Aging Diseases
Bronchitis
Condition in which bronchioles become inflamed
When bones become weak and brittle
Osteoporosis
Alzheimer's disease
Form of dimentia that causes progressive changes in brain cells
Myth: Anyone over a certain set age, such as 65, is "old."
Fact: Old is determined less by the number of years lived and more by how an individual thinks, feels, and behaves.
Thrombus
A blood clot
Arthritis
Inflammation of the joints
Urination at night
Nocturia
Loss of autonomy
Loss of self-governance or the ability to make decisions for oneself
Myth: Elderly people are incompetent and incapable of making decisions or handling their own affairs.
Fact: Even though some experience confusion and disorientation, the majority of elderly individuals remain mentally competent until they die.
Spiritual
Beliefs or practices of an individual
Cataracts
When the normally transparent lens of the eye becomes cloudy or opaque
The inability to control urination
Incontinence
Dimentia
AKA brain syndrome, loss of mental ability characterized by a decrease in intellectual ability, loss of memory, impaired judgement, personality change, and disorientation
Myth: Most elderly individuals are cared for in institutions or long-term care facilities
Fact: Only approximately 5 percent of the elderly population lives in long-term care facilities.
Disability
A physical or mental handicap that impacts
Dysphagia
Difficulty swallowing
Condition in which the intracular pressure of the eye increases and causes problems with vision
Glaucoma
Cerebrovascular accident
A stroke
Myth: Older people are unhappy and lonely.
Fact: Studies have shown that most elderly individuals live with someone and/or associate frequently with friends or family members.
Atherosclerosis
A condition in which blood vessels become narrow deposits of fat and minerals like calcium
Senile lentigines
Hyperpigmented macules of skin that occur in irregular shapes
Condition in which alveoli lose their elasticity
Emphysema
Transient ischemic attacks
Minisrtrokes, or short periods of diminished blood flow to the brain
Myth: Elderly individuals do not want to workâthat is, the goal of the elderly is to retire and, prior to retirement, they lose interest in work.
Fact: Many individuals remain employed and productive into their 70s and even 80s. Studies have shown that the older employee has good attendance, performs efficiently, readily learns new skills, and shows job satisfaction.
Atherosclerosis
A condition in which blood vessels become narrow deposits of fat and minerals like calcium