Age related changes among the elderly

Age-related Changes Among the Elderly
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Practically, age-related changes vary among different people and environments. These changes have various effects on the lifestyle of the elderly. Below are the two most prevalent age-related changes and how nurses can assist their patients to cope with them.
As a person ages, the bones and the joints weaken. This condition mostly manifests itself through arthritis. Osteoarthritis, a type of arthritis, commences when cartilage breaks away leaving bones to rub against each other. The pain inflicted on one by arthritis causes functional decline. One finds it particularly challenging to move hence is not productive. This may have eventual effects of depression, dependency and lack of self-esteem.
The hearing ability for an individual often decreases with an increase in age. This is known as Presbycusis. Hearing inability affects one’s lifestyle in the following ways: Hearing being vital in communication, the failure to hear therefore hinders effective communication. The affected person may feel isolated or neglected by others and discriminated. Hearing inability prompts the affected to be dependent on others to achieve effective communication. It also causes; confusion, blaming habit and low self-esteem.
Nurses play a significant role in assisting the elderly patients to cope with these changes (Kuria, 2012). They can perform this task in the following ways: First, by maintaining a friendly mood and attitude towards the patient.

They can in return earn their attention and help them go through adjust to the various changes. Second, by taking them through rehabilitation. This can be attained through giving health education to the elderly.
In conclusion, the tearing of bones and loss of hearing are the most prevalent age-related changes. Nurses have the upper hand in helping the elderly cope with these changes effectively.

Reference
Kuria, W. (2012). Coping with age-related changes in the elderly. Theseus.