INTRODUCTION TO GERONTOLOGICAL NURSING

GERONTOLOGY – scientific study of old age, ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS

the process of aging, and the problems of old people.
- In ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia,
IMPORTANCE – Understanding aging helps improve Egypt, Greece and Rome, older individuals
quality of life for the elderly. were often respected and valued for their
wisdom and experience.
GERIARTIC – anything related to old age or he
- Many ancient cultures had myths and stories
medical care and treatment of older adults.
that depicted older figures as wise mentors
AGEISM – is a form of discrimination and or advisers.
stereotyping based on a person’s age. It involves
MIDDLE AGES AND RENAISSANCE
prejudices and biases that can affect individuals of all
ages but is most associated with older adults. - MIDDLE AGES – Aging of ten associated with
wisdom and respect
GERONTIC NURSING – the art and practice of
- RENAISSANCE – Renewed interest in science
nurturing, caring and comforting of older person.
and the human body; more systematic
Developed by Gunter and Estes in 1979.
observation of aging.
GERIARTICS – Greek geras, meaning “old age”. Brach - During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance,
of medicine that deals with the diseases and religious beliefs influenced attitudes towards
problems of old age. Aging is a normal process of aging. Older individuals were seen as closer
time related change, begins with birth and to God and were often given positions of
continuous throughout life. authority within religious institutions.
- Portraits and artworks from this period often
PURPOSE OF GERONTOLOGY – allowing you to depicted older individuals as symbols of
practice a range of skills to improve the health of wisdom and dignity.
older adults.
17TH AND 18TH CENTURY DEVELOPMENTS
CATEGORY OF OLD AGE - SCIENTIFIC REVOLUTION – Introduction of
scientific methods to study aging.
YOUNG OLD – 65 TO 74 years old - NOTABLE FIGURES – Francis Bacon and his
writings on longevity and health
MIDDLE OLD – 75 to 84 years old - FRANCIS BACON – is the most famous for his
OLD – OLD – 85 years old and older philosophy of science.

CENTENARIAN - 100 years old (662 Filipinos DSWD) 18TH CENTURY ENLIGHTENMENT:

- By mid 21st century, old people will be out - The Enlightenment era brought about a shift
numbered young for the first time in history towards valuing reason and rationality.
- IMMANUEL KANT – emphasized importance
of personal growth and self-improvement
OVERVIEW OF AGING throughout life.
- Aging was sometimes viewed as a decline in
ANCIENT PERSPECTIVES ON AGING physical abilities, but older adults were still
valued for their intellectual contribution.
- EARLY VIEWS – Aging seen as a natural,
inevitable process 19THCENTURY BIRTH OF MODERN GERONTOLOGY
- PHILOSOPHERS – Socrates and Plato
- EARLY PIONEERS: Elie Metchnikoff coined
discussed aging, Plato viewed it as a time of
the term “gerontology” in 1903.
spiritual and intellectual fulfillment.
- FOCUS: Shift towards studying aging
scientifically and improving health care for
the elderly.
19TH CENTURY AND INDUSTRIALIZATION DEMOGARPHICS AND AGING

- The rise of industrialization and urbanization - In Philippines 2000, there were 4.6 million
led to changes in family structures. Older senior citizens (60 years or older),
adults were often separated from their representing about 6% of the total
families as younger generations moved to population.
urban areas for work. - In two decades, this has grown to 9.4 million
- Improved living conditions and medical older people or about 8.6% of the total
advancements during this time led to an population.
increase in life expectancy. - The World Population Prospects 2019
projects that by 2050, older people will make
20th CENTURY : ESTABLISHMENT OF GERONTOLOGY
up around 2 billion of the total population.
AS A FIELD
- The global population is aging due to
- Organizations: Establishment of the increased life expectancy and declining birth
Gerontological Society of America (1945). rates.
- Key Studies: Baltimore Longitudinal Study of
Aging (1958) – one of the longest running SIGNIFICANT PERSONS:
studies on human aging.

LATE 20TH CENTURY AND AGEISM: - ROBERT BUTLER (1927 – 2010) Coining the
term “Gerontology” and for emphasizing the
- In the latter half of the 20 th century, the
importance of interdisciplinary collaboration
concept of ageism gained recognition.
in understanding aging.
Ageism refers to the discrimination or
prejudice against individuals based on their
- IGNATZ NASCHER – “Father of Geriatrics”
age.
for his pioneering work in developing the
- Activists and researchers began to address
field of geriatrics.
ageism’s negative impact on older adults and
advocated for more inclusive attitudes and
- ALEX COMFORT (1920-2000) – An English
policies.
physician and author, is best known for his
EARLY 2OTH CENTURY: groundbreaking book "The Joy of Sex."
However, he also contributed to the study of
- The early 20th century saw the emergence of aging and sexuality.
gerontology as a formal field of study,
encompassing various disciplines such as - ELAINE CUMMING (1920-1987) AND
biology, psychology and sociology. WILLIAM HENRY "W.H." CUMMING (1922-
- Researchers began to study the biological, 2010): This husband-and-wife team of
psychological and social aspects of aging in sociologists conducted influential research
more systematic ways. on aging and the social aspects of aging.
21ST CENTURY AND GLOBAL AGING
- BERNICE NEUGARTEN (1916-2001) An
- Advances in healthcare and technology have American psychologist and gerontologist,
contributed to increased life expectancy and known for her research on the psychological
changed the demographics of many aspects of aging and developed "continuity
societies, resulting in aging populations. theory"
- The 21st century has brought attention to the - AUBREY DE GRAY (1963) a British biologist
challenges and opportunities posed by global and advocate for rejuvenation
aging, including issues related to healthcare, biotechnology.
retirement and intergenerational
relationships.
- LAURA L. Carstensen (Born 1959): known - AGNES JONES - a wealthy Nightingale
for her socioemotional selectivity theory. trained nurse in 1864 was sent to Liverpool
This theory posits that as people age, they Infirmary’
become more focused on seeking emotional - LAVINIA DOCK - and other early leaders in
satisfaction and maintaining meaningful nursing addressed, in the American Journal
relationships, rather than pursuing future- of Nursing (AJN), the needs of the elderly
oriented goals. chronically ill in almshouses.
- She was appointed to Johns Hopkins School
- ILYA ILYICH MECHNIKOV- a 19th-century of Nursing as the assistant superintendent
biologist at the age of 58, founded the - During 1929, she contributed to the 19 th
science of gerontology and created the American Amendment, the rights of women
terminology. to vote during her time

- The word gerontology was introduced in - DAME DOREEN NORTON (1913–2007) was a
1903 by Nobel Laureate, ELIE METCHNIKOFF British nurse and healthcare pioneer who
(1845–1915), He proposed the concept of devoted much of her career to improving the
"germ theory of aging," suggesting that aging care and well-being of the elderly.
could be attributed to the toxic effects of - Doreen Norton is best known for developing
bacteria in the gut. He is often referred to as the "Norton Scale" (also known as the
the "father of natural immunity" "Norton Pressure Area Risk Assessment
Scale"), which is a widely used tool for
- JAMES BIRREN (1918–2016): A psychologist assessing the risk of pressure ulcers
and pioneer in the field of aging, made (bedsores) in patients.
significant contributions to the study of
cognitive aging, memory, and aging-related - MARJORY WARREN (1897 - 1960) The
changes in sensory perception Mother of British Geriatric Medicine
- She was a surgeon to start with, and yet she
- MATILDA WHITE RILEY (1911–2004): she created geriatrics out of medicine. She
made significant contributions to the study advocated practicing geriatrics as a
of aging as a dynamic and multidimensional specialist, and yet she emphasized the
process. importance of generalist training.

- ERIK Erikson (1902–1994): While primarily - DR. DORIS SCHWARTZ- was a nurse,
known for his work in developmental educator, and researcher ,played a pivotal
psychology, Erikson's "psychosocial stages of role in shaping the way nursing care is
development" theory”. provided to older adults and advancing the
understanding of their unique healthcare
- CLARENCE Northcott (1881–1968): An needs.
American physician, played a role in the early
development of geriatric medicine.
PROFESSIONALIZATION OF
GERONTOLOGICAL NURSING

PIONEERS OF GERONTOLOGY EARLY 20TH CENTURY:

- 1900’s to 1940’s - Nursing care for the

- FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE - The first true
elderly was primarily provided in homes and
geriatric nurse. Founder of the Institution for
charitable institutions. There was little
the Care of Sick Gentle women in Distressed
formal training specific to the care of older
Circumstances
adults.
 - 1940s: The post-World War II era saw an
increase in life expectancy and a growing
elderly population, which began to highlight
the need for specialized care.

MID 20TH CENTURY: GERONTOLOGICAL NURSING IN PHILIPPINES

- 1950s-1960s: Gerontological nursing started - Nursing in the Philippines began in the late
gaining recognition as a distinct field. The 19th and early 20th centuries, influenced by
American Nurses Association (ANA) began to Spanish and American colonial rule. During
focus on the needs of elderly patients, and this time, nurses primarily provided general
the first specialized training programs for care, including care for the elderly, but
geriatric nursing were developed. without a specific focus on gerontology.
- 1960s: The establishment of Medicare and - Specialized training programs in
Medicaid in the United States in 1965 gerontological nursing were developed
increased access to healthcare for older within nursing schools in the Philippines.
adults, further emphasizing the need for - In the 21st century, there has been a
specialized nursing care. continued emphasis on enhancing
gerontological nursing practice in the
LATE 20TH CENTURY:
Philippines. Nursing organizations and
- 1970s: The ANA formed the Council on academic institutions have increasingly
Gerontological Nursing, which later became focused on gerontological nursing
the Gerontological Nursing Division. This - The establishment of elder care facilities and
period also saw the introduction of services in various regions of the Philippines
gerontological nursing certification has also contributed to the growth of
programs. gerontological nursing
- 1980s-1990s: The NGNA (National
Gerontological Nursing Association was PHILIPPINE POLICIES RELATED TO
founded in 1984 to provide a professional OLDER PEOPLE
organization specifically for gerontological
nurses. - Philippines agency which primarily
responsible for implementing programs and
LATE 20TH CENTURY: services for senior citizens:
- DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and
- 2000s: The field continued to expand with
Development) Age requirement for
advancements in research, education, and
individuals to be considered senior citizens
clinical practice. The Hartford Institute for
under Philippine law- 60 years old
Geriatric Nursing was established to improve
the care of older adults by enhancing nursing
- Republic Act No. 344 or the Accessibility
practice.
Law of 1982 provides for the minimum
- 2010s: The Institute of Medicine (now the
requirements and standards to make
National Academy of Medicine) released
buildings, facilities, and utilities for public use
reports emphasizing the importance of
accessible to persons with disability,
preparing the nursing workforce to meet the
including older persons who are confined to
needs of an aging population.
wheelchairs and those who have difficulty in
- 2020s: The ongoing aging of the global
walking or climbing stairs, among others.
population has kept the focus on enhancing
- Republic Act No. 7876 entitled “An Act
the professionalization of gerontological
Establishing a Senior Citizens Center in all
nursing. The COVID-19 pandemic further
Cities and Municipalities of the Philippines,
highlighted the importance of specialized
and Appropriating Funds ” provides for the
care for the elderly.
 establishment of Senior Citizens Centers to - Executive Order No. 105, Series of 2003
cater to older persons’ socialization and approved and directed the implementation
interaction needs as well as to serve as a of the program providing for group homes
venue for the conduct of other meaningful and foster homes for neglected, abandoned,
activities. abused, detached, and poor older persons
and persons with disabilities.
- Republic Act No. 8425 provides for
the institutionalization and enhancement of - Republic Act No. 10868 Centenarians Act of
the social reform agenda by creating the 2016, an act honoring and granting
National Anti-Poverty Commission additional benefits and privileges to Filipino
(NAPC). Through its multi-dimensional and centenarians.
cross-sectoral approach, NAPC provides a - -they are giving 100 thousand cash gifts
mechanism for older persons to participate
in policy formulation and decision-making on - Republic Act No. 11036 Mental Health Act,
matters concerning poverty alleviation. which includes provisions for mental health
services for older persons.
- Republic Act No. 10155, known as “The
General Appropriations Act of 2012”, under - Republic Act No. 10175 Cybercrime
Section 28 mandates that all government Prevention Act of 2012, which includes
agencies and instrumentalities should provisions against cybercrimes that affect
allocate one percent of their total agency senior citizens.
budget to programs and projects for older
persons and persons with disabilities. - Republic Act No. 11494 Bayanihan to
Recover as One Act (Bayanihan 2), which
- Republic Act No. 9994, known as “Expanded includes provisions for the protection of
Seniors Citizen Act of 2010″, an act granting senior citizens during the COVID-19
additional benefits and privileges to senior pandemic.
citizens, further amending
- Creation of Senior Citizen’s Office - Local
- Republic Act No. 7432 and otherwise known government units (LGUs) are mandated to
as “an act to maximize the contribution of establish Senior Citizens' Affairs Offices
senior citizens to nation building, grant (SCAOs) to coordinate and implement
benefits and special privileges and for other programs and services for older persons in
purposes” and they are entitled for 10% their respective areas.
discount for all utility bills
- Mandatory PhilHealth Coverage for Senior
Citizens (Republic Act No. 10645): This
PRESIDENTIAL PROCLAMATIONS AND EXECUTIVE
amendment to the Senior Citizens Act
ORDERS
ensures that senior citizens are covered by
- Presidential Proclamation No. 470, Series of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation
1994, declaring the first week of October of (PhilHealth) to help them access medical
every year as “Elderly Filipino Week.” services and health care.

- Presidential Proclamation No. 1048, Series - Republic Act No. 10911 - An Act Prohibiting
of 1999, declaring a “Nationwide Observance Discrimination Against Any Individual in
in the Philippines of the International Year of Employment on Account of Age and
Older Persons”. Providing Penalties Therefor (Anti-Age
Discrimination in Employment Act).
 -Republic Act No. 11332 - Mandatory intergenerational dynamics, retirement, and the role
Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health of older adults in society.
Events of Public Health Concern Act, which
GERIATRIC MEDICINE - is a medical specialty that
includes the elderly in its special
focuses on the health and healthcare of older adults.
SUBFIELD OF GERONTOLOGY
consideration.
It covers the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of
age-related diseases and conditions.
GEROSCIENCE - Research into the relationship
ENVIRONMENTAL GERONTOLOGY - This subfield
between biological aging and age-related disease at
examines the physical and built environment's
the molecular level.
impact on older adults' well-being. It considers
GENETICS - Study the role of genes in aging and try factors such as housing design, accessibility, and
to identify which genes are relevant. community planning for an aging population.

GERONTOLOGIST - work directly with older GERONTECHNOLOGY - explores the integration of

individuals. They may provide help with day-to-day technology and aging, including the development of
activities, such as meal preparation, transportation assistive technologies, devices, and applications that
or even just nice conversation enhance the quality of life for older adults.

BIOGERONTOLOGY - This subfield focuses on the DEMENTIA CARE - Specialized care and study of
biological aspects of aging, including the study of dementia and Alzheimer's disease
cellular and molecular changes that occur with age,
END-OF-LIFE CARE - Study and provision of care at
genetic influences on aging, and strategies to
the end of life
promote healthy aging
OCCUPATIONAL GERONTOLOGY - The impact of
PSYCHOGERONTOLOGY - examines the psychological
aging on work and retirement
and cognitive aspects of aging, including memory,
cognitive decline, mental health, personality REHABILITATION GERONTOLOGY - Rehabilitation
changes, and psychological well-being in later life. therapies for older adults.
CLINICAL GERONTOLOGY - Focuses on the PUBLIC HEALTH GERONTOLOGY - Public health
healthcare of elderly patients. policies and practices related to aging populations.
GERONTOLOGICAL EDUCATION - Teaching and EARLY INFLUENCES IN GERONTOLOGY
training related to aging and elderly care.
In the medieval Islamic world, several physicians
LIFESPAN DEVELOPMENT - The study of wrote on issues related to Gerontology.
development from birth to old age.
Avicenna's The Canon of Medicine (1025) offered
ETHICAL GERONTOLOGY - Ethical issues of aging. instruction for the care of the aged, including diet
Ethical dilemmas in geriatric care, end-of-life and remedies for problems including constipation
decisions, autonomy and consent.
Arabic physician Ibn AL-JAZZAR AL-QAYRAWANI
GERONTOLOGICAL NURSING is a specialized field of wrote on the aches and conditions of the elderly . His
nursing focused on the care and treatment of older scholarly work covers sleep disorders, forgetfulness,
adults. Gerontological nurses work in various how to strengthen memory and causes of mortality
settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities,
community health organizations, and patients' ISHAQ IBN HUNAYN (DIED 109) also wrote works on
homes. the treatments for forgetfulness.

SOCIAL GERONTOLOGY - explores the social MICHEL EUGÈNE CHEVREUL who himself lived to be
dimensions of aging, including topics such as social 102, believed that aging itself should be a science to
relationships, social support networks, be studied.
 SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS: An aging
population has significant social and economic
implications, including changes in pension systems,
retirement policies, and healthcare systems.
17TH AND 19TH CENTURIES
PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING Aging can bring about
psychological changes, and studying gerontology
ELIE METCHNIKOFF posit germ theory of aging helps us understand how to support mental health in
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN (1706–1790) An American older adults.
polymath, wrote about the benefits of a healthy PROMOTING HEALTHY AGING Gerontology
lifestyle in old age and proposed various strategies emphasizes preventive measures and lifestyle
for maintaining health and longevity. choices that promote healthy aging.
GERTY CORI (1896–1957): A biochemist, Cori's work LONG-TERM CARE AND SUPPORT As people age,
on carbohydrate metabolism earned her the Nobel they may require long-term care and assistance.
Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Her research laid the
foundation for understanding metabolic changes in CAREER OPPORTUNITIES As the aging population
aging. grows, there is a rising demand for professionals
with expertise in gerontology.
ROBERT J. Havighurst (1900–1991): A psychologist,
gerontologist and educator, developed the "activity
theory," which suggests that older adults should stay
active and engaged to maintain well-being and
satisfaction in life.

DR. NIR BARZILAI - A researcher known for his work

on the genetics of aging and longevity, particularly
centenarian studies.

DR. ROBERT ATCHLEY - A sociologist who has

contributed to the study of retirement and aging in
place.

DR. ELISABETH KÜBLER-ROSS: A psychiatrist known

for her work on the stages of grief and the
psychological aspects of death and dying.

AUBREY DAVID NICHOLAS JASPER DE GREY is an

English biomedical gerontologist. He is the author of
The Mitochondrial Free Radical Theory of Aging
(1999) and co-author of Ending Aging (2007).

GERONTOLOGY IS IMPORTANT:

AGING POPULATION: Many countries are

experiencing an increase in the proportion of elderly
individuals due to longer life expectancies and
declining birth rates.

HEALTHCARE AND MEDICINE: Gerontology research

contributes to advancements in healthcare and
medical treatments
 - Medication Administration: Ensures proper
administration of medications, monitoring
for side effects and efficacy.
GERONTOLOGICAL NURSING VS. GERIATRIC
NURSING
NURSE AS EDUCATOR
Gerontological Nursing
- Health Education: Educates patients and
- Involves the care of aging people.
families about managing health conditions,
- Emphasizes the promotion of the highest
medication regimens, and healthy lifestyle
possible quality of life and wellness.
choices.
Geriatric Nursing - Prevention Strategies: Teaches about
disease prevention, vaccination, and regular
- Focuses on the care of the sick aged. health screenings.
ROLE OF GERONTOLOGICAL NURSE NURSE AS INNOVATOR
NURSE AS HEALER - Implementing New Technologies: Adopts
- Promoting Holistic Health Focuses on the and integrates new technologies, such as
overall well-being of older adults, including telehealth, to improve access and quality of
physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual care for older adults.
health. - Creative Problem Solving: Uses innovative
- Chronic Disease Management Helps manage approaches to solve complex problems in
chronic conditions through evidence-based elder care.
practices and patient-centered care. NURSE AS RESEARCHER
STAFF MANAGER - Evidence-Based Practice Applies research
- Staff Supervision Supervises and mentors findings to clinical practice to improve
other nursing staff and healthcare providers. patient outcomes.
- Quality Improvement Leads and participates - Conducting Research Engages in or supports
in quality improvement initiatives to research activities to advance the field of
enhance care standards. gerontological nursing.

NURSE COUNSELOR NURSE AS ADVOCATOR

- providing emotional support, guidance, and - Patient Rights Ensures that the rights of
therapeutic communication to older adults, older adults are respected, including the
helping them navigate psychological right to informed consent and autonomy.
challenges and promote mental well-being - Access to Services Helps patients access
within the context of aging. necessary healthcare services, resources,
- address issues such as grief, loneliness, and and support systems.
cognitive changes while fostering a trusting - Effective Communication: Uses clear,
and empathetic relationship with their empathetic, and culturally sensitive
elderly patients. communication to interact with older adults
and their families.
NURSE AS CAREGIVER - Listening Skills Practices active listening to
- Direct Patient Care: Provides hands-on care, understand the concerns and needs of
including activities of daily living (ADLs) such patients.
as bathing, dressing, and feeding. NURSE AS SUPPORTER
 - Emotional Support: Provides emotional require more time to process information or
support to older adults and their families, articulate their thoughts.
helping them cope with the challenges of
aging.
- Counseling: Offers counseling and guidance
on issues like grief, loss, and adjusting to - Support Systems Recognize the role of
changes in health status. support systems in the patient’s well-being
and involve them in care decisions.
NURSE AS REHABILITATOR
- Psychosocial Support Address emotional and
- Post-Surgery Care Assists older adults in psychological needs. Offer counseling or
their recovery and rehabilitation following support groups if needed.
surgeries or medical procedures.
- Therapeutic Exercises Guides patients
through therapeutic exercises and activities
to regain strength and mobility.

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION AS GERONTOLOGICAL

NURSE

- Clear and Slow Speech: Speaking clearly and

at a slightly slower pace allows older adults
to process information better, aiding in
comprehension.
- Active Listening: Giving full attention,
nodding, and responding appropriately
demonstrate that the nurse is engaged and
interested in what the older adult is saying.
- Nonverbal Communication: Using facial
expressions, gestures, and maintaining eye
contact helps convey empathy and
understanding.
- Use of Visual Aids: Using written materials,
diagrams, or models can assist in explaining
medical concepts or treatment plans.
- Respect for Cultural Backgrounds Be aware
of and respect the cultural and social
backgrounds of patients. This includes
understanding cultural attitudes towards
aging, health, and communication styles.
- Avoiding Jargon: Using simple and clear
language instead of medical jargon ensures
that the older adult comprehends the
information.
- Repetition and Reinforcement: Repetition of
key points and reinforcement of important
information enhance understanding and
memory.
- Pausing for Responses: Allowing older adults
ample time to respond, especially if they
 SCOPE AND STANDARD OF GERONTOLOGICAL Psychosocial and Mental Health
NURSING
- Gerontological nurses assess and manage
mental health conditions in older adults,
such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive
Health Assessment and Monitoring
impairments.
- Gerontological nurses assess the physical,
Collaboration with Interdisciplinary Teams
cognitive, and psychosocial health of older
adults to identify potential health issues. - Gerontological nurses collaborate with
physicians, therapists, social workers, and
Pain Management
other healthcare professionals to provide
- Gerontological nurses provide pain comprehensive care.
management strategies to address age-
related pain, considering the complexity of
STANDARDS OF GERONTOLOGICAL NURSING
pain management in older adults.
Cultural Competence
End-of-Life Care
- Gerontological nurses demonstrate cultural
- Gerontological nurses facilitate end-of-life
competence by respecting diverse
discussions, provide comfort measures, and
backgrounds and tailoring care to each older
support patients and families through the
adult's cultural
dying process.
Policy Involvement and Research
Fall Prevention
- Gerontological nurses engage in policy
- Scope:Gerontological nurses assess fall risks,
development and advocacy to improve
implement preventive measures, and
healthcare services and policies that affect
educate older adults and caregivers about
aging populations.
fall prevention strategies.
Patient-Centered Care
Medication Management
- Gerontological nurses provide care that
- Gerontological nurses manage medication
respects older adults' preferences, values,
regimens for older adults, considering
and goals, placing them at the center of
potential interactions and side effects
decision-making.
common in aging.
Ethical Practice
Health Promotion and Education
- Gerontological nurses uphold ethical
- Gerontological nurses educate older adults
principles such as autonomy, beneficence,
about healthy aging practices, preventive
and non-maleficence when caring for older
measures, and lifestyle modifications.
adults.
Transition Care
Continuous Learning
- Gerontological nurses assist older adults
- Gerontological nurses engage in ongoing
during transitions of care, such as hospital to
professional development to stay current
home, ensuring continuity and preventing
with best practices in gerontological care.
complications.
Effective Communication

- Gerontological nurses communicate

effectively with older adults, using clear and
respectful language to enhance
understanding and build trust.

Collaboration and Teamwork

- Gerontological nurses collaborate with

interdisciplinary teams, respecting each
team member's expertise to provide holistic
care.

STANDARDS OF PRACTICE

Assessment

- Gerontological nurses collect comprehensive

data pertinent to the patient’s health and
well-being, including physical, psychosocial,
and environmental factors.

Diagnosis

- Nurses analyze the assessment data to

determine diagnoses and issues specific to
the health of older adults.

Outcomes Identification

- Gerontological nurses identify expected

outcomes for a plan individualized to the
patient or situation, ensuring that goals are
realistic and measurable.

Planning

- Nurses develop a plan that prescribes

strategies and alternatives to attain the
expected outcomes, considering the specific
needs and preferences of older adults.

Implementation

- This includes coordinating care, providing

health teaching and health promotion,
consulting with other professionals, and
delivering the care needed to achieve the
plan’s goals.