The “Normal” Aging Process

1. The “Normal” Aging Process

2. How to use this Power Point • Start and end with a time of introspection or prayer if that is what you are used to –some are included at the end of this power point. • Spend time sharing in teams about a particular individual. • Maybe a person with a disability who is aging could be the guest speaker and share what they are experiencing before you begin the power point • Be as interactive as possible- maybe brainstorm some of the changes and ways of supporting people.

3. The “Normal” Aging Process And some suggestions of how to support people through these changes

4. Introduction The topic of aging isvery important for us in L’Arche and for society as a whole. We want to continue to provide care that is person centered, of high quality and focused on relationships. Each person, situation is unique. This PowerPoint will provide a general overview of some normal changes that may happen with aging.

5. Think about aging clients/family members for a moment

6. Aging Persons with an intellectual disability will • likely affect the daily rhythms of our homes and the community as a whole. • push us to focus even more on building upon, reinforcing and developing their strengths so that their quality of life is enhanced • challenge us to find creative ways for people to continue to do the things they like to do and to continue to have a role in the home.

7. Changes in Vision • Decreased peripheral vision • Decreased night vision • Decreased capacity to distinguish color • Reduced lubrication resulting in dry, itchy eyes 

8. Supporting Changes in Vision • Approach people directly not from the side • Proper lighting can make a big difference • Assist with choosing clothes if needed • Use of natural tear products

9. Changes in Hearing • Sensitivity to loud noises • Difficulty locating sound • More prone to wax build up that can affect hearing

10. Supporting Changes to Hearing • Reduce extra noise when trying to have a conversation • Place yourself so the person can see you and fairly close- increased volume not always helpful • Make sure you have the person’s attention before speaking • Have doctor check for and remove wax if needed • Arrange for hearing assessment and provide support to use a hearing aid if needed. 

11. Changes in Smell and Taste • Decreased taste buds and secretions   • Decreased sensitivity to smell

12. Supporting Changes in Smell and Taste • May enjoy smaller attractive meals-helps to be able to smell food preparation • At risk of eating spoiled food

13. Changes in Skin • Decrease in moisture and elasticity • More fragile- tears easily  • Decrease in subcutaneous fat  • Decrease in sweat glands -less ability to adjust body temperature. • Tactile sensation decreases- not as many nerves • May bruise more easily

14. Supporting Changes in Skin • Use moisturizers, bath oils can make bath tub slippery • As a care provider keep nails short • Pat gently when helping to dry after bathing • Bottom of feet may be sore, pay attention to footwear • May feel cooler than others but be more at risk of sun stroke • Use sun screen, hats, long sleeves • Be careful with such things as hot water bottles

15. Changes in Metabolic System • Decrease in ability to adapt to stress • Decrease in metabolic rate • Decrease in thyroid-gland related to calcium absorption and energy level

16. Supporting Changes in the Metabolic System • May feel cold so provide what is necessary for the person to feel comfortable but avoid overheating • May need calcium and vitamin D supplements to prevent osteoporosis

17. Changes in Elimination • Bladder atrophy- inability to hold bladder for long periods  • Constipation can become a concern because of slower metabolism • Men can develop prostate problems causing frequent need to urinate • Incontinence make occur because of lack of sphincter control

18. Supporting Changes in Elimination • Maintain routines • Plan ahead-know where washrooms are when you go out • Decrease caffeine intake  • Eat lots of fiber and do some exercise • Put bowel elimination protocols in place if needed  • Provide appropriate supplies and emotional support

19. Changes to the Respiratory System • Decreased volume and expansion of lungs may lead to decreased function • Susceptible to lung infections, increases if someone is inactive • Swallowing impairments can cause aspiration

20. Supporting Changes in the Respiratory System • Planning activities with shorter duration • May need more rest periods • Reposition person frequently if they are unable to move on they own. • Consult a doctor if person consistently coughs during or after a meal

21. Changes in the Cardiovascular System • Heart works harder to maintain oxygen levels in the body • Cholesterol may accumulate on the walls of the arteries   • Decreased ability to replace fluids lost while breathing

22. Supporting Changes in the Cardiovascular System • People may become fatigued more easily because of the above changes, may need more rest • Blood pressure should be monitored as recommended by health care professionals • Reposition person frequently if unable to move on their own so fluids don’ t build up- physiotherapy may be needed • Assure adequate fluid intake and seek medical help quickly if you think the person may be dehydrated  

23. Changes in Bones and Joints • Decreased height due to bone changes • Bones more brittle – risk of fracture  • Changes of absorption of calcium  • Pain from previous falls or broken bones • Joints less lubricated – may develop arthritis

24. Supporting Changes in Bones and Joints • Need light exercise including some weight bearing if possible • Take precautions to prevent falls   • May need calcium and Vitamin D supplements- ensure a balanced diet • Monitor and treat pain appropriately • Allow more time as the person may need to do things more slowly

25. Changes to the Nervous System • Sleep /wake cycle changes at 60/70 may need 1or 2 less hours of sleep at night but sleep may not be as restful • people get about 20% less oxygen to the brainwhich affects balance

26. Supporting Changes to the Nervous System • Discourage long naps and caffeinated products later in the day – encourage the same patterns and rituals at bedtime

27. Ideas for Accommodating Poor balance • Using a rocking chair can help compensate • Use walkers and canes properly • Do some exercise to maintain leg muscles • Encourage the person to avoid lifting, stretching and reaching when it can not be done safely  • Have the person get up gradually so that they don’t get dizzy

28. Changes in Cognitive Ability • Don’t lose overall ability to learn new things but there are changes in the learning process • Harder to memorize lists of names and words than for a younger person • Sensory and motor changes as well as cognitive ability may affect ability to respond – hard to know which is which

29. Supporting changes in Cognitive Ability • Learning new information may take longer for an older person and they may need cues to help to retrieve information stored in memory • When given a choice of answers it may be easier for the person to give correct answer rather that retrieving directly from memory

30. Some Possible Psychological/Social Issues • Decreased social contact – friends and family die- person may withdraw • Reconciliation with past-resolving conflicts, losses, acceptance, • Changes in physical appearance may be difficult • Changes in roles/tasks that people can manage can make them feel they have less to contribute • Managing leisure time-more “free time” • Depression relatively common

31. Supporting some possible Social/Psychological Issues • Provide grief support and encourage existing friendships • Do life review work/life story book and use photographs to help person talk about the past • Help person with grooming and clothes so they can look their best • Help person participate in meaningful ways in daily activities, find new roles and have as much control and choice as possible. Help structure time. • Facilitate participation in leisure activities the person likes • Facilitate assessment for and treatment of depression 

32. Increased Physical Stress • Handling physical stress becomes more difficult as you get older • People are less able to adjust to such stresses as heat, cold, physical exertion, and illness • Have the person do things they enjoy but help them to pace themselves – provide a rest day after an extra busy day if possible or at least a quieter day

33. Ideas re Exercise • Important to exercise to prevent muscle tissue from turning to fat • Exercise helps maintain bone density • Exercise helps prevent depression • Encourage walking and other exercise as suggested by medical doctor or physiotherapist

34. Ideas re Meals and Nutrition • In general older people need fewer calories so provide foods rich in nutrition but lower in calories. • Sense of thirst decreases so help people to drink enough. Kidneys may also be filtering more medication • Weight loss or gain of 10 pounds in six months needs to be looked into medically

35. Ideas re Speech and Communication • May be slightly harder and take a bit longer to say what they want to say not usually apparent but more likely to happen in stressful situations • For example when the doctor is in a hurry and wants to speak with the person accompanying the individual they may need support to speak for themselves

36. Summary • Not every person will experience all of these changes. • Organizations concerned with a particular syndrome or condition may be helpful in providing information helpful for certain individuals. • Aging is a spiritual and psychological journey as well as a physical one.

37. Don’t Forget • If we believe that people can continue to grow and to share their gifts as they age we will support them to do so.

38. Information is compiled from the following • McCracken Intervention Matrix –McCracken -College of Nursing and Health, University of Cincinnati and Lotteman Children, Inc. Covington, KY • A Focus on Geriatrics Sharing the Learning St Vincent Hospitals part of Providence Health Care • Age Changes and what to do about it Phyllis Kultgen and Peggy Hotz Compiled by Jane Powell

39. Some prayers • O Lord look with favor on your people, and impart your love to us- not as an idea or concept but as a lived experience. We can love each other only because you have loved us first. Let us know that first love so that we can see in all human love,a love without conditions and limitations. Amen

40. Merciful God,you know our weakness and distress.Yet the weaker we are,the stronger is your help.Grant that we may accept with joy and gratitudethe gift of this time of grace,and bear witness to your work in our lives.

41. May the power and the mystery go before us, to show us the way, Shine above us to lighten our world, Lie beneath us to bear us up, Walk with us and give us companionship, And glow and flow within us to bring us joy. Amen Judith Walker-Riggs

42. Loving God, We thank you for the gift of life and love. Thank you too for all the seasons of life: for birth, for youth, for adulthood and for old age. Help us to know that no matter what season we are in, we are all loved and valued by you. Help us, as well, to trust always in your goodness, for we ask this in the name of your son Jesus Christ who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit. Amen