1. Safety and Mobility
• Falls / Fall Prevention
o Risk factors: poor vision, balance issues, medications, environment hazards
o Prevention: proper footwear, lighting, removing clutter, assistive devi ces
• Arthritis
o Nursing best response: pain management, encouraging g entle exercise, joint protection,
patient education
• Musculoskeletal Function
o Age-related changes: decreased muscle mass, bone density, joint flexibility
o Exercise: low-impact activities (walking, swimming) to maintain strength
• Benefits of Walking
o Improves cardiovascular health, muscle strength, bone density, mental health, balance
2. Age-Related Changes and Health Promotion
• Normal vs Abnormal Changes
o Normal: greying hair, decreased skin elasticity, slower reflexes, mild memory changes
o Abnormal: sudden confusion, significant weight loss, persistent fatigue, shortness of
breath
• Health Promotion
o Encourage exercise, balanced diet, vaccinations, regular screenings
• Systems
o Know changes across cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal, endocrine,
neurological, renal systems
3. Respiratory System
• COPD
o Signs/Symptoms: dyspnea, chronic cough, sputum, fatigue
o Diet: high-calorie, high-protein, small frequent meals
o Education: smoking cessation, oxygen therapy safety, pulmonary rehab
• Bronchitis
o Signs/Symptoms: productive cough, wheezing, mild fever
• Pneumonia
o Older adults: atypical symptoms (confusion, weakness)
o Vaccinations: influenza, pneumococcal
• Emphysema
o Signs: barrel chest, decreased breath sounds, use of accessory muscles
• TB & Asthma
o TB: chronic cough, night sweats, weight loss
o Asthma: episodic wheezing, shortness of breath, triggers
• Age-related Respiratory Changes
o Decreased lung elasticity, weaker cough reflex, fewer alveoli
• Prevention
o Vaccines, hand hygiene, avoid exposure
