Aging

Question 1

theories of aging

Answer 1

1. biological: cellular level
   - progeria = premature aging syndromes
2. developmental/genetic threat: aging is genetically programed, lifespan determined by the genes you inherit
3. evolutionary theory: genetic errors/accidents over time lead to aging

Question 2

integrated model of aging

Answer 2

assumes aging is a complex, multifactorial phenomenon
aging is not adequately explained by any single theory
theories focus on function
“functioning” = bodily functions, activités, and participation

Question 3

muscular system changes

Answer 3

• loss of muscle strength
• loss of power
• atrophy (loss of muscle mass)
• changes in muscle fiber composition
• changes in muscular endurance

clinical implications: slower movements, more fatigue, stiffness, loss of ROM
*increased risk of muscle sprains, strains, tendon tears, contractures, falls

Question 4

strategies to help muscular system changes

Answer 4

• improve nutrition
• increase physical activity (warm up, cool down, stretching) higher intensity programs quicker results
• flexibility, ROM exercises

Question 5

skeletal system changes

Answer 5

• cartilage degeneration
• loss of bone mass and density
• flattened discs
• postural changes
  prolonged sitting –> contractures

do weight bearing exercises to help with bones

Question 6

neurological system changes

Answer 6

• atrophy of nerve cells, loss of cerebral mass/brain weight, decreased blood flow and transmission of synapses
• age related tremors
• slow reaction time, decreased coordination
• learning and memory

Question 7

sensory changes

Answer 7

• loss of function of the senses
• may lead to sensory deprivation, isolation, disorientation, confusion
• alters quality of life, decreased functional mobility
• decrease in all vision and visual motor responses
• hearing loss, decreased taste and smell

Question 8

low vision

Answer 8

visual impairment that standard lenses cannot correct
- have some usable vision, but difficult to perform daily activities
- age related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy (can lead to total blindness), glaucoma, cataracts

Question 9

vestibular system changes

Answer 9

• diminished acuity, delayed reaction times
• decreased balance and postural response
  *increase risk of falls
• vertigo, Meniere’s disease

Question 10

somatosensory changes

Answer 10

• decreased touch sensitivity
• proprioceptive loses
• cutaneous pain thresholds increase
• decreased sweat production - decreased temperature regulation and homeostasis

strategies: extra time for responses, use touch to communicate, textured grips for kitchen supplies

Question 11

cognitive changes

Answer 11

no uniform decline in intellectual disabilities throughout adulthood

decreases in perceptual speed, numeric and verbal abilities, memory, learning

increase mental activity, use it or lose it, chess, crossword puzzles, book discussions, enriching environments

Question 12

strategies to slow age related changes in cardiopulmonary systems

Answer 12

complete an assessment prior to commencing an exercise program - essential in older adults due to the high incidence of pathologies
select an appropriate graded exercise testing protocol
aerobic training

Question 13

other system changes with aging

Answer 13

• cardiopulmonary (more from inactivity than aging), high BP, resting HR unchanged
• GI reduced motility, decreased digestive enzymes
• renal and bladder, decreased filtration, incontinence common, increase UTIs

Question 14

nutrition and older adults

Answer 14

• problems linked to health status and poverty
• dehydration is common
• often nutrient deficient
• increase use of alcohol or taste enhancers (salt, sugar)
• medications influence nutritional intake

Question 15

elder abuse types

Answer 15

1. domestic
2. institutional
3. self-neglect

physical, sexual, emotional/psychological, neglect, financial/material exploitation

OT: mandatory reporter

Question 16

psychological theories

Answer 16

• lifespan development: development is both biologically and socially constituted
• selective optimization with compensation: adaptation
• socioeconomic selectivity: choose who you interact with
• cognition and aging: fluid intelligence (learning/mem) decline, and crystallized abilities (society/culture influence on knowledge) are more stable/increase with age

Question 17

Presbycusis

Answer 17

age-related sensorineural loss that results in decreased hearing. Speaking directly, clearly, and slowly can help assure the older adult hears instruction