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ENGLISH
MSD Manual
Consumer Version
HEALTH TOPICS
HEALTHY LIVING
SYMPTOMS
EMERGENCIES
RESOURCES
COMMENTARY
ABOUT US
HEALTH TOPICS
HEALTHY LIVING
SYMPTOMS
EMERGENCIES
RESOURCES
COMMENTARY
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Older People’s Health Issues
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Older People’s Health Issues
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The Aging Body
Overview of Aging
Normal aging
Healthy (successful) aging
Life Expectancy
More Information
Changes in the Body With Aging
Aging cells
Aging organs
Bones and Joints
Muscles and Body Fat
Eyes
Ears
Mouth and Nose
Skin
Brain and Nervous System
Heart and Blood Vessels
Lungs and the Muscles of Breathing
Digestive System
Kidneys and Urinary Tract
Reproductive Organs
Women
Men
Endocrine System
Blood Production
Immune System
Disorders in Older Adults
Indirect Influences on Health in Older Adults
Social relationships
Education
Finances
Response to age-related changes
Disorders of Accelerated Aging
Progeroid Syndromes
Hutchinson-Gilford syndrome (progeria)
Werner syndrome
Down Syndrome
Aging and Medications
Aging and Medications
Benefits and Risks of Prescription Drugs
Maximizing the Benefits and Reducing the Risks of Taking Drugs
Remembering to Take Drugs as Prescribed
Memory aids
Drug containers
Smartphone apps (cell phone apps)
More Information
Aging and Quality of Life
Quality of Life in Older Adults
Health-Related Quality of Life
Communicating with Health Care Professionals
Therapeutic Objectives in Older Adults
Elder Abuse
Overview of Elder Abuse
Risk Factors for Elder Abuse
When to Suspect Elder Abuse
More Information
Preventing and Responding to Elder Abuse
If Elder Abuse Is Confirmed
More Information
Falls in Older Adults
Falls in Older Adults
Causes
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
More Information
Gait Disorders in Older Adults
Gait Disorders in Older Adults
Normal Age-Related Changes in Gait
Abnormal Changes in Gait
Evaluation of Gait
Treatment
Strength training
Nordic walking
Balance training
Assistive devices
Prevention
The Older Driver
The Older Driver
Crash Rates and Traffic Violations
Reasons for Impaired Driving
Aging
Medical conditions
Therapeutic medications
Situations
Ways of Compensating
Avoiding hazards
Avoiding distractions while driving
Using technology
Taking driver refresher courses
Seeking medical care
A Driving Decision
More Information
Providing Care to Older Adults
Continuity of Care for Older Adults
Challenges to Continuity of care
Many doctors and other health care professionals
Many settings
Many rules
Lack of access to care
Other problems
Strategies to Improve Continuity of care
Health Care System
Interdisciplinary care
Geriatric care managers
Electronic medical (health) records (EMRs)
People Receiving Care
Care Providers for Older Adults: Health Care Professionals
Doctors
Nurses
Nurse practitioners (NPs)
Physician assistants (PAs)
Pharmacists
Dietitians
Therapists
Social workers
Nurses’ aides
Home health aides
Medical ethicists
Care Providers for Older Adults: Family and Friends
Rewards and Challenges
Long-Distance Caregiving
More Information
Settings for Care for Older Adults
Health care professional's office
Hospitals
Surgical centers
Rehabilitation facilities
Home health care
Community services
Post-acute and long-term care
Hospice care
More Information
Care of Older Adults in the Home
Financial issues
PACE
Other models of home health care
More Information
Community-Based Adult Day Services
Financial issues
Respite Care
More Information
Retirement Communities
Financial issues
Assisted–Living Communities
Financial issues
Board-and-Care Facilities
Financial issues
Life-Care Communities
Financial issues
Nursing Homes
Supervision of care
Types of care and services
Selection
Financial issues
More Information
Social Issues Affecting Older Adults
Introduction to Social Issues Affecting Older Adults
Family Caregiving for Older Adults
Stresses of caregiving
More Information
Older Adults Living Alone
Staying connected
More Information
Self-Neglect in Older Adults
Alternative Living Arrangements for Older Adults
Homosexual or transgender older adults
More Information
Effects of Life Transitions on Older Adults
Retirement
Relocation
Bereavement, Depression, and Suicide Risk
More Information
Intimacy and Older Adults
Religion and Spirituality in Older Adults
Benefits
Mental health benefits
Health-promoting practices
Social benefits
Caregivers
Harmful Effects
Role of Health Care Professionals
More Information