Caring for the Elderly

Introduction

• Aging population in the U.S.
  • Increasing elderly, decreasing children
  • Proportion of Americans 65+ tripled in last 100 years
  • Life expectancy disparities by gender and race

Health Challenges in Elderly

• Leading Causes of Death
  • Heart disease
  • COPD
  • Stroke/Vascular issues
  • Alzheimer's disease
  • Malignant neoplasms (cancers)

WHO Definition of Health

• State of complete physical, mental, and social well-being
• Changes in elderly population

Overall Wellness in Elderly

• Holistic approach: physical, spiritual, mental, emotional
• Emotional health: Satisfaction with life stage
• Influences: Erickson's stages of development, financial health, social support

Physiologic Changes

• Decrease in Physiologic Reserve
  • Cardiovascular and respiratory systems
  • Skin: thinner, reduced elasticity
  • Musculoskeletal: decreased muscle mass
  • Genitourinary: less effective kidney function, common BPH in men
  • GI tract: decreased sense of thirst, taste
  • Nervous system: less responsive, homeostasis issues
  • Reproductive system: Decline in sexual activity

Nutrition

• Fewer calories, more nutrient-rich diet required
• Challenges: financial, physical limitations

Sleep and Aging

• Affected by conditions like respiratory issues, nocturia, pain
• Poor sleep leads to cognitive decline, fall risk

Special Considerations

• Handle with care: fragile, medication tolerance
• Risks: respiratory depression, skin breakdown
• Sudden confusion: UTI, hypoxia, electrolyte imbalance

Supporting Elderly Patients

• Cognitive Support
  • Medication, puzzles, volunteering
• Home and Community Care
  • Home health services, transportation
• Promote Safety
  • Maximize independence, balance activity and rest
• Communication Improvement
  • With healthcare providers and family
• Socialization and Relationships
  • Combat loneliness, improve mental and physical health

Conclusion

• Importance of maintaining cognitive, physical, and social health in elderly.