Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Older Adults
Older Adults
Adults
A. AGING IS A DEVELOPMENTAL PROCESS
Aging
̶ a gradual, continuous process of natural change that begins in early adulthood. During early middle
age, many bodily functions begin to gradually decline.
̶ Who is Old?
̶ People do not become old or elderly at any specific age.
̶ Senior Citizens (60 years old) = Old Age. Reason: Based in history, not biology. Many
years ago, age 65 was chosen as the age for retirement in Germany, the first nation to
establish a retirement program. The age set by the Germany was close to the actual
retirement age of most people in the world and it was also an arbitrary number set by the
Social Security Administration.
̶ Older Age Group
•Young Old: 65-74 years old
•Middle Old: 75-84 years old
•Old Old/ Very Old/ Frail Elderly: 85 years old and above
̶ However, these numbers merely provide a guideline and do not actually define the
various strata of the aging population. Among individuals, vast differences exist between
biological and chronological aging, and between the physical, emotional, and social aspects of
aging. How and at what rate a person age depends upon a host of different factors.
̶ Kumbaga numerical definition lang sya ng aging. Marami pang ibang paraan para
masabi na ang isang tao ay tumatanda na.
MYTH FACT
Are pretty much all alike Are a very diverse group
Generally are alone and lonely. Typically maintain close contact with family.
Tend to be sick, frail, and dependent on Usually live independently.
others.
Often cognitively impaired. May experience some decline in cognitive
abilities but is usually not severe enough to
Concepts, Principles, and Theories in the Care of Older
Adults
cause problems in daily living.
Suffer from depression. Have lower rates of diagnosable depression.
Become more difficult and rigid with Tend to maintain a consistent personality
advancing years throughout the life span.
Can barely cope with the inevitable declines Typically adjust well to the challenges of
associated with aging. aging.
Healthy Aging
̶ refers to the postponement or reduction in the undesired effects of aging.
̶ goals: physically and mentally fit which will lead to lesser chance of acquiring illness and remain
active and independent.
̶ Efforts needed:
̶ Good nutrition
̶ Cessation from smoking and alcohol use
̶ Active lifestyle
̶ Positive attitudes towards life
̶ Stress reduction/ management
The sooner a person develops these habits, the better. However, it is never too late to begin. In
this way, people can have some control over what happens to them as they age.
Historically, high child mortality — including infant deaths and deaths by early childhood illnesses —
kept population growth low and fertility rates high. As child mortality rates have declined (dramatically
in some countries) fertility rates have fallen.
For some areas of the world, the sharpest declines in fertility rates have come from the introduction of
safe, reliable access to contraception. This may include confidential access if local cultural norms or
family members impede a woman's right to access birth control. The increased availability of sexual
health education and family planning resources has also impacted fertility rates.
Loss of independence is probably the most significant issue that aging parents and their children
must face.
Aging persons find it difficult to accept that they can no longer do the things they once did. It is also
distressing for the family to watch their loved ones change.
If the older family member requires a substantial amount of physical care, the demands on family
members can be intense.
many children feel duty-bound to care for their aging parents.
If the children determine that they are unable to care for their parent and instead opt for nursing
home placement
SELF NEGLECT
self-neglect is a common problem in the older adult population. Self-neglect is more likely to be
seen when an older person has few or no close family or friends, but it can occur despite their
presence.
Self-neglect is defined as the failure to provide for the self because of a lack of ability or lack of
awareness.
PHYSICAL ABUSE
Physical abuse is any action that causes physical pain or injury. Abuse may involve a physical attack upon
a frail older adult who is unable to defend himself or herself from younger, stronger family members.
The inappropriate use of drugs, force-feeding, and the use of physical restraints or punishment of any
kind are examples of physical abuse.
EMOTIONAL ABUSE
Emotional abuse is the most subtle and difficult to recognize type of abuse.
It often includes behaviors such as isolating, ignoring, or depersonalizing older adults.
Emotional abusers may forbid visitors and isolate the older person from more responsible and
sympathetic friends or family members.
Emotional abusers can use verbal or nonverbal means to inflict their damage
Verbal abuse includes shouting or voicing threats of punishment or confinement.
Displeasure, disgust, frustration, or anger can be communicated nonverbally through sighing,
head shaking, door slamming, or other negative body language.
Emotional abuse is insidious in that it can damage the older adult’s sense of self-esteem and can
even destroy the will to live without leaving any obvious signs.
FINANCIAL ABUSE
Financial abuse exists when the resources of an older person are stolen or misused by a person
whom the older adult trusts.
Abusive caregivers often abandon the older person once all of his or her assets are gone.
ABANDONEMENT
Abandonment occurs when dependent older persons are deserted by the person or persons
responsible for their custody or care under circumstances in which a reasonable person would
continue to provide care.
Concepts, Principles, and Theories in the Care of Older
Adults
Abandonment usually leaves the older person physically, emotionally, and financially defenseless.
RESPONSES TO ABUSE
Fear of being treated even worse or fear of being institutionalized or abandoned may prevent the
victim from seeking help. Older people who manifest signs of abuse must be assessed carefully .
All questioning about and assessment of abuse must be done with great tact and sensitivity.
Information obtained must be kept confidential and shared only with agencies as authorized by the
patient or necessitated by law.
It is wise to avoid using the term abuse when working with older adults, because they may become
defensive and will probably deny it. Using words such as problems or concerns is more likely to
yield truthful information.
Physical abuse and financial abuse are criminal offenses. Nurses have a moral, legal, and ethical
responsibility to report any suspected cases of abuse.
SUPPORT GROUPS
Caregivers of older adults are often isolated from other people. The demands of providing care
prevent caregivers from getting the rest, encouragement, and support they need. Caregivers who
want or need to share their experiences and frustrations have started forming support groups to
help one another cope with stress.
RESPITE CARE
Respite care allows the primary caregiver to have time away from the demands of caregiving,
thereby decreasing stress and the risk for abuse.
Respite care gives the primary caregiver the opportunity to attend church, go shopping, conduct
personal business, obtain medical care, or simply participate in leisure activities. Respite care may
be provided by family members, volunteers, or one of the many service agencies that have
proliferated within the past few years.