Final answer:
Changes in older adulthood include biological, social, and psychological aspects, with nursing interventions aimed at various aspects like physical mobility and social engagement. Dementia is a chronic decline in cognitive function, whereas delirium is acute and often reversible. Elderly also face poverty, ageism, and potential abuse, requiring vigilant evaluation and appropriate interventions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Common Changes in Older Adulthood
As individuals enter older adulthood, they often experience several common biological, social, and psychological changes. These can include diminished physical capabilities, sensory impairments such as decreased vision and hearing, cognitive changes, and alterations in social roles. To address these changes, nursing interventions can include promoting physical activity to maintain mobility, ensuring environments are safe to prevent falls, conducting regular vision and hearing checks, and facilitating social engagement to counteract loneliness.
Dementia vs. Delirium
The terms dementia and delirium, while often confused, describe different medical conditions. Dementia is typically a chronic or progressive nature, resulting from various diseases such as Alzheimer's, and is characterized by a decline in memory, problem-solving, and other cognitive functions. Delirium, on the other hand, is an acute and often reversible condition, characterized by sudden changes in consciousness and cognition, which can be triggered by factors such as infections or medications.
Challenges Facing the Elderly and Attitudes Towards Aging
Elderly populations often face challenges such as poverty and mistreatment, as well as ageist thinking and attitudes within society. Recognizing and challenging ageist stereotypes is crucial in improving the lives of older adults. Risks of mistreatment and abuse should be consistently evaluated, with appropriate interventions to ensure the dignity and safety of older individuals.