Elderly Considerations Research Paper Sample

Paper Instructions

Academic level – Undergrad 1-2
Type of paper – Research paper
Topic Title: Elderly Considerations
Instructions:

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.

Research Paper Sample

As the elderly population grows, nurses must understand the unique health needs accompanying advanced age. Age-related declines in physical, sensory, and cognitive function increase vulnerability and care requirements in older adults. Furthermore, it is crucial to acknowledge the possible connections between these attributes and elder abuse to ensure the protection and welfare of older people.

The aging process encompasses numerous physiological and psychological changes that can increase vulnerability in older populations. As individuals get older, the natural diminishment of physical and cognitive faculties heightens susceptibility to adverse health outcomes, injury, and exploitation. Common manifestations include decreased bone mineral density and sarcopenia precipitating fragility, fall risk, and sensory impairment in vision and hearing (Anil et al., 2021). Additionally, older adults frequently present with chronic medical conditions and exhibit decelerated information processing and memory decline. According to Santos et al. (2020), this convergence of factors creates circumstances in which caregivers or relatives may exert undue influence or perpetrate abuse of a financial, emotional, or other nature. Therefore, the multifactorial declines intrinsic to human aging can elevate the risk for mistreatment in later life.

Unlike middle-aged adults, geriatric patients frequently present with multiple chronic illnesses, necessitating holistic, individualized care. Nurses must attune to age-related factors with particular sensitivity when caring for this population, recognizing heightened polypharmacy risks that demand vigilance to prevent adverse drug interactions and encourage adherence (George, 2020). Comprehensive health assessments for elderly individuals require greater time investments than for younger adults. Nurses should speak slowly and clearly, provide adequate lighting, and enable patients to progress at their own pace. Combined with evaluating cognition, such precautions are imperative for informed medical decisions that assess capacity and safety risks, honoring patient autonomy and well-being (Moilanen et al., 2021). Accordingly, screening for conditions like depression, polypharmacy, and pain can unveil issues exacerbated by aging physiology.

Overall, nurses have an important role in safeguarding older adults by accounting for age-related declines during health assessments. They must be patient, attentive to all impairments, and advocate for services protecting the client’s health and independence in their older age. Considering the unique needs of older patients protects this vulnerable population and provides person-centered care.

References

Anil, A., John, N. N., B. P. J., & Doddaya, H. (2021). An overview of the health issues of the elderly: A cross sectional study. Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics, 11(2), 38–41. https://doi.org/10.22270/jddt.v11i2.4761

George, A. (2020). Medication adherence in elderly: A review article. Journal of Medical Science And Clinical Research, 08(07). https://doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v8i7.92

Moilanen, T., Suhonen, R., & Kangasniemi, M. (2021). Nursing support for older people’s autonomy in residential care: An integrative review. International Journal of Older People Nursing, 17(2). https://doi.org/10.1111/opn.12428

Santos, M. A., Moreira, R. da S., Faccio, P. F., Gomes, G. C., & de Silva, V. de L. (2020). Factors associated with elder abuse: A systematic review of the literature. Ciência & Saúde Coletiva, 25(6), 2153–2175. https://doi.org/10.1590/1413-81232020256.2511201