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.