Consider A 12-Year-Old And 75-Year-Old Have One Of The Follo ✓ Solved

Consider a 12-year-old and 75-year-old have one of the following illnesses: COPD Asthma Heart Failure Cancer Describe the chronic illness trajectory for the selected illness based on the patient's age

Evaluate the progression of a chosen illness—either COPD, asthma, heart failure, or cancer—in both a 12-year-old and a 75-year-old, focusing on how the illness manifests and advances at each age. Discuss the typical trajectory of the illness, including its stages, symptoms, and potential complications, emphasizing how the disease course differs between a child's developmental stage and an older adult’s physiological decline. Analyze how age influences disease progression, including immune response, comorbid conditions, and recovery potential.

Examine how understanding the illness trajectory tailored to each age group affects clinical planning. Consider factors such as timing of interventions, anticipatory guidance, supportive care, and palliative considerations. Delve into the importance of age-specific assessments in diagnosing, monitoring, and modifying treatment plans to improve quality of life and health outcomes.

Discussion on How the Chronic Illness Trajectory Influences the Plan of Care

The trajectory of a chronic illness significantly impacts the formulation of the care plan. In pediatric patients, the focus often centers on stabilizing growth and development while managing symptoms and preventing disease progression. For example, in a child with asthma, the plan involves preventing exacerbations through environmental control, medication adherence, and education. Conversely, in an older adult with heart failure, the care plan emphasizes symptom management, medication optimization, and preventing hospitalizations due to decompensation.

The illness trajectory informs the timing and intensity of interventions, including the goals of care, coordination with multidisciplinary teams, and family involvement. Recognizing early signs of disease progression allows for timely adjustments in therapy, promoting patient comfort and functional independence. Planning must also address psychosocial aspects, caregiver support, and advance directives in anticipation of the disease’s course. Ultimately, understanding how age modifies disease trajectories ensures age-appropriate, patient-centered care that aligns with individual health goals and quality of life priorities.

Discuss your own philosophy of aging. When do you think a person becomes elderly? What do you think of older people?

My philosophy of aging centers on the view that aging is a natural, inevitable process that encompasses physical, psychological, and social changes. I believe that aging should be approached with dignity, respect, and an emphasis on maintaining quality of life. Age should not define a person's value or capabilities; rather, it is a period of continued growth, wisdom, and self-reflection.

I consider a person to become elderly when they reach approximately 65 years of age, which is a common societal marker, though chronological age alone does not determine someone’s functional or cognitive status. Some individuals remain active, engaged, and vibrant well beyond this age, while others may face health challenges that limit their activity. Therefore, aging is highly individualized, influenced by genetics, lifestyle, social support, and access to healthcare.

In my view, older people are diverse and possess immense value. They have accumulated life experiences and knowledge that enrich society. I see many older adults as active, resilient, and capable of contributing meaningfully to their communities. While some may experience decline, I believe that active engagement, social connections, and health maintenance can promote well-being and vibrancy throughout old age. It is crucial to challenge stereotypes that depict older people as senile or debilitated and instead recognize their potential for continued growth and contribution.

Personal Reflection on Elderly People

I know an elderly woman who remains lively and involved in community activities. She volunteers at local centers, participates in exercise classes tailored for seniors, and maintains strong family relationships. Her outlook on aging emphasizes gratitude, continuous learning, and staying active. Her vitality underscores the importance of a positive attitude and healthy habits in aging.

References

• World Health Organization. (2015). World report on aging and health. WHO Press.
• Cummings, S. R., & Studenski, S. (2014). Aging and health: A comprehensive perspective. The Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, 69(4), 431-432.
• Rechel, B., Grundy, E., Robine, J. M., et al. (2013). Ageing in the European Union. The Lancet, 381(9874), 1312-1322.
• Vahia, I. V., Blazer, D. G., & Smith, G. S. (2018). Aging and mental health. In K. S. Kendler (Ed.), Principles of Psychiatric Genetics (pp. 533-547). Springer.
• WHO. (2018). Ageing and health. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ageing-and-health
• Rowe, J. W., & Kahn, R. L. (1997). Successful aging. The Gerontologist, 37(4), 433-440.
• Holt-Lunstad, J., Smith, T. B., & Layton, J. B. (2010). Social relationships and mortality risk. PLOS Medicine, 7(7), e1000316.
• Allen, J., & Eby, L. (2014). The aging workforce: Opportunities and challenges. Journal of Management, 40(5), 1337-1343.
• Fried, L. P., & Guralnik, J. M. (1997). Disability in older adults: Insights from the Women’s Health and Aging Study. Annals of Internal Medicine, 127(7), 592-601.
• Baltes, P. B., & Smith, J. (2003). New directions in the future of aging: Toward a complementary view. Research on Aging, 25(4), 382-385.