The Characteristics of the Aging Process

The Characteristics of the Aging Process

Aging involves changes in the physiological, psychological, behavioral, biological, and social processes. The age-related changes are associated with a decline in a person’s sense, activities of daily living and an increase in the likelihood of disease and disabilities. Advancing age is known as a significant risk factor for chronic disease. The expected changes in the cardiovascular system due to aging include the stiffening and the hardening of the blood vessels. The bones of an aging person are likely to become weak, and the muscles will lose their strength (Tieland et al., 2018). Also, there are chances that the bladder will lose its elasticity and will eventually become weak. The brain undergoes various changes that are likely to have minor or major effects on memory and thinking skills. There are chances that a person will develop hearing and eyesight problems. This is where a person realizes that their hearing and eyesight are diminishing. The skin will become thin, and slowly, it will lose its elasticity. The fatty tissues below the skin will begin decreasing, causing bruising.

The characteristics of aging are associated with high chances of abuse. Elderly individuals who have become victims of dementia due to aging are likely to experience some form of abuse (Tchkonia & Kirkland, 2018). It may be neglect, physical abuse, psychological, emotional, financial, and abandonment. Older adults living with dementia are always at risk of experiencing financial abuse and all sorts of exploitation. This commonly happens because of their gradual loss of the ability and capacity to manage financial affairs. Financial abuse among dementia older adults is perpetrated by close family members, friends, and the people authorized to manage their finances. When the bladder loses its elasticity, and the aging person wets themselves, there are chances that the caretaker will get tired and start the abuse. At times the caregiver may get tired of changing the older adult, and the more time they train them, they might get abusive.

When assessing an aging person, it is always recommended that the nurse remain mindful of the aging process. Most aging individuals will consistently have decreased elasticity and experience dryness on their skin (Green, 2018). The nurse should focus on determining the causes of dry skin. The dryness is caused by water loss, and the skin is likely to crack, resulting in itching and bleeding. Examining the hair is also among the considerations when a nurse is assessing an elderly or middle-aged adult. Both may have grey hair at times, which a decrease in melanin production might cause. Also, the hair may change its color due to a particular lifestyle.

References

Green, S. (2018). Health Assessment: Foundations for Effective Practice. Lc.gcumedia.com. Retrieved 18 January 2022, from https://lc.gcumedia.com/nrs434vn/health-assessment- foundations-for-effective-practice/v1.1/#/chapter/5.

Tchkonia, T., & Kirkland, J. L. (2018). Aging, cell senescence, and chronic disease: emerging therapeutic strategies. Jama, 320(13), 1319-1320.

Tieland, M., Trouwborst, I., & Clark, B. C. (2018). Skeletal muscle performance and aging. Journal of cachexia, sarcopenia and muscle, 9(1), 3-19.

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Discussion post

Describe the characteristics of the aging process. Explain how some of the characteristics may lead to elder abuse (memory issues, vulnerability, etc.).

Discuss the types of considerations a nurse must be mindful of while performing a health assessment on a geriatric patient as compared to a middle-aged adult.