age

 Atherosclerosis
A narrowing of arterial passageways as a result of the development of plaques on their interior walls
 Arteriosclerosis:
A generic term referring to the loss of elasticity of arterial walls

Respiratory Changes,
 Power of respiratory & abdominal muscles becomes reduced--hinders diaphragmatic
movement
URINARY SYSTEM
 “The bladder of an elderly person has a capacity of less than half (250ml) that of a
young adult (600 ml) and often contains as much as 100 ml of residual urine”. (p. 81)
 Micturition reflex is delayed-- usually activated when bladder is half full; in OAs, not
until bladder is nearly at capacity
GENITAL SYSTEM CHANGES