Gerontologic Nursing HESI Study Guide

Gerontologic Nursing HESI Study Guide • Healthy aging is now an achievable goal for many. • Aging and disease are separate entities. • Aging is an individual process that affects each person differently. • The chronologic age of 65 is the standard in the United States for being considered an older adult (elderly). • By 2050, one in five Americans will be over the age of 65. • The concept of aging is further defined as young-old (65 to 74), middle-old (75 to 84), old-old (over 85), elite-old (over 90), centenarian (over 100), and super-centenarian (110 and over). • Eighty percent of people over the age of 70 have at least one chronic condition, and 50% have multiple health problems. Theories of Aging 1. Psychosocial Theories: a. Disengagement Theory: Progressive social disengagement occurs naturally with aging and is accepted by the older adult. Variation in disengagement across older populations is related to cultural style and behaviors in different geographic regions. b. Activity Theory: Successful again requires a high level of activity and involvement to maintain life satisfaction and positive self – esteem. 2. Biologic Theories: a. Pacemaker Theory: A programmed decline or cessation of many concepts occurs in the nervous and endocrine systems. b. Immunity Theory: A programmed accumulation of damage and decline of the immune systems’ function (immunosenescence) takes place due to oxidative stress. c. Wear-and-Tear Theory: After repeated use, damaged cells in the body structures wear out from the harmful effects of internal and external stressors, now known as free radicals. HESI Hint The concept of aging is shifting from viewing older adults as frail and dependent to being able to engage in healthy living. The majority of those aged 65 and older regard their health as good or excellent. The ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) is a more accurate measure of an older person’s age than chronologic age. 3. Developmental Theories: a. Erik Erikson’s Theory: Theory identifies 8 stages of developmental tasks throughout the life span; 8th stage is integrity versus despair b. Maslow’s Theory: Maslow’s hierarchy of needs ranks an individual’s needs from the most basic to the most complex. Maslow uses the terms physiologic, safety and security, belonging, self-esteem, and self-actualization needs to describe the process that generally motivates individuals to move through life. Physiologic Changes • Aging effects every cell in every organ of the body, but not at the same rate • Three physiologic changes are clinically significant in making older adults vulnerable to injury & disease: o Loss in compensatory reserve (making up for a loss in physiological compensation; vital signs) o Progressive loss in efficiency of the body to repair damaged tissue o Decreased functioning of the immune system processes • Diseases in older adults do not always present with classic signs and symptoms • Physiologic changes increase more rapidly with increasing age • Aging changes are influenced by genetic makeup & environment HESI Hint NCLEX-RN questions may ask about teaching and designing rehabilitation programs for older adults. The answers should contain information about exercise and nutrition.