Biological Changes Of Aging Essay
Introduction Aging is an inevitable and natural part of life. Having to deal with a multitude of different patients, nurses should understand that each age group will have different needs that must be fulfilled. For example, one would require a different mindset working with a geriatric population versus the pediatric population. It is important to know about the natural changes that come with aging, and how it can affect a person socially, physically, and cognitively.
Developmental Tasks and Psychosocial Changes The way that people adjust to aging is very specific to the individual. There are many new changes that each person will have to cope with while aging into an older adult. Some of these changes include adjusting to decreasing …show more content…
There are specific physiological changes that affect each system of the body, from the physically noticeable integumentary system, to the unseen changes in respiratory system. Age-related changes in the cardiovascular system have affected Mr. Calderone. These age-related changes predisposition an older person to the development of dysrhythmias and other cardiac problems (Upchurch, Henry, Pine, and Rickles, 2014, pp. 342). Many cardiovascular problems are caused by increased arteriosclerosis (Upchurch, 2014, pp. 342). Some of these problems include peripheral vascular disease, edema, and coronary artery diseases like heart failure and myocardial infarctions, which is what Mr. Calderone suffered from (Upchurch, 2014, pp. 342). As for the cognitive aspect of aging, there are misconceptions and myths that should be addressed. For example, forgetfulness as an expected consequence of aging is a myth (Potter, 2013, pp. 178). Common conditions that affect cognition include delirium, dementia, and depression (Potter, 2013, pp. 179). Delirium is sudden and abrupt, dementia is slow and often unrecognized, and depression happens with major life changes, and can be either abrupt or gradual (Potter, 2013, pp. 179). Mr. Calderone could begin to suffer from depression if he begins to sense increased feelings of
Developmental Tasks and Psychosocial Changes The way that people adjust to aging is very specific to the individual. There are many new changes that each person will have to cope with while aging into an older adult. Some of these changes include adjusting to decreasing …show more content…
There are specific physiological changes that affect each system of the body, from the physically noticeable integumentary system, to the unseen changes in respiratory system. Age-related changes in the cardiovascular system have affected Mr. Calderone. These age-related changes predisposition an older person to the development of dysrhythmias and other cardiac problems (Upchurch, Henry, Pine, and Rickles, 2014, pp. 342). Many cardiovascular problems are caused by increased arteriosclerosis (Upchurch, 2014, pp. 342). Some of these problems include peripheral vascular disease, edema, and coronary artery diseases like heart failure and myocardial infarctions, which is what Mr. Calderone suffered from (Upchurch, 2014, pp. 342). As for the cognitive aspect of aging, there are misconceptions and myths that should be addressed. For example, forgetfulness as an expected consequence of aging is a myth (Potter, 2013, pp. 178). Common conditions that affect cognition include delirium, dementia, and depression (Potter, 2013, pp. 179). Delirium is sudden and abrupt, dementia is slow and often unrecognized, and depression happens with major life changes, and can be either abrupt or gradual (Potter, 2013, pp. 179). Mr. Calderone could begin to suffer from depression if he begins to sense increased feelings of