What are the main physiological changes that occur in older adults due to aging? How do these changes affect their health and well-being? - Some of the main physiological changes that occur in older adults due to aging are: decreased muscle mass and strength, reduced bone density and increased risk of fractures, decreased cardiac output and blood pressure, reduced lung capacity and respiratory function, decreased renal function and urinary output, reduced gastrointestinal motility and absorption, decreased immune response and increased susceptibility to infections, impaired thermoregulation and increased sensitivity to heat and cold, decreased sensory acuity and cognitive function, and hormonal changes that affect metabolism, mood, and sexual function. These changes affect their health and well-being by increasing the risk of chronic diseases, functional limitations, disability, frailty, falls, injuries, pain, depression, isolation, and reduced quality of life. What are some of the common geriatric syndromes that affect older adults? How can they be prevented or managed? - Some of the common geriatric syndromes that affect older adults are: delirium, dementia, depression, urinary incontinence, falls, pressure ulcers, malnutrition, dehydration, polypharmacy, and elder abuse. They can be prevented or managed by: identifying and treating the underlying causes or contributing factors, providing appropriate pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, educating and supporting the patients and their caregivers, implementing multidisciplinary care plans and follow-up strategies, and promoting healthy aging behaviors and practices. What are some of the ethical issues that arise in the care of older adults? How can they be resolved or addressed? - Some of the ethical issues that arise in the care of older adults are: autonomy versus beneficence, informed consent versus decision-making capacity, advance directives versus surrogate decision-makers, quality of life versus quantity of life, palliative care versus euthanasia or assisted suicide, resource allocation versus justice or equity. They can be resolved or addressed by: respecting the values, preferences, and rights of the older adults and their families, communicating effectively and empathetically with them, involving them in shared decision-making processes, adhering to the principles of beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy, justice, and fidelity, applying relevant laws, policies, guidelines, and codes of ethics or conduct.