NUTH 3102 Gerontological Nursing
Define Ageism
• systematic stereotyping of and discrimination against people because they are old, in the
way that racism and sexism discriminate against color and gender.
• Examples à older adults have memory problems or are unable to learn or process
information
Myths of aging and the truth about these:
1. people lose brain cells every day and eventually just run out
a. Most areas of the brain do not lose brain cells. Although you may lose some nerve
connections, it can be part of the reshaping of the brain that comes with
experience.
2. you cannot change your brain
a. The brain is constantly changing in response to experiences and learning, and it
retains this “plasticity” well into aging. Changing our way of thinking causes
corresponding changes in the brain systems involved; that is, your brain believes
what you tell it.the brain does not make new brain cells
3. The brain does not make new brain cells
a. Certain areas of the brain, including the hippocampus (where new memories are
created) and the olfactory bulb (scent-processing center), regularly generate new
brain cells
4. Memory decline is inevitable as we age
a. Many people reach old age and have no memory problems, participation in
physical exercises, stimulating mental activity, socialization, healthy diet, and
stress management helps maintain brain health. The incidence of dementia does
increase with age, but when there are changes in memory, older people eed to be
evaluate for possible causes and receive treatment.
5. There is no point in trying to teach older adults anything because “you cant teach an
old dog new tricks”
a. Basic intelligence remains unchanged with age, and older adults should be
provide with opportunities for continued
Examples of healthy (normal) aging versus unhealthy (abnormal) aging:
, • Healthy (Normal) Aging:
o Gradual decline in physical strength and endurance
o Mild cognitive changes, such as occasional forgetfulness
o Slower reaction times
o Slight decrease in sensory acuity (vision, hearing)
o Maintained independence in daily activities
o Active engagement in social and recreational activities
o Ability to adapt to and cope with life changes
• Unhealthy (Abnormal) Aging:
o Rapid or severe decline in physical function
o Significant cognitive impairment or dementia
o Chronic pain or disability
o Multiple comorbidities requiring extensive medical intervention
o Loss of independence in activities of daily living
o Social isolation or withdrawal
o Inability to manage self-care or medications
o Frequent hospitalizations or recurrent falls
o Malnutrition or significant unintended weight loss
o Severe depression or other mental health disorders
-Top three causes of non-traumatic death in people over 65
1) heart disease
2) cancer
3) stroke
Activities of Daily Living (ADL) versus Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL)
• ADL’s à bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, continence, transfer or mobility, feeding
• IADLS (instrumental activities of daily living) à making meals, shopping, cleaning,
managing finances, using telephone, traveling outside of walking distances, self
medication administration, food prep
Gerontological Nursing Competencies
• Person-Centered Care: Tailoring care to individual needs, preferences, and values of
older adults.
Define Ageism
• systematic stereotyping of and discrimination against people because they are old, in the
way that racism and sexism discriminate against color and gender.
• Examples à older adults have memory problems or are unable to learn or process
information
Myths of aging and the truth about these:
1. people lose brain cells every day and eventually just run out
a. Most areas of the brain do not lose brain cells. Although you may lose some nerve
connections, it can be part of the reshaping of the brain that comes with
experience.
2. you cannot change your brain
a. The brain is constantly changing in response to experiences and learning, and it
retains this “plasticity” well into aging. Changing our way of thinking causes
corresponding changes in the brain systems involved; that is, your brain believes
what you tell it.the brain does not make new brain cells
3. The brain does not make new brain cells
a. Certain areas of the brain, including the hippocampus (where new memories are
created) and the olfactory bulb (scent-processing center), regularly generate new
brain cells
4. Memory decline is inevitable as we age
a. Many people reach old age and have no memory problems, participation in
physical exercises, stimulating mental activity, socialization, healthy diet, and
stress management helps maintain brain health. The incidence of dementia does
increase with age, but when there are changes in memory, older people eed to be
evaluate for possible causes and receive treatment.
5. There is no point in trying to teach older adults anything because “you cant teach an
old dog new tricks”
a. Basic intelligence remains unchanged with age, and older adults should be
provide with opportunities for continued
Examples of healthy (normal) aging versus unhealthy (abnormal) aging:
, • Healthy (Normal) Aging:
o Gradual decline in physical strength and endurance
o Mild cognitive changes, such as occasional forgetfulness
o Slower reaction times
o Slight decrease in sensory acuity (vision, hearing)
o Maintained independence in daily activities
o Active engagement in social and recreational activities
o Ability to adapt to and cope with life changes
• Unhealthy (Abnormal) Aging:
o Rapid or severe decline in physical function
o Significant cognitive impairment or dementia
o Chronic pain or disability
o Multiple comorbidities requiring extensive medical intervention
o Loss of independence in activities of daily living
o Social isolation or withdrawal
o Inability to manage self-care or medications
o Frequent hospitalizations or recurrent falls
o Malnutrition or significant unintended weight loss
o Severe depression or other mental health disorders
-Top three causes of non-traumatic death in people over 65
1) heart disease
2) cancer
3) stroke
Activities of Daily Living (ADL) versus Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL)
• ADL’s à bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, continence, transfer or mobility, feeding
• IADLS (instrumental activities of daily living) à making meals, shopping, cleaning,
managing finances, using telephone, traveling outside of walking distances, self
medication administration, food prep
Gerontological Nursing Competencies
• Person-Centered Care: Tailoring care to individual needs, preferences, and values of
older adults.
