Begin reviewing and replying to peer postings/responses early in the week to enhance peer discussion. See the rubric for participation points. Participate in the discussion by asking a question, providing a statement of clarification, providing viewpoints with a rationale, challenging aspects of the discussion, or indicating relationships between two or more lines of reasoning in the discussion. Always use constructive language, even in criticism, to work toward the goal of positive progress.

TASK

Post your initial response to one of the two topics below.

Topic 1

Age related changes can affect the lifestyle/quality of life of the elderly.

• What do you think are the two most prevalent age-related changes that affect the lifestyle of the elderly?
• How would you help an elderly patient adjust to the two changes you identified?

Peer 1

Working on the med/surg unit as a Registered Nurse has given me many opportunities to interact with the elderly patient. A common change that I’ve noticed was loss of balance cause by muscle weakness. “The major age-related physiological change in older people frequently encountered skeletal muscle mass loss, known as sarcopenia” (McGinley, 2017). Second change in the elderly was loss of appetite which causes poor nutrition. Poor nutrition can be caused by loss of taste buds.

An elderly patient can be adjusted to these changes by recommending increased activity which is the best intervention for muscle weakness.  A short walk outside or even gardening in yard are examples of increased activities.  A membership at the local gym can also help increase with strengthen exercises. Elderly patient can be given brochures with exercises that are easy to follow and read. “All this type of activity, together with protein rich die, helps prevent further losses and functional decline” (McGinley, 2017). Interventions that can be done with an elderly person’s appetite loss are teaching them about eating small serving sizes and consuming meals when awake and energized. When making the selection of food, pick foods that are soft in consistency and even having a meal with family and friends might encourage the elderly to eat.

References

Mayo Clinic. (2014). Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: Slowing or Reversing

Muscle Weakness. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-

professionals/physical-medicine-rehabilitation/news/slowing-or-reversing-

muscle-loss/mac-20431104

McGinley, E. (2017). Supporting older patients with nutrition and hydration.

                Journal of Community Nursing, 31(4), 54-57. Retrieved from https://search-

ebscohost-com.su.idm.oclc.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=rzh&AN=12466

7326&site=ehost-live&scope=site

Peer 2

Age related changes are inevitable as we get older. Two prevalent changes in the elderly are decreased bone density leading to frail bones, and decreased hearing and vision (Mayo Clinic, 2020). Decreased hearing and vision which happens with aging contributes to the loss of independence because it removes the ability to drive. Losing the ability to drive many elderly people have to rely on family or friends to help them get to what they need. Although these changes are common, there are vitamins and supplements that can help improve overall health; additionally, patients can be educated on different exercises that can be done to increase strength and decrease the risk of falls. Helping our patients and  providing them with resources that help them maintain their health is essential for providing a good quality of life in the elderly.

Reference:

Mayo Clinic. (2020). Aging: What to Expect. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/aging/art-20046070