Changes 1

1. THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM


a. The Bronchial walls thinner.
b. Cough reflex less responsive.
c.  Loss of muscle tone, strength and sensitivity.
d. Elasticity reduced.
e. Expansion of the lungs is diminished as the muscle-skeletal curvature of the  spine increases.

Therefore less effective at clearing the respiratory tract, resulting in retained secretions which encourage infections.
Also breathing capacity is reduced resulting in a lowered oxygen concentration in the blood, which encourages degenerative changes throughout the body. We breath in less air, and have to breath more quickly to maintain oxygen levels, hence breathlessness and panting.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CARERS

Encourage deep breathing 5 - 10 times every two hours. This will strengthen the lungs, encourage better oxygenation, therefore preventing respiratory complications.

2. CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM


a. Unable to increase rate and strength of contractions to meet demands in cured by  physical exercise.
b. Arteries less elastic
c. Fatty and calcium deposits line artery walls.
d.  Veins thinner and weaker

IMPLICATIONS FOR CARERS
Avoid sudden demands on the heart. Activity should be regular. consistent and increase gradually.


3. DIGESTIVE SYSTEM (NUTRITION)


a. Stomach loses muscular tone and strength taking longer to empty.
b. Fewer active taste buds contribute to loss of appetite.
c. Loss or neglect of teeth interferes with taking of essential foods.
d. Loss of muscular tone in the intestines reduces peristalsis.
e. Metabolic rate and physical activity reduced, therefore fewer calories are necessary, ( if high calorific intake continues, obesity will develop which increases  the demand on the cardiovascular system and weight bearing joints).

IMPLICATIONS FOR CARERS
(i). Maintain a healthy intake of a well balanced, high protein diet, therefore keeping  tissue destruction to a minimum.
(ii). Ensure adequate fluid intake.
(iii). Serve small attractive portions.
(iv). Report any change in bowel habits i.e.. constipation.

4. BOWELS AND ELIMINATION


a. Loss of muscle tone.
b. Inactivity
c. Lack of a well balanced diet.
d. Decreased fluid intake.
All  will result in constipation.

Elderly people frequently become overly concerned about daily elimination's, sometimes resorting to overuse of non - prescribed laxatives, resulting in excess fluid and mineral loss.


IMPLICATIONS FOR CARERS
(i). If constipated, encourage bulky foods i.e.. bran, cereals, whole-wheat bread,  fresh fruit and vegetables and fluids.
(ii). Educate service users as to the benefits of these foods.
(iii). Notify the carer who may give a prescribed opperient.


5. URINARY SYSTEM


a. Decreased renal blood supply,( to the kidneys), results in sclerosed,  (hardened), areas in the kidneys, therefore the ability of the kidneys to concentrate wastes may be reduced.
b. Bladder loses tone and is not completely emptied during voiding. Residual  urine undergoes decomposition, causing inflammation and infection.
c. Frequency and incontinence also cause a common problem which can lead to  social withdrawal due to embarrassment

IMPLICATIONS FOR CARERS
Because of the reduced ability of the kidneys to eliminate wastes:-
(i). Encourage fluids (flushing)
Minimum 2000mls per day
ideally     3000mls per day
(ii). Offer a variety of fluids.
(iii). Sit mobile residents near toilets.
(iv). Help immobile male residents to stand whilst voiding, this will assist the bladder  to fully empty.
(v). Introduce a toileting programme if necessary.
(vi). Seek help from a Continence Advisor.
(vii). Request GP. to review drugs and physical state.

THE AGEING PROCESS | INTRODUCTION | AGEING | CHANGES 1 | CHANGES 2 | ILLNESSES OF THE ELDERLY 1 | ILLNESSES OF THE ELDERLY 2 | DEMENTIA | SELF-CARE INDICATORS | ELIGIBILITY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES