Gerontological Nursing Exam 1

Gerontological Nursing Exam 1 Who are the fastest growing segment of the population - ANS-Older adults In 2010 the 65+ population reached how big - ANS-41.4 million (18% increase) Has grown steadily since the 1900s What fraction of people in the US are older adults - ANS-1 in 8 people (12.6%) Reasons why people are living longer - ANS-Influx of immigrants before WWI Improvements in healthcare What improvements in healthcare are causing people to live longer - ANS-Decreased infant/child mortality rate Improved sanitation practices Widespread use of vaccinations and immunizations Widespread use of antibiotics What % increase in the number of minorities is expected to occur by 2020 - ANS-50% -Older racial and ethnic minorities have lower health status and receive fewer services Biological theories on aging - ANS-Error Theory Free Radical theory Cross-linkage theory Wear-and-tear theory Programmed theory Immunity theory Error theory on aging - ANS-*Biological theory* -Based on the idea that errors can occur in the transcription of the synthesis of DNA -These errors eventually lead to systems that do not function at optimal level Free Radical theory on aging - ANS-*Biological theory* -Free radicals are byproducts of metabolism -The accumulation of the free radicals damage the cell membrane which decreases its efficiency Body produces antioxidants to get rid of these radicals Cross-Linkage theory on aging - ANS-*Biological theory* -With age, some proteins in the body become cross-linked -Doesn't allow for normal metabolic processes -Waste products accumulate in cells and results in tissues not functioning correctly Wear and tear theory on aging - ANS-*Biological theory* -Aging is the result of continuous use of the body over time Continues...