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Chew, MD, MMED Senior Lecturer/ Emergency Medicine Physician, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia
DEFINITION OF ELDERLY
60 years and over
- United Nations World Assembly on Ageing, Vienna, 1982
Young old - 55-75 years old Old old - >75 years old
DEFINITION OF HEALTH
Health is defined as: the state of complete physical, mental and social well-being (World Health Organization,1995) Absence of disease - Sidell, M. (1995) Health in Old Age: Myth, Mystery and Management, Buckingham: Open University Press.
DEMOGRAPHICS IN MALAYSIA
Population of those 60 years old and above: 6.5% in the year 2000 and is expected to double to 12.2% in the year 2025
(Department of Statistics Malaysia)
DEMOGRAPHICS IN MALAYSIA
LIFE EXPECTANCY
The life expectancy of Malaysian men and women in 1957 was 55.8 years and 58.2 years respectively. Today, it is 71 for men and 74 for women.
PHYSIOLOGICAL CHANGES
Together with decreased balance, these conditions result in more falls among older people.
SLOWED MOVEMENTS
Movements may be slowed in older patients. Lend a helping hand. Do not rush elderly patients.
FRACTURES
Fractures of the wrist, spine, and hip are common. Geriatric patients may not realize the seriousness of their injury. Every elderly patient who complains of pain after a fall must be x-rayed.
CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES
Conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels
Heart attack, angina, heart failure Stroke
Geriatric patients may not have the classic signs and symptoms.
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
Reduced Strength and Endurance of Respiratory Muscles Decreased Chest Wall Flexibility Loss of Lung Elasticity Collapse of Smaller Airway Structures
MEDICATIONS
Many older people take a large number of medications daily. Medications may interact or cause side effects. Determine what medications are being taken and transport them with patient.
DEPRESSION
Most common psychiatric condition in older adults Silent disorder Contributing factors:
Living alone Loss of loved ones Loss of independence Declining health
DEMENTIA
Progressive and usually irreversible decline in mental function Marked by impairment in memory May result in decreases in reasoning, judgment, comprehension, and ability to communicate
ELDERLY ABUSE
ELDER ABUSE
May be physical, sexual, or emotional abuse or neglect Signs and symptoms:
Bruises Burns Malnourished appearance