Nurs 179 Class Project This Project Is Designed To Help Expa

Nurs 179 Class Projectthis Project Is Designed To Help Expand Your Und

This project is designed to help expand your understanding of aging and to share your personal thoughts and feelings regarding the aging process. In this project, you will work independently to answer questions about aging, including your personal philosophy, media portrayals, a specific disease common among older adults, and considerations when caring for this population. You will create a PowerPoint presentation that includes responses to each section, supported by references in APA format. The project is due on December 7, 2021, by 8:00 AM.

Paper For Above instruction

The aging process is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that encompasses physical, emotional, psychological, and social changes over time. My personal philosophy of aging is rooted in the belief that aging is a natural and inevitable part of life that should be embraced with a positive outlook and proactive health management. I define aging as the gradual process of physiological decline coupled with the accumulation of life experiences that shape an individual's identity and resilience. My hopes for personal aging include maintaining independence, good health, and meaningful relationships. I fear losing my autonomy and experiencing unnecessary illness, but my goal is to remain active, engaged, and healthy well into older age.

A current media item that reflects a positive and accurate image of aging is the commercial for the "Sea of Memories" campaign by AARP, which emphasizes vitality, community involvement, and staying active in later years. This portrays aging as a stage of life filled with opportunities, wisdom, and continued growth. According to class materials, such representations are consistent with the ideas of successful aging, which focus on physical health, mental engagement, and social participation as key components (Rowe & Kahn, 1997).

On the other hand, an example of a negative and erroneous portrayal of aging can be seen in some advertisements that depict older adults as frail, dependent, and out of touch with reality. For instance, a stereotypical ad showing an elderly person struggling with technology reinforces ageist notions of incompetence and decline, which are not universally true. These portrayals ignore the diversity of aging experiences and can contribute to ageism, as discussed in class, which may hinder older adults' self-esteem and access to opportunities (Levy, 2009).

A disease common among older adults that I have chosen is Alzheimer's disease. It is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioral changes. Symptoms include forgetfulness, confusion, difficulty with language, disorientation, and personality changes. The prognosis varies; while there is no cure, the disease progression can lead to severe cognitive impairment and loss of independence, typically resulting in dependence on caregivers and eventual death (Alzheimer's Association, 2021).

To care for a patient with Alzheimer's disease, I would develop a nursing care plan that includes the following:

A. Nursing Diagnoses

  • Ineffective coping related to cognitive decline and behavioral changes.

B. Expected Outcomes

  • The patient will demonstrate improved coping skills and participate in therapeutic activities within two weeks.
  • The patient will remain free from injury during hospitalization or care period.

C. Interventions and Rationales

  1. Nursing Diagnosis 1: Ineffective coping
  2. Implement structured daily routines. Rationale: Routine provides a sense of security and reduces anxiety.
  3. Encourage familiar activities and hobbies. Rationale: Familiar activities promote engagement and emotional stability.
  4. Provide emotional support and counseling. Rationale: Emotional support addresses feelings of frustration and loss of independence.
  5. Nursing Diagnosis 2: Risk of injury
  6. Maintain a safe environment with clutter-free pathways. Rationale: Reduces trip hazards and prevents falls.
  7. Use bed and chair alarms if necessary. Rationale: Alerts staff to patient movement and potential fall risk.
  8. Closely monitor patient during activities. Rationale: Ensures prompt intervention if unsafe behavior occurs.

D. Evaluation

  • The patient demonstrates increased participation in routines, indicating improved coping.
  • No falls or injuries occur during care sessions, confirming safety interventions are effective.

E. Reflection on Care for Elderly

When caring for older adults, I anticipate challenges such as communication barriers, managing multiple chronic conditions, and addressing cognitive decline. To overcome these challenges, I plan to develop strong communication skills, remain patient, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams. Additionally, I aim to provide holistic care that respects individual preferences and promotes dignity. Understanding ageism and cultural considerations will be crucial in fostering respectful and effective care for older patients, ensuring they feel valued and empowered in their health journeys.

References

  • Alzheimer's Association. (2021). 2021 Alzheimer's disease facts and figures. Alzheimer's & Dementia, 17(3), 327-406.
  • Levy, B. (2009). Age-stereotype threats and health: Implications for health and aging. Society for Personality and Social Psychology.
  • Rowe, J. W., & Kahn, R. L. (1997). Successful aging. The Gerontologist, 37(4), 433-440.
  • Harper, S. (2014). The social and economic implications of population aging. Public Policy & Aging Report, 24(2), 70-75.
  • Morris, J. N. (2005). Advances in understanding the epidemiology of aging. Science, 308(5723), 58-63.
  • Cohen, G. D. (2005). The healthy mind: Stress, aging, and mental health. American Psychologist, 60(4), 356-365.
  • Katz, S., & Murphy, K. R. (2012). Aging and health disparities. Leading Age, 73(6), 219-226.
  • Standen, P. J., & Donaldson, N. (2010). Enhancing patient safety with bears: A framework for effective communication. Nursing Standard, 24(44), 44-50.
  • World Health Organization. (2015). World report on aging and health. WHO Press.
  • Baltes, P. B., & Baltes, M. M. (1990). Successful aging: Perspectives from developmental psychology. Cambridge University Press.

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