UNIT 1V: GERONTOLOGY

It comes from a Greek word geron-“old man” and ology–“the study of” which is coined by Ilya Ilyich
Mechnikov in 1903.

GERONTOLOGY – involves the scientific study of aging, maturity and development through middle age
and later life and the ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life of older people.

.It is also deals with the study of the social, cognitive , and biological aspects of aging

It also covers both the science of aging and the practical aspects of elder care including nutrition,
physical activity and independence

. It is a stage of aging which is the process of growing older and development which deals on the change
within old age or change that affects older people.

It involves( Purpose)

1. Developing an understanding of being old, communicating with and advocating for the elderly
2. Biology of Aging - the effects of aging on the human body cells and tissues.
3. Mental Health and Aging - problem in psychiatric disorder common in later life, assessment and
treatment of clients
4. Optimal Aging - involve theories on aging that influences personality, culture, spirituality and
sexuality
5. Physical activity and Aging- involvement in fitness program , the physical and psychological
effect of exercise on elderly people
6. Gender and Aging - the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual aspects of aging from the male and
female perspective
7. Ethno gerontology Aging- from an ethnic perspective about family and cultural influences .It is
a study of causes, process of causes and the system of care that acknowledge the importance
of culture .It also assess cross-cultural relations and adopt services to meet cultural needs
8 Care taking Aspect- on maintaining the body and returning to normal functioning following an
injury and illness
9 Problems Associated with Aging- depression, stress and anxiety (excessive feeling of loneliness,
loss of interest, feeling tired, life change e.g. loss of hearing and independence)
10 Food and Nutrition for the Elderly -the changing nutritional needs of elderly people
11 Genosex - involvement of sexuality in later life
12 Dementia -problems and different forms of this illness and caring process
 13 End-of-Life Care -palliative and hospice care and helping them face their own fear of death

SKILLS THAT GERONTOLOGIST /STUDENTS MUST HAVE:

1. Assessment and report writing this involves tracking, assessing and recording of clients progress
2. Communication and Interpersonal Skills one must be able to interact, listen to understand and
to present possible solutions to the clients and their families regarding problems presented
3. Critical and Problem Solving Skills it involves dealing with patients emotional, social and financial
problems and the ability to assess situation and think critically to find solutions -this is the key
or the significant part in the elderly care
4. Cultural awareness and Appreciation of Diversity experts are exposed to different home
environments so they must work effectively with people from diverse racial, ethnic, cultural and
gender backgrounds
5. Empathy and Compassion it is the capacity or ability to empathise and show compassion are
needed because they work in a very stressful environment and situations
6. Patience and Sense of Humour an ability of a health professionals to work with the elderly and
helping them cope is a challenge and this calls for understanding and patience and appreciation
of small victory
7. Trust Building -working with people of different or with various background that entails a lot of
establishing rapport and requires trust from elderly people (they must have to feel for a safe
and supportive environment if they to share th
8.
9.
10.
11. eir burdens and accept help.

APPLICATION OF SKILLS /KNOWLEDGE and EXPERTISE

1. Academia/Research and training

2. Adult Day Care
3. Assisted living community
4. Case management
5. Health Maintenance Organization
6. Health and Wellness Director
7. Community Organization
8. Counselling
9. Elder law
10. Government Department/Agencies
11.

PHYSIOLOGIC CHANGES OF OLDER PEOPLE

The changes or decline in bodily functions is not the same as with others. The capacity of the system will
not decline but their ABILITY TO RESPOND TO A CHALLENGE OR TO MAINTAIN A BALANCE OR
HOMEOSTASIS IS LOWERED

1. TASTE and SMELL –there is a decrease in the taste buds and papillae on the tongue.

Decrease palatability of food resulting in poor intake, diminished taste and

Decrease sensory stimulation that may impair metabolic process

2. SALIVARY GLAND-there is a decrease in salivary secretion or lack of salivation(xerostomea)

causing a feeling of dry mouth which makes chewing difficult.

3. TEETH- loosing teeth and have ill fitting dentures which makes chewing very difficult
they are omitting fresh fruits and vegetables which leads to vitamins and mi-
neral difficiency accompanied by decrease gastrointestinal motility and
create problems of elimination (constipation or loose bowel movement)

4. GASTROINTESTINAL FUNCTION- there is reduction or a decline in the secretion of

digestive juices thus resulting in INCOMPLETE DIGESTION or FOODS

STAYS LONGER IN THE STOMACH for digestion .The secretion of Hydrochloric

Acids, Intrinsic Factor and Pepsin are decrease as a result it affects the

absorption of CALCUIM,PROTEIN, IRON and VITAMIN B12.

The age 60 years and above the emptying of liquid is rapid and fast which

again leads to decrease in absorption

The pH of the proximal small bowel is increased and there is bacterial over

growth In the small intestine there is a decline in SECRETION ENZYNELACTASE

RISK FACTOR FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF OSTEOPEROSIS

There is also thinning of Gastrointestinal Tract Layer resulting in a decrease of

motility and prolong transit trough the colon which leads to CONSTIPATION.

5. LIVER AND BILIARY FUNCTIONS – There is a decrease of blood flow to the liver leading to a
minor structural and biological changes (e.g. gall bladder becomes sluggish

in releasing the bile which slows down fat metabolism thereby INCREASING

SUSCEPTIBILTY OR RISK FOR DEVELOPING GALLSTONES.

There is a decline of the enzyme drug activity therefore lower drug doses are

being prescribe to older people

6. METABOLIC FUNCTION - there is a decrease in metabolic rate and impaired glucose tolerance
7.
and body protein level which needs dietary modifications

8. NEUROLIGICAL FUNCTIONS- there is a decline of neuro muscular coordination which cause

the older people to develop a sense of confusion( decrease in serotonin level)
CARNITINE derived from AMINOACIDS LYSINE and METHIONINE maybe effec-
tive in slowing down mental deterioration. CARETINIODS ALSO HAS AN IMPOR-
TANT PROTECTIVE ROLE RELATED TO AGING AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION.

9. CARDIOVASCULAR FUNCTION – there are changes in blood vessels(e.g. narrowing of lumen

thickening of the arterial walls and replacement of elastic fibre with non-
elastic fibres)leads to increase rigidity of muscles ( atherosclerotic changes)
reduces to carry nutrients to the cells
There is a decrease in MYOCARDIAC CONTRACTILITY AND INCREASE IN PERI-
PHERAL RESISTANCE hence there is an increase prevalence of HYPERTENSION

10. RENAL FUNCTION-The GLOMERULAR FILTRATION RATE is decreased affecting the elimination of
waste products and re absorption of electrolytes .At the age of 40 years the
ABILITY OF THE BODY TO REGENERATE NEPHRON CEASES hence there is an
INCREASE IN SOLUTE LOAD ON EACH NEPHRON RESULTING TO NECROSIS
AND KIDNEY DAMAGE

11. SKELETAL TISSUE- There is demineralisation of bone is more rapid and quick than mineralisation
BONES becomes more vulnerable to FRACTURES and the VERTEBRA may collapse
and as a result there is a DECLINE IN HEIGHT and a STOOPED OR BOOWED POS-
ture resulting to affect RESPIRATORY FUNCTION

12. PULMONARY FUNCTION- There is a decline in pulmonary function about 40% throughout life.
It may not affect much on their health but energetic exercise should be impose

13. HORMONAL CHANGES-The activity of other glands(e.g. thyroid, adrenal cortex and Islet of
Langerhans) decline resulting in changes in METABOLISM and METABOLIC
FUNCTIONS .THERE IS HORMONAL IMBALANCE that affects CALCIUM META-
BOLISM resulting to OSTEOPOROSIS
There is also a decrease in IRON REQUIREMENT OF WOMEN IN MENOPAU