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