Concepts of Altered Health in Older Adults. Case Study

Concepts of Altered Health in Older Adults
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Concepts of Altered Health in Older Adults
Several physiological factors would typically increase Joseph’s risk of falling while walking outdoors. Impaired mobility and gait disturbances are among the primary factors. Research has shown that after reaching 30 years of age, there is a 10% loss in endurance and strength per decade and 30% loss in muscle power per decade (World Health Organization, 2004). Consequently, the loss of endurance, strength, and muscle power impair a person’s physical functioning. Since Joseph is 82 years old, much of the risk of falling while walking outdoors can likely be attributed to the more than five decades of gradual loss in endurance, strength, and muscle power. Moreover, when these components of mobility and gait are affected, it becomes difficult to prevent a stumble, slip, or trip becoming an actual fall.
Another factor is the likelihood of Joseph having neuromuscular deficits due to arthritis of the lower limb. In a study that investigated the physiological predisposition to the risk of fall among older people, Sturnieks et al. (2004) noted that arthritis in the lower extremity is associated with weakened muscle strength in the ankle and knee areas. As a result, Joseph would have deficits in standing balance, postural sway, and knee proprioception (Sturnieks et al. 2004). It is equally important to acknowledge that old age is associated with increased risk of chronic conditions that could affect movement and concentration while walking outdoors. Examples include hypotension and dementia that could cause dizziness. Poor vision and illnesses that affect the parts of the ear that regulate balance, for instance, labyrinthitis, are possible additional risk factors in Joseph’s case.
As someone ages, blood pressure regulation changes mostly due to structural alterations in the arteries. In most cases, stiffness in the large arteries increases blood pressure. The stiffness of the arteries is caused by structural changes as well as calcification. As a result, pressure waves are reflected from th...