The Aging Body
The Aging Body
Integumentary System
Problems– Loss of elasticity – Loss of fatty tissue – Dry skin – Nails thick & tough – Hair- gray, lose
Prevention– Keep warm – Don't bathe daily – Use lotion – Watch for skin tears – Do not clip toenails – Good skin care
Musculoskeletal
Problems– Atrophy – Decrease strength – Brittle bones – Joint stiff & painful
Prevention– Ambulate – Diet high in calcium,
protein and vitamin
Nervous System—Visual
• Glaucoma-– increase pressure in eye – s/sx tunnel vision– halo around vision
• Cataracts– thickening of lens – blurring and dimming of lights
• Presbyopia– loss of vision - aging
• Stroke • Vessel changes in eyes
Warning signs of vision loss
• Loss of coordination • Squinting • Odd color combinations • Walking carefully • Sensitive to a glare/light • Can't see in dark
Nervous system Hearing- warning signs
• Speaks loud • Repeats self • Doesn't react to sound • Irritable around crowds • Confused • Can't hear high pitch sounds
Helping a pt. with hearing loss
• Speak clear and slow • Face resident • Turn off background sound • Check hearing aid
Nervous System Touch
• Impaired sensation • Watch for sharp objects • Check temperature • Position change frequently
Nervous system Taste and smell
Problems– Decrease appetite – c/o food tasteless – Unaware of body odor
Prevention– Use spices – Make food appealing – Encourage hygiene
Nervous System Touch
Problems– Decrease sensation
Interventions– Reposition frequently – Check temperatures – Check feet daily
Nervous System Brain
Problems– Decrease blood to brain – Loss of brain cells – Short memory – Slow to react – Confusion, dizziness – Fatigue – Short term memory loss – Good long term memory
Interventions– Maintain safety – Reorient pt.
Nervous System Sleep Patterns
Problems– Decrease sleep need– Loss of energy – Fatigue – Early bed early rise – Sleep periods shorter – Naps
Interventions– Rest breaks – Darken room – Make comfortable – Backrubs
Cardiovascular
Problems– Heart less efficient – Blood circulates with less
force-poor circulation – Can't tolerate stress,
activities – Decrease artery elasticity,
narrows – Heart has to work harder
Interventions– Rest breaks – Avoid overexertion – Moderate exercise
Respiratory
Problems– Resp. muscle weak – Lungs not as elastic – Decrease strength to
cough and clear airway – Dyspnea
Interventions– Don't cover chest with
heavy linens – Turn q 2 hours – Elevate HOB – Encourage activity – May need O2
GI system
Problems– Decrease in- • saliva & weak muscles • taste & smell
– Peristalsis – Loss of teeth – Dysphagia – Decrease calorie – Increase constipation
Interventions– High fiber diet – No spicy foods – Special diets – Supplements – Allow time to eat – Small, frequent meals
Urinary System
Problems– Decrease kidney fx. – Decrease blood supply
to kidney-shrinks – Concentrated urine – Bladder muscle weak – Bladder size decrease – Frequency/urgency – Incontinence – Nocturia
Interventions– Increase fluids – Stop drinking after 6pm – Bladder training – Catheters
Reproductive
Male– BPH- Benign prostate
hypertrophy – Decrease testosterone
Female– Menopause – Vulvitis – Vaginitis – Prolapsed uterus