Nursing Care for the Elderly

This process is related to:

Factors Avoiding Premature Aging

·        Attention to healthcare at all stages of life.

·        Following healthy habits and performing physical activity appropriate for age].

·        Eating a balanced and integrated diet].

·        Avoiding problems and pressures that affect the psychological and social state.

·        Contribution and participation in social and recreational activities.

General Natural Changes

General Body Stature

·        Curvature of the back and inward abdomen and chest.

·        Weight loss, loss of balance, and bones become fragile, prone to fractures, with joint stiffness.

General Changes

·        Slow wound healing process.

·        Slow cell growth.

·        Severe dryness.

·        Decreased cellular water retention.

Natural Changes

1.     Skin: The skin becomes thin, wrinkled, and dry due to the loss of elastic adipose tissue under the skin and the lack of sweat gland secretions due to atrophy.

2.     Sense of Sight: Tear secretion decreases, which may expose the elderly to eye infections.

3.     Sense of Hearing: Hearing loss occurs slowly due to nerve degeneration.

4.     Sense of Taste and Smell: Lack of saliva secretions, as well as the absence of teeth or poorly fitted dentures, also hinder the sense of taste.

Changes in the Cardiovascular System

·        Decreased heart efficiency.

·        Changes in arterial elasticity and fat deposition on the walls lead to high blood pressure.

Changes in the Respiratory System

·        The volume and depth of breathing decrease, leading to the elderly's reluctance to perform physical activity for long periods due to feeling tired quickly

·        Mucus decreases, increases in density, and is difficult to expel.

Natural Changes in the Musculoskeletal System

·        Muscle flexibility decreases, and muscle weakness and atrophy are common in the elderly

·        Calcium deficiency occurs in bones due to the imbalance between intake and output in the body

Natural Changes in the Digestive System

·        Mouth and Teeth: Jaw bone resorption occurs, leading to tooth loosening and

·        Saliva secretions decrease, becoming thicker, and dry mouth and tongue occur, which helps in the appearance of unpleasant mouth odors.

·         

·        Pharynx and Esophagus: Weakness in muscle movement and strength hinders swallowing, and food enters with difficulty.

·        Stomach and Intestines: Decreased flexibility of stomach muscles leads to slow digestion and constipation

- Digestive enzymes and gastric juices decrease, reducing the absorption of iron, calcium, and Vitamin B12, leading to indigestion

Natural Changes in the Urinary System

·        Kidney response to disposing of salts decreases, and the chances of stone formation increase.

·        Increased number of times of urination at night.

·        Bladder volume and capacity decrease, and its muscles weaken; urine amount is about 250 cm³.

·        For elderly men, prostate enlargement and atrophy occur, which may hinder urine flow from the ureters and lead to difficulty and interruption in urine flow, potentially reaching urinary retention.