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What are the main physiological changes that occur in older adults due to aging? How do
these changes affect their health and well-being?
- Some of the main physiological changes that occur in older adults due to aging are:
decreased muscle mass and strength, reduced bone density and increased risk of
fractures, decreased cardiac output and blood pressure, reduced lung capacity and
respiratory function, decreased renal function and urinary output, reduced gastrointestinal
motility and absorption, decreased immune response and increased susceptibility to
infections, impaired thermoregulation and increased sensitivity to heat and cold,
decreased sensory acuity and cognitive function, and hormonal changes that affect
metabolism, mood, and sexual function. These changes affect their health and well-being
by increasing the risk of chronic diseases, functional limitations, disability, frailty, falls,
injuries, pain, depression, isolation, and reduced quality of life.
What are some of the common geriatric syndromes that affect older adults? How can they be
prevented or managed?
- Some of the common geriatric syndromes that affect older adults are: delirium, dementia,
depression, urinary incontinence, falls, pressure ulcers, malnutrition, dehydration,
polypharmacy, and elder abuse. They can be prevented or managed by: identifying and
treating the underlying causes or contributing factors, providing appropriate
pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, educating and supporting the
patients and their caregivers, implementing multidisciplinary care plans and follow-up
strategies, and promoting healthy aging behaviors and practices.
What are some of the ethical issues that arise in the care of older adults? How can they be
resolved or addressed?
- Some of the ethical issues that arise in the care of older adults are: autonomy versus
beneficence, informed consent versus decision-making capacity, advance directives
versus surrogate decision-makers, quality of life versus quantity of life, palliative care
versus euthanasia or assisted suicide, resource allocation versus justice or equity. They
can be resolved or addressed by: respecting the values, preferences, and rights of the
older adults and their families, communicating effectively and empathetically with them,
involving them in shared decision-making processes, adhering to the principles of
beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy, justice, and fidelity, applying relevant laws,
policies, guidelines, and codes of ethics or conduct.
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