NCMB 314 - GERIATRICS (CARE OF THE OLDER ADULT)

WEEK 1

Physical and Physiological Changes of Aging

THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM

CHANGES SUBJECTIVE AND OBJECTIVE HEALTH PROMOTION

FINDINGS STRATEGIES

● Heart Valves become thicker ● Complaint of fatigue with ● Lifestyle Modification

● Heart Muscle and arteries lose
their elasticity
● Accumulation of Calcium and
Fat deposits
● Veins become tortuous, less
reserve and less response to
stress
increased activity
● Increase heart rate recovery
time
● Normal BP < or = to 140/90
mmHg
● Exercise Regularly
● Weight Control
● Avoid Smoking
● Eat low fat, low salt foods
● BP Control
● Medication Compliance
● Stress Management

THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

CHANGES SUBJECTIVE AND OBJECTIVE HEALTH PROMOTION

FINDINGS STRATEGIES

● Increase in Lung Rigidity and ● Fatigue ● Exercise Regularly

Elastic Recoil ● Breathlessness with sustained ● Avoid Smoking
● Increase in Residual Lung activity ● Take adequate fluids to liquefy
Volume ● Impaired healing of tissue as a secretion
● Decrease in Vital Capacity result of decreased ● Receive yearly influenza
● Decrease Cough Efficiency oxygenation immunization
● Difficulty coughing up ● Avoid exposure to URTI
secretions

THE INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM

CHANGES SUBJECTIVE AND OBJECTIVE HEALTH PROMOTION

FINDINGS STRATEGIES

● Decreased protection against ● Skin appears thin and wrinkled ● Avoid solar exposure
trauma and sun exposure ● Complaint of injuries and ● Dress appropriately for
● Decreased protection against bruises temperature
extreme temperature ● Complaint of intolerance to ● Lubricate skin
● Diminished secretion of natural heat ● Maintain sage indoor
oils and perspiration ● Bone structure is prominence temperature
● Dry skin

THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

CHANGES SUBJECTIVE AND OBJECTIVE HEALTH PROMOTION

FINDINGS STRATEGIES

FEMALE FEMALE ● May require vaginal estrogen

● Vaginal Narrowing and ● Painful intercourse replacement
decreases elasticity ● Vaginal bleeding following ● Gynecology or Urology Follow
● Decrease vaginal secretion intercourse up Check up
● Slower sexual response ● Delayed Orgasm ● Use of lubricant when
MALE: ● Vaginal itchiness and irritation intercourse
● Decrease the size of Penis and ● Pelvic floor exercise
Testes MALE:
● Slower sexual response ● Delayed erection and
achievement of Orgasm
● Benign Prostatic
Hyperplasia

THE MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM

CHANGES SUBJECTIVE AND OBJECTIVE HEALTH PROMOTION

FINDINGS STRATEGIES

● Loss of Bone Density ● Height loss ● Exercise Regularly

● Loss of muscle strength and
size
● Degenerative Joint Cartilage
● Prone to Fracture ● Eat high calcium diet
● Kyphosis ● Calcium diet
● Back Pain ● Limit phosphorus intake
● Loss of Strength ● Take calcium and Vitamin D
● Flexibility and Endurance supplement
● Joint Pain

THE GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM

CHANGES SUBJECTIVE AND OBJECTIVE HEALTH PROMOTION

FINDINGS STRATEGIES

● Decrease salivation ● Complaint of Dry mouth ● Use Ice chips and Mouthwash
● Difficulty swallowing food ● Complaint of fullness, ● Eat High Fiber
● Delayed esophageal and heartburn, and indigestion ● Eat Low-fat diet
gastric emptying ● Constipation ● Limit Laxatives
● Reduced gastrointestinal ● Flatulence ● Have toilet regularly
motility ● Abdominal Discomfort ● Adequate Fluids

THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

CHANGES SUBJECTIVE AND OBJECTIVE HEALTH PROMOTION

FINDINGS STRATEGIES

● Reduced speed in nerve ● Slower to respond and react ● Pace teaching

conduction ● Learning takes longer ● Enhance sensory stimulation
● Increase confusion with ● Faintness ● Encourage slow rising from
physical illness and loss of ● Frequent Falls resting position
environment cues
● Reduced cerebral circulation

SPECIAL SENSES

CHANGES SUBJECTIVE AND OBJECTIVE HEALTH PROMOTION

FINDINGS STRATEGIES

VISION VISION VISION

● Diminished ability to focus on ● Holds object far away from face ● Wear eyeglasses
close objects ● Complaint of Glare ● Use Sunglasses outdoor
● Inability to tolerate glare ● Poor Night Vision ● Use large print book
● Difficulty adjusting to change of ● Confuses Color ● Use magnifiers for reading
light intensity
● Decrease ability to distinguish HEARING HEARING
colors ● Give inappropriate response ● Recommended hearing
● Ask people to repeat words examination
HEARING ● Strain forward to hear ● Enunciate Clearly
● Decrease ability to hear ● Speak with low pitch voice
high-frequency sounds TASTE AND SMELL ● Use non-verbal cues
● Uses excessive sugar and salts
TASTE AND SMELL TASTE AND SMELL
● Decrease ability to taste and ● Encourage use of Lemon,
smell spices, and herbs

COMMON STRESSORS
1. Normal Aging changes that impair physical function, activities, and appearance
2. Disabilities from chronic illness
3. Social environmental losses related to loss of income and decrease abilities to perform previous roles and
activities
4. Death of significant others
5. Lack of Social Engagement