Journey Across the Life Span, 3rd Edition
Chapter 13
Late Adulthood
Journey Across the Life Span, 3rd Edition
Late Adulthood
 Late adulthood—65 and older
 Young old: 65-74
 Old: 75-90
 Very old: 90 and older
 Fastest growing segment of population
 Life expectancy
 Life span
Journey Across the Life Span, 3rd Edition
Aging
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Definitions
Aging
Senescence
Gerontology
Myths of aging
Journey Across the Life Span, 3rd Edition
Theories of Aging
 Biological theories
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Clockwork theory
Free-radical theory
Wear-and-tear theory
Immune system–failure
Autoimmune theory
Journey Across the Life Span, 3rd Edition
Theories of Aging (continued)
 Psychosocial theories
 Disengagement theory
 Activity theory
 Continuity-Developmental theory
 Natural remedies thought to delay aging
Journey Across the Life Span, 3rd Edition
Physical Characteristics
of Late Adulthood
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Height and weight
Musculoskeletal system
Cardiovascular system
Respiratory system
Journey Across the Life Span, 3rd Edition
Physical Characteristics (continued)
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Gastrointestinal system
Integumentary system
Sensory system
Genitourinary system
Endocrine system
Journey Across the Life Span, 3rd Edition
Homeostasis
 Homeostasis—a balance or equilibrium
between the internal and external
environment
 Thermoregulatory changes
 Cardiac reserve changes
 Visual changes
Journey Across the Life Span, 3rd Edition
Vital Signs
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Temperature
Pulse
Respirations
Blood pressure
Journey Across the Life Span, 3rd Edition
Developmental Milestones
 Motor development
 Sexual development
 Psychosocial development
 Erikson’s stage of ego integrity
 Reminiscence
Journey Across the Life Span, 3rd Edition
Aging Adjustments
 Ageism
 Adjusting to changes in:
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Body image
Family roles
Work and leisure
Sexuality
 The inevitability of death
Journey Across the Life Span, 3rd Edition
Cognitive Development
 Intelligence
 Learning
 Memory
 Long term
 Short term
Journey Across the Life Span, 3rd Edition
Moral Development
 Moral beliefs
 Spiritual needs
Journey Across the Life Span, 3rd Edition
Nutrition
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Nutritional needs
Weight maintenance
Eating patterns
Fluid needs
Malnutrition risks
Journey Across the Life Span, 3rd Edition
Sleep and Rest
 Need less sleep and more rest
 Measures to promote sleep
Journey Across the Life Span, 3rd Edition
Exercise and Leisure
 Maintain moderate physical activity
 Problems associated with inactivity
Journey Across the Life Span, 3rd Edition
Safety
 Physical changes resulting in accidents
 Auditory and visual changes
 Gait changes
 Neurological changes
 Fear causing social isolation
 Abuse
Journey Across the Life Span, 3rd Edition
Health Promotion
 Healthy lifestyle
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Exercise
Diet modification
Health screening and maintenance
Regular immunizations
Early diagnosis and treatment of health
problems
Journey Across the Life Span, 3rd Edition
Special Health Concerns
 Delirium
 Dementia
 Depression and suicide
Journey Across the Life Span, 3rd Edition
Regulatory Programs
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Social Security
Medicare
Medicaid
Rights of the elderly
 DNR
 Living Will
Journey Across the Life Span, 3rd Edition
Chapter Challenge
 Explain the term old
 List five normal age-related physical
changes
 Distinguish delirium from dementia