NCM 114

GERIATIC NURSING

LANDMARKS IN THE DEVELOPMENT ●​ 1981 – First International Conference on

OF GERIATIC NURSING Gerontological Nursing sponsored by
the International Council of Nursing​

LANDMARKS ●​ 1984 – National Gerontological Nursing

Association (NGNA) established​

●​ 1902 – American Journal of Nursing ●​ 1987 – ANA revises Standards and

(AJN) publishes first geriatric article by Scope of Gerontological Nursing
an MD​ Practice​

●​ 1904 – AJN publishes first geriatric ●​ 1988 – First PhD program in

article by an RN​ gerontological nursing established​

●​ 1925 – AJN considers geriatric nursing ●​ 2005 – Journal of Gerontological

as a potential specialty​ Nursing celebrates 30 years​

●​ 1950 – First geriatric nursing textbook, ●​ 2008 – Geriatric Nursing journal

Geriatric Nursing by Newton, published​ celebrates 30 years; Journal of
Gerontological Nursing Research
●​ 1961 – American Nurses Association emerges​
(ANA) recommends specialty group for
geriatric nurses​

●​ 1962 – ANA holds first National Nursing

Meeting on Geriatric Nursing Practice​
A WHAT IS AGING
●​ 1966 – ANA forms a geriatric nursing
division​
-​ the sequential or progressive change in
●​ 1968 – First RN (Gunter) presents at the
an organism that leads to an increased
International Congress of Gerontology​
risk of debility, disease, and death
●​ 1970 – ANA creates the Standards of
Practice for Geriatric Nursing​
GERONTOLOGY
●​ 1973 – ANA offers the first generalist
certification in gerontological nursing ●​ The study of physical, mental, and
(74 nurses certified)​ social changes in people as they age.
The investigation of changes in society
●​ 1975 – First nursing journal for the care resulting from our aging population.
of older adults published (Journal of
Gerontological Nursing by Slack, Inc.)​

●​ 1976 – ANA Geriatric Nursing Division A1 OLD AGE GROUPS

changes name to Gerontological
Nursing Division​ ► Age over 65.
●​ 1980 – AJN publishes Geriatric Nursing ► The old age group is
journal​

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NCM 114
GERIATIC NURSING

divided into:
gerontologica
l nurse gives
► Young old: 65-74
direct,
hands-on
► Middle old: 75-85
care to older
adults in a
► Old old: 85 and
variety of
setting.
above

A2 SUBFIELDS OF GERONTOLOGY
an essential
part of all
nursing is
●​ Geriatrics – Medical care of the aged​ teaching.
focuses their
●​ Social gerontology – Focuses on the TEACHER teaching on Educator
social aspects of aging (not biological or modifiable
psychological)​ risk factors
and health
●​ Geropsychology – Branch of psychology promotion.
helping older persons and families
maintain well-being, solve problems, and
reach maximum potential in later life​

●​ Geropharmacology – Study of act as

pharmacology as it relates to older adults​ managers
during their
●​ Financial gerontology – Combines everyday
financial planning/services with expertise practice as
in the needs of older adults​ they balance
the concerns
●​ Gerontological rehabilitation nursing – MANAGER of the patient, Coordinator
Combines gerontological nursing with family,
rehabilitation concepts and practice​ nursing, and
the rest of the
●​ Gerontological nursing – Nursing interdisciplina
specialty that advocates for the health of ry team
older persons at all levels​

ROLES OF GERONTOLOGICAL acts on behalf

B
NURSING of older adults
to promote
ADVOCATE their best Champion
ROLES
interests and
strengthen
PROVIDER their
In the role of ●​ Caregi
OF CARE autonomy
caregiver, the ver​

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NCM 114
GERIATIC NURSING

and decision ●​ For older adults, health is defined less by

making. the absence of disease and more by
well-being, functional ability, coping, and
maintaining autonomy.​

the
appropriate
QUALITY OF LIFE
level of
involvement
-​ Quality of life in older Filipinos is
for nurses at
generally positive, with higher
RESEARCH the
Analyst socioeconomic status, education,
CONSUMER baccalaureat
urban living, and service access linked
e level is that
to better outcomes.​
of research
consumer

B1 AGING IN THE PHILIPPINES HOW DO WE ATTAIN SUCCESSFUL

B2
AGING?

●​ Also known as demographic aging

●​ As of 2025 – 116. 65 million ●​ ► “the ability to maintain three key
●​ Population Growth Rate: Approximately behaviors or characteristics:
0.81% annually . ●​ ► a low risk of disease and
●​ Median Age: 26.1 years, reflecting a disease-related disability;
relatively young population . ●​ ► high mental and physical function;
●​ Fertility Rate: 1.9 children per woman, ●​ ► and active engagement in life
slightly below the replacement level of 2.1
●​ Life Expectancy: 70.1 years overall; 73.1
years for females and 67.1 years for males A THEORIES OF AGING

B2 RESEARCH ON AGING TWO TYPES OF THEORIES OF AGING

●​ Aging research in the Philippines is 1.​ BIOLOGICAL THEORIES

limited, with UP Manila hosting the only 2.​ PSYCHOSOCIAL THEORIES
dedicated center, and most studies
focusing on perceptions, quality of life,
and workforce participation of older - BIOLOGICAL THEORIES
Filipinos.​
GENETIC THEORY

-​ Genetic theories like Planned

WHAT IS HEALTH FOR AN OLDER Obsolescence and Telomerase
B3
ADULT? Theory suggest aging is driven by
DNA programming and telomere
shortening, both influenced by

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NCM 114
GERIATIC NURSING

lifestyle and environmental CONTINUITY THEORY

factors, leading to cellular
damage and death. -​ Continuity Theory states that older adults
adapt to aging by maintaining consistent
WEAR AND TEAR THEORY habits, preferences, lifestyles, and
relationships, though it overlooks the
-​ The Wear and Tear Theory suggests impact of unhealthy patterns.​
aging results from cumulative damage
to vital body parts and DNA, though it
lacks strong research support.​
- NURSING THEORIES
ENVIRONMENTAL THEORY
FUNCTIONAL CONSEQUENCES THEORY
-​ Environmental Theory links factors like
toxins, sunlight, and infections to -​ Miller’s Functional Consequences
accelerated aging, with nurses playing a Theory (1990) guides care for older
key role in prevention through education.​ adults with impairments, focusing
on reducing risks to minimize
disability and improve safety and
IMMUNITY THEORY quality of life.​

-​ Immunological Theory states that aging

weakens immune function, increasing THEORY OF THRIVING
disease risk and autoimmune reactions.​
-​ Thriving Theory links well-being in frail
elders to harmony between the
NEUROENDOCRINE THEORY individual, environment, and
relationships, with nurses addressing
-​ Neuroendocrine Theory suggests aging factors causing discord.​
results from the hypothalamus losing
regulatory precision and hormone -​
receptor sensitivity, leading to reduced
hormone production and effectiveness.
REVIEW OF THE AGING OF PHYSIOLOGICAL
SYSTEM

- PSYCHOSOCIAL THEORIES

DISENGAGEMENT THEORY CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM

-​ Disengagement Theory (1960s)

views aging as a natural ●​ Structural changes: ↓ myocardial cells, ↓
withdrawal from social roles and aortic distensibility, ↑ heart weight, ↑
relationships due to declining artery stiffness, ↑ collagen & elastin.​
abilities and interest.​
●​ Functional changes: ↓ diastolic filling, ↓
β-adrenergic response, ↑ systolic
ACTIVITY THEORY pressure, ↑ ventricular relaxation time.​

-​ the more you do, the better you will age.

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NCM 114
GERIATIC NURSING

●​ Common diseases: Hypertension, CAD,

Heart Failure, AFib, PAD.​
REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
●​ Nursing interventions: Monitor BP/HR,
med adherence, lifestyle modification,
comorbidity control, patient education, ●​ Female changes: Menopause, ↓ estrogen,
symptom & psychosocial support.​ ovarian atrophy, vaginal dryness, ↑
infections, pelvic organ prolapse risk.​

●​ Male changes: ↓ testosterone, slower

erections, prostate changes (BPH).​
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
●​ Common problems: Postmenopausal
bleeding, prolapse, ED, low testosterone,
●​ Changes: ↓ alveolar surface area, ↓ lung prostate disease.​
elasticity, stiff chest wall, ↓ gas exchange
efficiency.​ ●​ Nursing interventions: Education,
monitoring, lifestyle & diet advice, med
●​ Common diseases: COPD, Pneumonia.​ management, safety & comfort, specialist
referral.​
●​ Nursing interventions: Monitor vitals/lung
sounds, oxygen therapy, positioning,
airway management, breathing
exercises, infection control, nutrition,
NERVOUS SYSTEM
psychosocial support.​

●​ Changes: ↓ brain size/weight, enlarged

ventricles, ↓ neurotransmitters (ACh,
GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM
dopamine, serotonin).​

●​ Common diseases: Dementias

●​ Changes: Oral muscle atrophy, ↓ taste (Alzheimer’s, Vascular, Lewy body, FTD,
(hypogeusia), impaired esophageal Mixed), Stroke, Neuropathies, MS,
motility, mild ↓ gastric motility, possible ↓ Parkinson’s.​
gastric acid & defense, slower colonic
transit.​ ●​ Nursing interventions: Neuro
assessment, safety, ADL support, med
●​ Common diseases: GERD, Constipation, management, pain & nutrition support,
Peptic Ulcer, Colorectal Cancer, IBS, IBD.​ communication aids, caregiver
education.​
●​ Nursing interventions: Symptom &
nutritional monitoring, dietary
modifications, med management,
hydration, exercise promotion, pain &
ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
psychosocial support.​

●​ Changes: ↓ hormone production &

sensitivity, ↓ thyroid function, ↓ insulin
sensitivity, ↓ sex hormones, possible

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NCM 114
GERIATIC NURSING

adrenal & pituitary changes.​ aids, environment modification, skin care,

fall prevention.​
●​ Common diseases: Type 2 DM,
Hypothyroidism, Osteoporosis,
Hyperthyroidism, Adrenal insufficiency,
Pituitary disorders.​
INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM
●​ Nursing interventions: Monitor labs/vitals,
med teaching, diet planning, exercise
promotion, fall prevention, psychosocial ●​ Changes: Thin skin, ↓ elasticity, ↓ wound
support.​ repair, ↑ risk of injury, hair loss/greying,
brittle nails, ↓ sweat/sebaceous activity.​

●​ Common conditions: Xerosis, Pruritus,

Actinic/Seborrheic keratosis, Skin cancer,
MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM
Pressure ulcers, Eczema, Cellulitis,
Onychomycosis.​

●​ Changes: Sarcopenia, ↓ bone ●​ Nursing interventions: Skin assessment,

density/strength, cartilage degeneration, moisturization, sun protection, hygiene,
joint stiffness, postural changes.​ ulcer prevention, med application,
education.
●​ Common diseases: Osteoarthritis,
Osteoporosis, Fractures, Rheumatoid
Arthritis, Gout, Degenerative Disc
IMMUNE SYSTEM
Disease.​

●​ Nursing interventions: Pain

management, physical therapy, assistive ●​ Changes: Immunosenescence (↓ naïve T
devices, nutrition, fall prevention, cells, ↑ proinflammatory cytokines), ↑
monitoring, rest/activity balance.​ infection & cancer risk.​

●​ Nursing interventions: Infection

prevention, chronic disease control,
nutrition/hydration, wound care,
SENSORY SYSTEM
education, regular check-ups.​

●​ Smell/Taste: ↓ olfaction (hyposmia), ↓

taste (hypogeusia), food safety risk.​
HEMATOPOIETIC SYSTEM
●​ Vision: Dry eye, presbyopia, ↓ contrast
sensitivity, risk of ●​ Changes: ↓ bone marrow cellularity, ↓
cataracts/glaucoma/AMD.​ RBC/WBC/platelet function, ↑ clot risk

●​ Hearing: Presbycusis, tinnitus.​

●​ Touch: ↓ sensation & proprioception, ↑ fall ●​ Common conditions: Anemia (iron, B12,
risk.​ folate, chronic disease, aplastic).

●​ Nursing interventions: Nutrition & oral

hygiene, safety devices, visual/hearing

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NCM 114
GERIATIC NURSING

●​ Nursing interventions: Diet rich in

iron/B12/folate, med supplements,
rest/activity balance, lab monitoring,
bleeding/thrombosis precautions.​

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