Physical Impacts of Ageing

Understanding the Physical Impact of

Ageing: A Course for Personal Care

Attendants

Physical Impacts of Ageing

This slideshow covers:• Strategies to promote healthy lifestyle

practices• Common problems carers may face• Physical changes associated with ageing• The impact changes associated with ageing

may have everyday activities• How to communicate of potential risks and

risks associated with ageing to the older person

Physical Impacts of Ageing

Ageing causes changes in physical appearance and body's functioning, which may include:• Decrease in muscle strength• Bones that might break more easily• Lack of balance• Changes to sight• Changes to hearing• Thinner skin that may break and tear easily

Physical Impacts of Ageing

Physical problems include:• Loss of flexibility• Reduced vision• Reduces hearing • Memory problems or dementia• Loss of Muscle Strength• Loss of fine motor skills (small movements,

especially of hands and fingers)• Problems with continence

Physical Impacts of Ageing

Take note of any physical changes recorded and make sure the care you provide is in accordance with

the care plan.

Physical Impacts of Ageing

The personal care may include:• Washing• Dressing and grooming• Oral hygiene• Mobilisation• Transferring • Toileting• Helping with eating and drinking• Helping with respiration• Skin maintenance

Physical Impacts of Ageing

• Sometimes older people need help to move, that is, getting in or out of a bed or a chair.

• You may need to support them during dressing.

• Back injuries can happen easily - make sure you have been shown the best way to help older people while keeping yourself safe from injury.

Physical Impacts of Ageing

• Ageing may affect the types of activities and interests older people have.

• Encourage older people to continue with their interests and activities.

• Recorded their interests and activities in care plan or you could talk to the older person about them.

• Consider and be willing to accommodate schedule and timing changes associated with their interests and activities.

Physical Impacts of Ageing

Problems associated with loss of flexibility:• Unable to dress• Not able to reach to

pick up objects• Unable to take items

from cupboards & Shelves

Physical Impacts of Ageing

Problems associated with reduced vision:• Unable to read directories,

timetable, medication labels• Trouble filling in forms• Increased risk of bumps and knocks• Increased risk of falls • Loss of enjoyment of reading books

and magazines• Trouble watching television

Physical Impacts of Ageing

Problems associated with reduced hearing:• Trouble answering the phone• Trouble hearing conversations• Not able to respond to alarms• Reduced connection with social

network and friendships• Problems watching television

Physical Impacts of Ageing

Problems associated with memory problems or dementia:• Unable to find items• Trouble remembering tasks.• Increased risk of getting lost.• Decreased safety around the house.

Physical Impacts of Ageing

Problems associated with loss of muscle strength:• Trouble lifting or moving objects such as

shopping bags• Increased risk of injury around the

house• Problems maintaining a house and

garden• Increased risk of falls

Physical Impacts of Ageing

Problems associated with loss of fine motor skills:• Unable to do buttons and

zippers• Trouble opening containers • Loss of enjoyment of activities

such as sewing or knitting• Trouble cutting toenails or

fingernails

Physical Impacts of Ageing

Problems associated with with incontinence:• May need clothing or bedding

changed• May need pads or protective

underwear• May need help with catheter care • May need a referral to a doctor,

physiotherapist or continence nurse

Physical Impacts of Ageing

Common disease and illness associated with ageing:• Diabetes • Cancer • Depression • Arthritis• Dementia• Heart and lung disease• Skin disorder • Incontinence

Physical Impacts of Ageing

Physical changes and problems may affect the way older people manage their daily activities such as

personal care, making and having meals and

drinks, housework, laundry, gardening or

shopping.

Physical Impacts of Ageing

Aged care services help older people assess and manage their own physical ability to perform daily activities through:• Formal assessments• Observations• Discussions with the older person,

family and others such as advocates

Physical Impacts of Ageing

Consider these important issues:• If older people think they can no longer do

anything for themselves, they may stop trying. They may decide it is easier just to let other people do things for them.

• The older person may find it hard to accept help with their personal care.

• Many people like to have family or their partner help with their care.

• As a support worker encourage older people to try to do things on their own by helping them adapt.

Physical Impacts of Ageing

Some tools or aids to help with ageing include: • Stove guards to prevent pots

being pulled off the stove accidentally.

• Page turners to help turn the pages of a book or magazine

• Remote controls to turn lights on and off.

• Armchairs that tilt or lift to help a person stand up from the chair.

Physical Impacts of Ageing

Some tools or aids to help with ageing include: • Wrist supports to help

promote a stronger grip. • Lids for cups to prevent liquid

being split. • Laundry trolleys to carry

washing baskets. • Grips to help with opening

jars or bottles.

Physical Impacts of Ageing

How older people can maintain health:• Regular medical check

ups• Healthy diet and limiting

fats, sugars and oils• Regular exercises• No smoking

Physical Impacts of Ageing

How older people can maintain health:• Drinking safe amounts of

alcohol.• Drinking plenty of water

to prevent dehydration.• Weight maintenance• Using aids safely• Using over-the-counter

medicines safely

Physical Impacts of Ageing

Promoting continence:• Maintaining good bladder

habits• Drinking at least 6-8 cups of

water or fluids daily• Limit caffeine • Limit alcohol• Regular pelvic floor exercises

Physical Impacts of Ageing

Maintaining psychosocial health:• Mental exercises • Meeting new people • Talking to or interacting with other

people every day • Seeking medical help for problems • Enjoyable activities

IHNA offers qualifications in aged care, disability and nursing. Go to http://ihna.edu.au to kick start your health career.

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