Healthy Aging

Older adults are faced with many obstacles as their bodies change with age. Older adults may become resilient to the idea of weakening muscles or bones but they also need to be educated about the risks that come with such changes. Many older adults will develop bone problems such as osteoporosis and musculoskeletal changes that may put them at risk for falling (Miller, 2004, p. 381). What most older adults also do not realize is that nurses, and nurse’s aids, are trained in such issues to help a person of age remain mobile, educated, and healthy (Perry, 2009, p. 774). For myself, I believe maintaining healthy bones and muscles is only the beginning to the healthy aging process. Healthy aging is a beginning key point that nurses can educate clients about no matter what their age. This essay will discuss briefly the complexities of aging healthily by sensory perceptions, musculoskeletal aging, and neurological deficiencies.

There are many normal aging problems that occur within older adult’s sensory perceptions. Sensory problems such as vision, hearing, smell, and taste loss are very common in the aging adults. Whenever vision loss occurs, it can be palpated and found easily by the physician. These sensory problems are normal changes that can often result from smoking, and other unhealthy activities (Beare, 2005, p.109). Hearing often changes more dramatically as a person grows older. Hearing changes may result in devices such as hearing aids and because immune systems are often lower in the aging population, hearing devices may result in problems such as accumulated cerumen (drainage fluid), pain, inflammation, and tenderness in the area. (Perry, 2009, p. 836). Beare, Blair, and Stanley (2005) explain that problems associated with smell and taste loss occur more often in aging adults but these changes do not pose significant health risks. Sensory problems may lower the quality of life or make one’s every-day activities less enjoyable (p. 110). All of these basic sensory problems that are associated with aging make a huge impact on older adults’ living conditions and overall health. It is important that older adults understand the risks that occur as their sensory organs change.

The musculoskeletal system is the function of bones and muscles in relation to one another. Both bones and muscles have very important separate functions in the aging body as well. The Bones are forever changing in every person’s body as they support the muscles and allow movement for overall functioning. The most sophisticated associated problem with bones in the aging body is osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is the loss of bone mass resulting from estrogen and calcium deficiencies (Miller, 2004, p. 383). According to Miller (2004), osteoporosis is often the main cause for increased likelihood of fractures and breaks in the skeletal system (p. 383). Osteoporosis creates huge risks that must be taken into consideration by all older adults, especially females. The muscular system is also an important influence on the daily life of aging people. The muscular system not only permits movements needed for everyday activities but also keeps people healthy and strong. By the age of eighty, almost thirty percent of muscle mass is gone (Miller, 2004, p. 382). In order to maintain an excellent musculoskeletal system it is recommended by Miller (2004) that you maintain healthy eating habits and exercise often (p. 382).

Beare, Blair, and Stanley, (2005) discuss that it is often believed that neurological deficiency occurs as one ages due to cognitive impairment, or because of the lack of learning ability. Aging individuals actually often retain much of their memory and other long-term learning experiences (p. 112). A major concern for aging adults is the changing neurotransmitters as they age. Changing neurotransmitters can result in short term memory loss and the inability to retain newly learned information. In some cases, harsher effects such as Alzheimer’s may occur due to changing neurotransmitters. The biggest concern with neurotransmitters as a person ages is the thought of losing their functioning motor abilities with time; which occurs when the neurological system also affects the musculoskeletal system. Noticing elders whom have neurological dysfunctions is sometimes hard to see. As a nurse, one may notice that some older adults will have poor posture or gait, while others may be burdened with tremors and difficulty walking (Beare, 2005, p. 112). Disabilities can greatly affect older adults’ lives as they may become discouraged or even unmotivated to socialize with those around them. These obvious physical limitations due to neurological effects are often difficult to treat, and cannot be changed much as one ages. As a nurse, one can give helpful advice and motivation to stay positive for the client (Perry, 2009, p. 780).

Nurses are essential care providers who are needed by older adults when facing these many physical barriers of aging. Nurses are well known for making excellent health promotion plans that contain good exercise regimes to help the musculoskeletal system. These exercise regimes, and health promotion plans are not only good for the muscles but they create a good psychological release of tension that can be caused because of neurological side effects (Perry, 2009, p. 788). Clients can also benefit from a nursing aid that may come into the home, assist in everyday activities, and allow the client not to worry over things such as chores and physical barriers in the home. Nurses are an important aid in all three areas of concern, whether sensory, musculoskeletal, or neurological, but they are the most help under situations that allow them to help a client who is stiff, or recovering from surgery. Long periods of bed rest often effect the musculoskeletal system negatively. If a client is on bed rest, an excellent way to help maintain and strengthen their musculoskeletal system is to practice range of motion exercises with them. Range of motion exercises are simple, yet designed to stretch, and loosen muscles to prevent the loss of all muscle mass (Perry, 2009, p.1171-1175). In relation to sensory organs and the problems associated with them, there is little nurses can provide for medical help. Nurses can help clients by aiding in their everyday activities and when neurological problems are approached they can be an excellent support system. As a nurse, it is important to remember that one should be there not only for the client in a medical manner but also in a holistic, educational, and supportive manner.

Aging is an interesting time in life that should be observed more often. While some persons may fear the thought of aging because of risks such as sensory, musculoskeletal, and neurological dysfunctions they must also see aging from another light. Aging is about growing old happily, and passing on what he or she has learned throughout life. Nurses should work not only at helping a client physically but also at helping the person accomplish the end of his/her life in a comfortable environment and surrounded by the motivation to live the remaining years happily. Aging should become more respected, but more importantly it needs to be realized that aging should be done more healthily. These sensory, musculoskeletal, and neurological problems mentioned can all be helped by the assistance of a nurse and every older adult should consider these functions and how these effect their own lives.




References

Beare, P. G., Blair, K. A., Stanley, M. (2005). Gerontological Nursing: Promoting Successful Aging with Older Adults. Philadelphia. F.A. Davis Company.

Miller, C. A. (2004). Nursing for Wellness in Older Adults. Philadelphia. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Perry, A. G., Potter, P. A., (Eds.). (2009). Canadian Fundamentals of Nursing. Toronto. Mosby Elsevier.