Over the past decades, scientific inquiry into the phenomenon of aging has produced extensive literature. Of great fascination is the mechanism that underlies aging process. From a biological perspective, aging takes a life course when an individual grows to maturity. During this phase in life, aging is not felt as a remarkable biological course due to the excitement that occurs during young age. However, the ageing coincides with explicit biological changes, especially the aspect of physical decline. It is this phase of ageing that has attracted the interests of both scientists and gerontologists. Scientists are focused on understanding the biology of aging. Biological studies indicate that ageing involves biological pathways such as the regulation of genes, metabolism and cellular signaling (López-Otín et al., 2013; Newgard & Pessin, 2014). These pathways play integral roles in controlling how the human body works including response to infection, stress, as well as recovery from injuries. On the other hand, gerontologists are concerned with the aspects of aging, in order to distinguish normal aging from disease. The task here involves establishing a clear boundary between normal aging and age-related health problems which have, for long, been considered as part of aging. For instance, the association of change in personality, especially during old age has been found to be an independent construct that does not have a significant relationship with normal ageing (National Institute of Health, 2015). In this respect, this paper provides a critical discussion on aspects of normal ageing, when combined with a chronic disease, may contribute to the development of disability, iatrogenic illness and geriatric syndromes, as well as elucidating the nurse’s role in limiting this risk. This topic has immense implications to clinical practice. Foremost, ageing is associated with chronic illnesses. Additionally, some aspects of ageing exhibit interplay with chronic illnesses to cause devastating health consequences such as disability, iatrogenic illness and geriatric syndromes. Therefore, nursing care should focus on addressing chronic illnesses, as well as preventing the development of disability, iatrogenic illness and geriatric syndromes. As such, this essay discusses how the combination of normal ageing aspects with chronic illnesses may lead to these adverse health conditions using the case of diabetes.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Impact of Diabetes on Aged Adults
- Ageing and Body Changes
- Tissue Changes
- Hardening of the Blood Vessels
- Renal Function Decline
- Decreased Elasticity of the Gut Muscles
- Physical Decline
- Cognitive Decline
- Tissue Changes
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to provide a critical discussion on the relationship between normal ageing and chronic diseases, particularly diabetes. It explores how the combination of these factors can contribute to the development of disability, iatrogenic illness, and geriatric syndromes. Additionally, the paper highlights the crucial role of nurses in limiting these risks.
- Impact of normal ageing and chronic disease on health outcomes
- The link between diabetes and disability, iatrogenic illness, and geriatric syndromes
- The role of tissue changes in the ageing process
- The impact of physical decline on the health of elderly individuals
- The relationship between cognitive decline and mental health disorders in older adults
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The introduction discusses the significance of aging research and how gerontologists strive to differentiate normal aging from age-related health problems. The paper focuses on how aspects of normal aging, in combination with a chronic disease like diabetes, can lead to adverse health conditions.
The chapter "Impact of Diabetes on Aged Adults" highlights the high prevalence and mortality of diabetes among older adults and the increased risk of disability, geriatric syndromes, and iatrogenic disease in this population.
The chapter "Ageing and Body Changes" examines various aspects of normal aging, including tissue changes, physical decline, and cognitive decline. It discusses how these changes, particularly in the context of diabetes, can contribute to the development of health problems.
Within the "Tissue Changes" section, the paper explores specific examples like hardening of the blood vessels, renal function decline, and decreased elasticity of the gut muscles. It emphasizes the potential health consequences of these tissue changes in relation to diabetes.
The chapter on "Physical Decline" discusses the impact of decreased mobility and muscle activity on the health of older adults, particularly in the context of diabetes. It highlights the risk of disability and iatrogenic illness associated with physical decline.
Finally, the chapter on "Cognitive Decline" explores the relationship between cognitive changes and mental health disorders in older adults. It emphasizes the potential link between cognitive decline and diabetes-related neuropathy, leading to disability.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The paper focuses on key terms such as normal aging, chronic disease, diabetes, disability, iatrogenic illness, geriatric syndromes, tissue changes, physical decline, cognitive decline, and the role of nursing in managing these health challenges.
- Quote paper
- Patrick Kimuyu (Author), 2018, Aspects of Normal Ageing and Their Relationship with the Development of Disability, Iatrogenic Illness and Geriatric Syndromes, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/412263
