This document discusses common age-related physical and psychological changes, the responsibilities of nurses in caring for the elderly, and principles of geriatric care. Physically, aging is associated with decreases in skin elasticity, organ function, mobility, and sensory abilities. Psychologically, personality, memory, intelligence and sexuality can be impacted. Nurses should assess health, promote nutrition/exercise, provide preventive care and psychological support. Principles of care include considering individual needs, maintaining independence, comfort and hygiene, and ensuring annual physical exams. The goal of geriatric care is to maintain health, detect early disease, and prevent deterioration.

1. OLD AGE PROBLEMS

3. COMMON AGEING CHANGES
• The changes in ageing may be classified into
• 1 Physical changes
• 2 Psychological changes
• PHYSICAL CHANGES
1 Integumentary system
*Decrease in elasticity of skin and dryness appear
*Atrophy of reproductive organs in females
2 Gastro-intestinal system

4. contd
* Less secretion of saliva and gastric juice
* Complains of constipation
• Musculo-skeletal system
* Height reduces
* Kyphosis ,swelling in joints
* Mobility decreases, if proper exercise is not done
• Endocrine system
* Thyriod gland becomes less active
* Alertness decreases
* Less secretion of insulin by pancreas

5. contd
• Neurological system
* Sensitivity become less/reaction is delayed
*Changes in sleeping habits
• Sensory system
* Eyes becomes weak
* Hearing capacity decreases
• Immune system
* Ability to prevent diseases or resistance power decreases

6. Psychological changes
• Personality
* Due to death of life partner, decreased or end of self –
dependence, loss of source of income, in capacity, etc.
Memory
* Decreases with increasing age
Intelligence
*Because of old age person neither becomes more intelligent, nor
less intelligent.
Sexuality
* Attachment ,warmth, intimacy and emotions are more
important than physical act.

7. RESPONSIBLITIES OF NURSE IN AGEING
• To improve the life of old people
• 1 Health assessment - of physical, mental, social and economic
resources
* Daily activities of living
* Health screening –ability to see, hear, dental problems blood
pressure
* In laboratory tests blood examination urine analysis , cholesterol,
blood sugar, thyroid etc.
• 2 Arrenging/promoting good nutrition

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*Protected from malnutrition and deficiencies by giving balanced diet
• 3 Promoting activities and exercise – Stiffness of joint, arthritis, lac of
energy ,low blood pressure .
• 4 PREVENTIVE CARE OF ELDERLY –PROTECTION FROM
* Unhealthy environment and mental tensions
* Physical, mental injuries, threats and fatigue.
* Providing rehabilitation services.
• 5 Providing psychological support
* The nurse should play important role in reducing loneliness, neglect, sense
of uselessness or being a burden.

9. PRINCIPLES
• 1 CONSIDER INDIVIDUALITY
• Be patient, kind, sympathetic. Communicate effectively
• Encourage independence and encourage him to make his /her choice
-s and decisions.
• Provide diversional /occupational therapy, share your word with the
elderly.
• Maintain privacy
• Handle them gently
• Make them comfortable by providing comfortable bed, linen, etc
keep bed dry , smooth and unwrinkled

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• Encourage them to maintain body hygiene, dust regulate body
temperature. Assist them to protect themselves in charming weather.
• Ensure adequate nutrition
• Encourage them to do active range of motion exercise. . Maintain
body alignment and posture.
• Have them physically examined annually and whenever needed.
• Observe any physical changes which alter their body image and
behaviour.

11. GERIATRIC CARE
Geriatric care refers to care of elderly when he or she is not well.
Geriatric is the branch of health science concerned with the study and
treatment of problems and diseases associated with ageing.
objectives
1 Maintenance of health function
2 Detection of disease at early stage
3Prevention of deterioration of any exiting problem.