3 Working with the Elderly
Introduction
This module is devoted to learning about the special needs facing elderly patients. We will begin by looking at social factors that change as people age and societal attitudes about the aging process. We will then explore all the different body systems and look at how the body and mind changes as a person ages throughout the lifespan. Finally, we will look at special diseases such as cerebrovascular accidents (stroke), Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases and then discuss how to work with people who suffer from these disorders.
What is Aging?
Aging and the Individual
Aging is a normal physical and psychological process that all humans go through as they move throughout the lifespan. It includes all the changes which occur over the course of a person’s life (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Institute, 2011). Lifespan means the length of time that a person or living thing can be expected to live (Oregon Department of Human Services, 2012). As people age, or get older, there are many changes that occur within their bodies (physical changes) and within their minds and behavior (psychological changes). These changes are known as human growth and development (Leahy, Fuzy & Grafe, 2013).
While all humans go through the same stages of development as they age, no two humans will have the same exact experience of development. People vary greatly in the rate and extent which their body ages (Mauk, 2008). Everyone has different experiences as they move throughout the lifespan. Psychological, environmental and social factors such as stress and financial situations impact the pattern of people’s development. Biology or genetics (a person’s genes) also has a strong influence on how people develop and the physical changes that will occur. Diseases such as heart disease, infections, strokes, and the use of substances such as alcohol and drugs all affect physical changes that occur in the human body.
Each person will have different experiences of development throughout their lifespan, which result in development being a unique and highly individualized process for each person. It is important to understand the general physical and psychological changes and stages of development that humans go through. And, it is even more important to understand that no two people will go through these stages in exactly the same way. Keep in mind that each person is a unique individual.
Self-Check Activity M3-1
True or False?
1. All people have the same experience of development as they age. True or False. _________
2. Physical changes are those that occur within the body. True or False. _________
3. Psychological changes are those that occur within the mind and can include behavioral changes. True or False. _________
Social Factors and Aging
As people develop and change through the lifespan, there are many social factors that affect their development. Social factors include family structu