Care for the elderly and

special populations
Introduction

Audrey
• I am pleased to welcome you to our discussion on a crucial and
increasingly relevant topic: "Care of The Elderly and Special
Populations."
• As our society continues to evolve, we face the pressing challenge of
providing adequate care and support to our aging population and
diverse groups with unique needs.
• The elderly represent a significant segment of our community, and
with advancements in healthcare, people are living longer than ever
before.
• This longevity, however, often brings about a range of physical and
mental health challenges that require specialized approaches to care.
• The importance of addressing these challenges cannot be overstated,
as the quality of care we provide directly impacts not only the well-
being of elderly individuals but also that of their families and
communities.
• Alongside the elderly, we also have special populations that may
include individuals with:
• disabilities,
• chronic illnesses, or
• those from marginalized communities.
• Each of these groups has unique needs and vulnerabilities that must
be recognized and addressed through tailored care strategies.
• Today, we will explore various aspects of caring for these populations,
including:
• best practices,
• innovative approaches, and
• the role of healthcare providers,
• families, and
• community resources.
• Our goal is to foster a deeper understanding of the complexities
involved in elder care and support systems for special populations,
which ultimately contribute to healthy aging and improved quality of
life
Aging

• Aging is a natural process characterized by gradual biological,

psychological, and social changes.
• It begins at birth and progresses throughout life.
• Varies greatly among individuals.
• A man's life is normally divided into five main stages namely
infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood and old age.
• In each of these stages an individual has to find himself in
different situations and face different problems. The old age is
not without problems.
Cont’
• In old age physical strength deteriorates, mental stability diminishes; money
power becomes bleak coupled with negligence from the younger generation.
• Types of Aging:
• Biological Aging: Physical changes over time.- Skin thinning, loss of muscle
mass, joint stiffness.
• Psychological Aging: Changes in cognitive and emotional abilities.-Slower
information processing, memory decline.
• Social Aging: Shifts in roles and relationships.-Retirement.
• Sexual aging: Sexual changes in male and female. Menopause.
• Elderly is an individual above 65 years with functional impairments.
 Biological Aging
NERVOUS SYSTEM
• Decreased speed of neural conduction
• Decreased number of brain cells
• Decrease in cell of the nervefibers
• Decreased neurotransmitters
• Decline in memory for recentevents
• Decreased rapid eye movement sleep
• Decreased cerebral circulation
REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
Changes in women
• Decreased breast tissue
. Sexual dysfunction
• Decreased sexual desire
Changes in men
• In male decreased size of penis and testes
 Cont'

SENSORY CHANGES
Eye:
• Diminished ability to focus on close objects
. Decreased visual acuity
• The eye's external changes give evidence of advancing age.
These changes result from loss of orbital fat, loss of elastic
tissue and decreased muscle tone.
• The cornea flattens which reduces the refractory
power
• The retina of older individual becomes thinner because of
fewer neural cells and receives only 1/3rd of the amount of
light that of a younger person. Due to this problem in
reading, not able to see in dim light and also have difficulty
in colourperception
• The lens of the eye loses its elasticity and increases in
density
Cont'
Ear:
• Hearing problem
• Cerumen gland are reduced in number dry and
hard ear wax, along withitching
• Degenerative changes occur in ossicles
contributing to hearingloss
• Presbycusis is the term used to describe hearing loss
associated with normal aging.
Taste and smell:
• Decreased ability to taste and smell
• Very rarely the capacity to smell diminishes;
• Taste perception and taste discrimination
Cont'
• INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM • CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
• . Decreased physical demands and activity of
• • Decreased elasticity • heart.
• • Decreased secretion of natural • • Slower heart rate and reduce
oil andperspiration cardiacoutput
• • Decreased contractility
• • Thinning of skin • . Impaired coronary artery blood flow
• • Decreased heat regulation • . Less oxygen and blood supply to organ,
sothat It
• • Decreased protection against • affects the function of organ
trauma and solar • • Decreased altered preload and after load
• exposure • • Increased atherosclerotic plaques and
blood
• pressure
 • MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM
• • Decreased bone density
• • Decreased muscle size and strength
• • Decreased joint cartilage
• RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
• • In aging, the increased parathyroid
• • Respiratory muscles are hormone,
atrophy and weaken so • decreased vitamin D and calcitonin also play
role in
• reduced the ability of • calcium loss in older people
chestenlarge • URINARY SYSTEM
• • Short of breath • • Decreased blood supply and loss of
nephrons
• • Increased rigidity of thoracic • • Less blood can filtered by the kidney
cage,residual lung • . Decreased bladder capacity, and
concentrating
• volume • • Decreased diluting ability
• • Decreased gas exchange and • • Increased prostate size
diffusing capacity • • Delayed sensation to void
Psychological Aging
• IntellectuaLfunctioning
• Memory fiunctioning • • Fluid abilities or abilities involved
• Short term memory deteriorate with in solving novel problems tend to
age, long term memory show similar decline from adult period to old age.
changes.
• Intellectual abilities of older people
• A well educated and mentally active do not decline, but do become
person does ot exhibit changes in obsolete.
faster rate.
• Their formal educational experience
• The time required for memory
is reflected in their intelligence
scanning is longer for both recent and
performande
remote recall among older people.
• • This can be attributed to social or Learning ability
health factors(stress, fatigue, illness), • The ability to learn is not decline by
but it can also occur with certain age.
physiological changes due to aging.
Social Aging
• In industrialized countries many negative stereotyped perspectives
on aging still persisting, aged are always tires or sick, slow and
forgetful, isolated and lonely, unproductive etc
• Emplacement is one of the area where the aged faces discrimination.
Although compulsory retirements has been eliminated, discrimination
still persist in hiring and promoting the aged employees
• The status of elderly may improve with time as the number of elder
person increases world ide
Cont’
• By 2050, 1 in 6 people will be over 65.
• The aging population is growing faster than any other age group.
• Stages of Aging
• Young-Old (65–74 years), Middle-Old (75–84 years), Old-Old (85 years
and above)*
• Myths about Aging
• Aging is synonymous with poor health.
• Older adults can’t learn new skills.
• All older adults are dependent.
Special populations

• Groups that face unique healthcare and societal challenges.

• Examples:
• Individuals with disabilities, Ethnic minorities, Homeless
populations
• Characteristics of Special Populations
• Elderly Population: Chronic health conditions, Reduced
mobility, Cognitive impairments
• Other Populations: Marginalization, Limited access to resources
Factors affecting aging
• Genetic and environmental factors
• Lifestyle
• Disease
• Genetic and Environmental Factors:
• The aging process depends on a combination of both genetic and
environmental factors. Recognizing that every individual has his or her own
unique genetic makeup and environment, which interact with each other,
that is why the aging process can occur at such different rates in different
people.
• Environmental stress associated with exposure to excessive heat and light
trigger the activity of aging genes.
Cont’
• Lifestyle
• Behaviors of a Healthy Lifestyle
• - Not smoking
• -No alcohol
• - Exercising
• - Getting adequate rest
• - Eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables
• - Coping with stress
• - Having a positive outlook
Disease
• For example, heart and blood vessel diseases are more common in people
who eat a lot of meat and fat.
• Similarly, cataract formation in the eye largely depends on the amount of
exposure to direct sunlight.
• Osteoporosis and arthritis are the main factors governing aging process in
women
• The toxins produced in Parkinson's disease degenerate the neurons that
hinders the memory of brain.
• In Alzheimer's disease, a substance known as amyloid is produced that
destroys the brain cells. All these interferes with the normal aging process.
Needs for elderly population
• Physical Needs
1.Healthcare Access- Regular check-ups, screenings, and vaccinations to
prevent diseases.
Management of Chronic Conditions: Diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, and
heart disease
2. Nutrition and Hydration- High-fiber diets, sufficient protein, calcium, and
vitamin D to prevent malnutrition and bone loss.
3. Mobility Assistance- Assistive Devices: Canes, walkers, wheelchairs, and
prosthetics to support independence.
Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation services for improving mobility and
balance.
Cont’
• Psychological Needs
1.Cognitive Stimulation
1. Activities such as puzzles, reading, or learning new skills help maintain cognitive function.
2. Structured programs for memory care (e.g., dementia-focused therapies).
2.Mental Health Support
1. Counseling Services: Addressing anxiety, depression, or grief.
2. Socialization Opportunities: Combatting isolation through group activities, clubs, or senior
centers.
3.Sense of Purpose
1. Encouraging engagement in hobbies, volunteering, or mentorship to give a sense of
fulfillment.
4.Managing Loss and Grief
1. Emotional support to cope with the loss of loved ones or lifestyle changes.
Cont’

• Social Needs
1.Preventing Isolation
1. Facilitating interactions with family, friends, and community groups.
2. Encouraging technology use to stay connected (e.g., video calls).
2.Intergenerational Relationships
1. Opportunities to interact with younger generations, fostering mutual
respect and learning.
3.Community Engagement
1. Accessible community programs, events, and support groups tailored for
the elderly.
Cont’

• Economic Needs
1.Financial Security
1. Ensuring stable income through pensions, retirement savings, or government
programs.
2. Financial literacy programs for budgeting and managing resources.
2.Affordable Healthcare
1. Access to low-cost medications, insurance coverage, and government aid.
3.Housing Options
1. Affordable housing that is safe, accessible, and adapted for physical
limitations (e.g., ramps, grab bars).
Any Questions?