Population Trends
What age generally defines an older adult in the U.S.?
65 years old
What medical specialty studies the aging process?
Gerontology
Approximately what percentage of older adults have at least one chronic disease?
Approximately 80%
What does "aging in place" mean?
Remaining safely and independently in one's own home while maintaining quality of life.
What philosophy of care supports patients and families through the dying process?
Hospice
What is the term for the probable number of years a person will live, based on birth and mortality statistics?
Life expectancy
What medical specialty focuses on caring for older adults?
Geriatrics
Which communicable disease risk increases because of decreased immunity in older adults?
Older adults are more susceptible to communicable diseases such as influenza, pneumonia, shingles, HIV, and hepatitis C.
What federal program supports residential communities with transportation, assessments, and community services for older adults?
NORC (Naturally Occurring Retirement Community)
What type of care focuses on improving quality of life while relieving suffering?
Palliative care
What is the difference between chronological age and biological age?
Chronological age is the number of years lived; biological age reflects physiological aging.
Name three of the "10 Keys to Healthy Aging."
What two vaccines are routinely recommended beginning around age 65?
Pneumococcal vaccine and shingles vaccine
What type of retirement community provides care from independent living through skilled nursing?
Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)
Name two characteristics of a "good death" discussed in the chapter.
What is the aged dependency ratio?
The number of adults age 65 and older per 100 people aged 15–64.
Which psychosocial theory suggests remaining active leads to optimal aging?
Activity Theory
What is the difference between pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic alcohol interactions?
Pharmacokinetic—alcohol interferes with medication metabolism.
Pharmacodynamic—alcohol enhances medication effects.
Which agency helps protect older adults from abuse, neglect, and exploitation?
Adult Protective Services (APS)
What is life closure?
A process in which older adults review their lives, find meaning, and prepare emotionally and spiritually for death.
By 2050, approximately how many Americans will be 65 years or older?
About 83.3 million.
Which home-based program uses a nurse, occupational therapist, and handyman to help older adults remain independent?
CAPABLE (Community Aging in Place—Advancing Better Living for Elders)
Name three components of chronic disease self-management.
Name four forms of elder maltreatment.
Physical abuse
Sexual abuse
Psychological/emotional abuse
Neglect
Abandonment
Financial exploitation
According to the chapter, what are two major challenges experienced by family caregivers?