Nursing Care of
Older Adults
WEEK 3
Biologic Theories of
Aging
Concerned with answering basic
questions regarding physiologic
processes that occur in all living
organisms as they age
chronologically
Include explanations of the
following: (1) deleterious effects
leading to decreasing function of the
organism, (2) gradually occurring
age-related changes that progress
over time, and (3) intrinsic changes
that may affect all members of a
species because of chronologic age
Implications for Nursing
Aging and disease do not necessarily go hand in hand.
There may be a limited replication capacity for certain cells that causes
overexpression of damaged genes and oxidative damage to cells.
Free radicals may cause damage to cells over time.
To reduce free radical damage, advise patients to ingest a varied,
nutritious diet and suggest supplementation with antioxidants such as
vitamins C and E.
Encourage physical activity like walking to facilitate peripheral circulation
and promotes the development of collateral circulation, help with weight
control, the replacement of fat with muscle tissue, prevent muscle atrophy,
and increase the sense of well-being.
Encouraging preventive measures such as annual influenza vaccination
or a one-time inoculation with the pneumococcal vaccine
Recognize that stress, both physical and psychologic, has an impact on
the aging process
It is projected that by 2044 those
persons from groups that have long
been counted as statistical minorities
will become the emerging majority.
Immigrant population is growing at a
Diversity of the faster rate than that of the native
born.
Older Adult
Population in the
United States Senior communities and health care
facilities will need to advance their
cultural competence.
It is likely that many of these older
adults will not speak the same
language as the nurse.
Culturally Sensitive
Gerontologic Nursing
Care
Nurses are challenged to gain new
awareness, knowledge, and skills to
provide culturally and linguistically
appropriate care.
Culturally compassionate care
reduces health disparities.
Culturally appropriate care begins
with an increasing awareness of our
own beliefs and attitudes.
Conduct a cultural self-assessment
Transcending Cultural
Concepts
Time orientation
Past
• Perceive present health and health problems as the result of
past actions, from a past life, from earlier in this life, or from
events and circumstances related to one’s ancestors
Present
• Perceive a new health problem to need attention in the
immediate present
Future
• Holders of a future orientation accept that what we do now
affects our future health.
Theory of cultural care diversity and universality
—recommended for use with the older adult
population
Leininger
Theorizes three modes of action for the
professional nurse to provide culturally congruent
care
Cultural care Cultural care Cultural care
preservation or accommodation repatterning or
maintenance or negotiation restructuring
The LEARN Model
L—Listen carefully to what the older
person is saying, including the person’s
perception of the situation, desired
goals, and ideas for treatment
E—Explain your perception of the
situation and the problem(s)
A—Acknowledge and discuss both the
similarities and the differences between
your perceptions and goals and those of
the older person
R—Recommend a plan of action that
takes both perspectives into account
N—Negotiate a plan that is mutually
acceptable
