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Hey! Gerontology Happens

Hey! Gerontology Happens. A guide for better understanding the challenges faced by older adults. Old age is not a disease. Fact or fiction?. Old people are all alike. Fact: There is more variability among elders than any other segment of the population!. Fact or fiction?.

kenyon-anderson
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Hey! Gerontology Happens

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  1. Hey!Gerontology Happens A guide for better understanding the challenges faced by older adults

  2. Old age is not a disease

  3. Fact or fiction? • Old people are all alike.

  4. Fact: There is more variability among elders than any other segment of the population!

  5. Fact or fiction? • Aging makes elderly people demanding and irritable.

  6. Fact: Great changes in personality do not normally result from aging.

  7. Fact or fiction? • Most elderly people are confused or disoriented

  8. Fact: Confusion or disorientation affects only a small number of elderly people.

  9. Fact or fiction ? • Elderly people aren’t interested in sex. Fact: At ages 60+ about 50% are sexually active.

  10. Fact or fiction ? Retired people “have it made”.

  11. Fact: old age is a time of great loss for many elders. • the loss of loved ones • the loss of health • the loss of physical appearance and strength • the loss of value to society

  12. Changes that may be associated with normal aging... • Bone • Heart • Nervous system • Eyes and ears • Nose and tongue • Muscle • Skin • General

  13. Changes in vision • Lens thicken • Lens less elastic • Blurred or dim • Yellowing • Impaired night vision • Cataract

  14. Changes in hearing • Lifetime of noise • Social isolation • Family frustration • Misjudged as senile

  15. Sensitivity to medications

  16. Depression • Grief • Fear • Loss of independence • Limitation of physical senses • Loss of role

  17. Tips for visiting a person with special needs... • Hearing impaired: • Speak more clearly, not louder. • Maintain good eye contact • Sit so that person can see your lips • Watch facial expressions to make sure you’re understood

  18. Tips for visiting a person with special needs... • Unable to speak or understand well (often due to stroke) • Give the person plenty of time to speak • Ask questions that can be answered with • “yes” or “no” • Use gestures or point to objects • Don’t talk about the person to others in front • of them

  19. Tips for visiting a person with special needs... • Blind • Use vivid descriptions • Offer to read newspapers, mail, etc. • Encourage the person to use other senses...hearing, touch, smell.

  20. Share a caring touch • Shake hands (don’t squeeze hard). • After asking and receiving permission, hug when you greet each other and at the end of your visit • Place your hand gently on the person’s arm or shoulder while you are speaking.

  21. Facts about older Americans • Life expectancy • 1900 47.3 yrs • 1950 68.2 yrs • 1997 76.5 yrs There are currently estimated to be 50,000 to 75,000 Americans who are over 100 years old!

  22. 1998 Life Expectancy All Black White • All 76.7 yrs. 71.3 yrs. 77.3 yrs. • Men 73.8 yrs. 67.6 yrs. 74.5 yrs. • Women 79.5 yrs. 74.8 yrs. 80.0 yrs.

  23. Facts about older Americans 80% of older adults who need long-term care in our country receive that care not in nursing homes but rather in their own homes or in community settings from informal caregivers (family or friends).

  24. May you live to experience a healthy and active old age!

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