Nursing Medical Surgical Topic

1. HEALTH PROBLEMS OF
ELDERLY

2. INTRODUCTION
•India can be called as “an aging nation” with 8.3% of its
population being more than 60 years old.
•With the declined mortality rate and increased life
expectancy, a significant part of demographic change is the
gradual increase in the number of elderly persons.
•Among the elderly are growing at a fast pace and these
people are usually weaker, insecure, more frail, dependent
and suffer more often from age-related diseases.
•The increasing life span and poor health care add to the
degree of disability among the elderly people and
compound the problems of care giving.

3. 1- NERVOUS SYSTEM
The structure and function of the nervous system change with
advanced age.
The loss of nerve cells contributes to a progressive loss of
brain mass, and the synthesis and metabolism of the major
neurotransmitters are also reduced.
Common Problems related to nervous system are:
Sleep Disorders (Insomnia)
Delirium
Cognition Impairment (Dementia)
Depression

4. 2- RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
Age-related changes in the respiratory system affect lung
capacity and function and include
Fatigue and breathlessness with sustained activity
Difficulty coughing up secretions
Decrease in vital capacity
Respiratory Disease (COPD, Pneumonia, Respiratory
Infections )

5. 3- SPECIAL SENSES
Sensory losses with old age affect all sensory organs and
can be devastating to the person who cannot see to read
or watch television, hear conversation well enough to
communicate, or discriminate taste well enough to enjoy
food.
The common problems are:
Vision and Hearing Problems
Decreased ability to Taste and smell:

6. 4- GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM
•The older adult is at increased risk for impaired
nutrition.
•Periodontal disease leading to tooth decay and
loss of teeth is common.
•Salivary flow diminishes, and the older person
may experience a dry mouth.
•Major complaints often center on:
•Oral Decay , dry mouth , complaints of fullness,
heartburn, indigestion; constipation,
flatulence, Abdominal discomfort

7. 5- CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the aged.
The heart valves become thicker and stiffer, and the heart muscle and
arteries lose their elasticity.
Calcium and fat deposits accumulate within arterial walls, and veins
become increasingly tortuous.
The common problems related to cardiovascular system are
Increased blood pressure
Over-fatigue,
Shortness of breath
Heart disease (CCF,MI)

8. 6- MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM
A gradual, progressive decrease in bone mass begins before
the age of 40 years.
Excessive loss of bone density results in osteoporosis, which
affects both older men and women but is most prevalent in
postmenopausal women.
It is also seen in older men who are receiving hormone
treatments for prostate cancer.
The muscles diminish in size and lose strength, flexibility, and
endurance with decreased activity and advanced age.
Common problems related to musculoskeletal system are:
1- Osteoporosis 2- Arthritis 3- Gait disorders/falls 4- Joint

9. 7- GENITOURINARY SYSTEM
The genitourinary system continues to function
adequately in older people, although there is a decrease
in kidney mass, primarily because of a loss of nephrons
Changes in kidney function include a decreased filtration
rate, diminished tubular function with less efficiency in
resorbing and concentrating the urine, and a slower
restoration of acid–base balance in response to stress.
Major problems related to genitourinary system are:-
Urinary retention
Urinary Incontinence
Male: Benign prostatic hyperplasia
Female: Relaxed perineal muscles, urethral dysfunction

10. 8- REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
In older men, the penis and testes decrease in size, and levels of
androgens diminish.
Ovarian production of estrogen and progesterone ceases with
menopause.
Changes occurring in the female reproductive system include thinning
of the vaginal wall, along with a narrowing in size and a loss of
elasticity; decreased vaginal secretions.
Common problems related to reproductive system are:
Female: Painful intercourse;
Vaginal bleeding following intercourse;
Vaginal itching and irritation;
Delayed orgasm

11. 9- INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM
The functions of the skin include protection, temperature regulation,
sensation, and excretion.
With aging, changes occur that affect the function and appearance of
the skin.
The epidermis and dermis become thinner.
Elastic fibers are reduced in number, and collagen becomes stiffer.
Which causes
Intolerance to heat
Diminished secretion of natural oils and perspiration
Wrinkled Skin
Skin appears thin

12. OTHER
1. Obesity
2. Cancer
3. Diabetes