NURSING NR 226Fundamentals exam 2Fundamentals exam 2 pp notes Chap 14 Older adult

Fundamentals exam 2 pp notes Chap 14 Older adult Chap 14 Older adult • People who are 65 years old are in the lower boundary for “old age” in demographics and social policy within the United States. However, many older adults consider themselves to be “middle-age” well into their seventh decade. • Chronological age often has little relation to the reality of aging for an older adult. Each person ages in his or her own way. Every older adult is unique, and as a nurse you need to approach each as an individual. • America is aging. The number of older adults in the United States is growing, both absolutely and as a proportion of the total population. • There has been a 21% increase in the older adult population since 2002. Part of this increase is caused by the increase of the average life span. The aging of the baby-boom generation and the growth of the population segment older than 85 years contribute to the projected increase in the number of older adults. • When caring for this group of patients, nurses must consider cultural, ethnic, and racial diversity. • The challenge is to gain new knowledge and skills to provide culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate care. • [Ask students: Do you believe longer life span, better medicine, better treatments, better diagnostic testing, and aging baby boomers makes it easier to treat older adults? Discuss.] Variability Among Older Adults • Most older adults are active and involved members of their communities. A smaller number have lost the ability to care for themselves, are confused or withdrawn, and/or are unable to make decisions concerning their needs. Most older adults live in noninstitutional settings. However, a smaller number have lost the ability to care for themselves. • Aging does not inevitably lead to disability and dependence. Most older people remain functionally independent despite the increasing prevalence of chronic disease. • Nursing assessment provides valuable cl