A few things I have taken away from this class have been the changes that occur in older adults that should be expected and how medications affect not only the physical health of older adults but also their mental health.
As nurses, we should be aware of medications that are commonly contraindicated in the older population due to the risks of delirium. These medications are referred to as the BEERS list. The “Beers Criteria for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults” are guidelines used by medical professionals to help improve the safety of prescribing medications for older adults. A lot of these medications are contraindicated due to their ability to cause orthostatic hypotension and therefore increase the risk of falls. Antipsychotics are contraindicated as they may increase the chance of stroke in individuals with dementia. Although providers attempt to avoid prescribing these medications, they are instances in which they are necessary and as nurses, it is our job to educate and make safety a priority of care.
Common changes in older adults include degradation in hearing and vision. Their skin becomes thinner and more prone to tearing injuries, bones become more susceptible to fractures and proprioception may decline. It is important for older adults to recognize these changes and try to modify their lifestyles and diet. They should be taking in more vitamins such as C and D for bone strength and vitamin A for eye health to help prevent macular degeneration and cataracts.
As we progress through life, regardless of age, there are lifestyle changes that should be made in an effort to make the body as receptive to its environment as possible. Aging is only another change that we need to adapt to if we want to continue to live a fulfilled and independent life.
