The Older Adult

Textbook (chapter)

Hee, Lisa and Neville, Christine. 2020. "The Older Adult." DeLaune, Sue C., Ladner, Patricia K., McTier, Lauren, Tollefson, Joanne and Lawrence, Joanne (ed.) Fundamentals of Nursing Australia and New Zealand. South Melbourne, Australia. Cengage Learning Australia. pp. 321-346
Chapter Title

The Older Adult

Book Chapter CategoryTextbook (chapter)
ERA Publisher ID1464
Book TitleFundamentals of Nursing Australia and New Zealand
AuthorsHee, Lisa (Author) and Neville, Christine (Author)
EditorsDeLaune, Sue C., Ladner, Patricia K., McTier, Lauren, Tollefson, Joanne and Lawrence, Joanne
Edition2nd edition
Page Range321-346
Chapter Number19
Number of Pages26
Year2020
PublisherCengage Learning Australia
Cengage Learning
Place of PublicationSouth Melbourne, Australia
ISBN9780170411417
Abstract

For most of the history of humankind, ageing has been the problem of a fortunate few. Before 1900, when the average life expectancy was 47, relatively few people lived to be 50 years old. In the 20th century, great strides were made in medicine, sanitation, hygiene and control of infectious diseases. People have learned how to live longer, with life expectancy now over 75 years, but we are still trying to learn how to live well. The present challenge is not adding years to one’s life, but rather to improve the quality of an extended life span.

This chapter considers the person-centered approach to ageing. Situational awareness is enhanced if you recognise the richness of the older person’s life story and their lived experiences. They have a lot to share with you, if you care to listen. You will examine various theories of ageing, in addition to the many myths about ageing that continue to exist. The various changes that are experienced are explored with an emphasis on the safety considerations for the ageing person. You will also explore how the nursing process strengthens your ability to provide the older person with care in a respectful and efficacious manner.

Learning Outcomes
1 Discuss theories of ageing.
2 Refute common myths about ageing.
3 Describe the impact of physical changes associated with ageing on functional ability.
4 Explain ways in which the older adult adapts to the physiological changes associated with ageing.
5 Discuss the psychosocial impact that retirement, changes in social relationships, changes in living arrangements, and loss may have on the older adult.
6 Define polypharmacy and its significance for nurses caring for older adults.
7 Identify physical and psychological signs of abuse in older adults and the actions required if detected.
8 Outline safety considerations for the older adult living at home.
9 Discuss the use of the nursing process with older adults.

Keywordsnursing; older adults; theories of ageing; myths about ageing; person-centred care; safety; polypharmacy; physical changes; physiological changes; functional ability; social relationships; elder abuse
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020420502. Aged care nursing
Byline AffiliationsCentral Queensland University
School of Nursing and Midwifery
Institution of OriginUniversity of Southern Queensland
Permalink -

https://research.usq.edu.au/item/q59wv/the-older-adult

Log in to edit
  • 189
    total views
  • 8
    total downloads
  • 9
    views this month
  • 0
    downloads this month

Export as

Related outputs

Beyond the sum of their parts: The combined association of dementia and chronic pain with self-care limitations in older Australians
Haque, Rezwanul, Alam, Khorshed, Gow, Jeff, Neville, Christine and Keramat, Syed Afroz. 2025. "Beyond the sum of their parts: The combined association of dementia and chronic pain with self-care limitations in older Australians." Journal of Affective Disorders. 36, pp. 633-642. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2024.10.046
Age and Gender Differences in the Relationship Between Chronic Pain and Dementia Among Older Australians
Haque, Rezwanul, Alam, Khorshed, Gow, Jeff, Neville, Christine and Keramat, Syed Afroz. 2024. "Age and Gender Differences in the Relationship Between Chronic Pain and Dementia Among Older Australians ." Value in Health. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jval.2024.07.022
Socio-economic inequalities in health-related quality of life and the contribution of cognitive impairment in Australia: A decomposition analysis
Haque, Rezwanul, Alam, Khorshed, Gow, Jeff, Neville, Christine and Keramat, Syed Afroz. 2024. "Socio-economic inequalities in health-related quality of life and the contribution of cognitive impairment in Australia: A decomposition analysis." Social Science and Medicine. 361. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.117399
Epidemiology of horse trauma: a literature review
Neville, Emily K., Hicks, Henry and Neville, Christine C.. 2024. "Epidemiology of horse trauma: a literature review." European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery. 50 (3), pp. 741-754. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-023-02436-0
Employment of undergraduate nursing students for specialling of people with cognitive impairment: A pilot study
Beccaria, Lisa, Hoey, Heather, Towler, Helen, Rees, Sharon, Brazier, Rebecca, Gordon, Karen, Neville, Christine and Knight, Bob. 2024. "Employment of undergraduate nursing students for specialling of people with cognitive impairment: A pilot study ." Collegian: The Australian Journal of Nursing Practice, Scholarship and Research. 31 (2), pp. 84-91. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colegn.2023.12.002
Changes in the prevalence of dementia in Australia and its association with geographic remoteness
Haque, Rezwanul, Alam, Khorshed, Gow, Jeff and Neville, Christine. 2023. "Changes in the prevalence of dementia in Australia and its association with geographic remoteness." PLoS One. 18 (8). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0289505
Promoting respite for carers of people with dementia: a case study of social marketing effectiveness in hard to reach audiences
Phillipson, Lyn, Hall, Danika Valerie, Johnson, Keryn Marie, Cridland, Elizabeth, Fielding, Elaine, Neville, Christine and Hasan, Helen. 2022. "Promoting respite for carers of people with dementia: a case study of social marketing effectiveness in hard to reach audiences." Journal of Social Marketing. 12 (4), pp. 456-472. https://doi.org/10.1108/JSOCM-06-2021-0121
Education of family members to support weaning to solids and nutrition in infants born preterm
Rigg, Elizabeth Christine and Neville, Christine. 2021. "Education of family members to support weaning to solids and nutrition in infants born preterm." International Journal of Nursing Practice. 27 (3). https://doi.org/10.1111/ijn.12979
The effectiveness of spiritual reminiscence therapy for older people with loneliness, anxiety and depression in Malaysia
Elias, Sharifah Munirah Syed, Neville, Christine, Scott, Theresa and Petriwskyj, Andrea. 2020. "The effectiveness of spiritual reminiscence therapy for older people with loneliness, anxiety and depression in Malaysia." Journal of Religion, Spirituality and Aging: the interdisciplinary journal of practice, theory and applied research. 32 (4), pp. 341-356. https://doi.org/10.1080/15528030.2020.1765448
Rethinking respite in Australia: A naturalistic effect study of a multicomponent community program to promote respite knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of carers of people with dementia
Phillipson, Lyn, Johnson, Keryn, Fielding, Elaine, Cridland, Elizabeth, Hall, Danika, Neville, Christine and Hasan, Helen. 2021. "Rethinking respite in Australia: A naturalistic effect study of a multicomponent community program to promote respite knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of carers of people with dementia." Health and Social Care in the Community. 29 (5), pp. 1566-1583. https://doi.org/10.1111/hsc.13223
Exercise improves the health and well-being of people with dementia
Neville, Christine C., Nikles, Catherine J., Neville, Emily K., Zamora, Angelique and Banu, Shamima. 2020. "Exercise improves the health and well-being of people with dementia." Australasian Journal on Ageing. 39 (3), pp. 311-312. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajag.12837
Mental Health
Taua, Christine and Neville, Christine. 2020. "Mental Health." DeLaune, Sue C., Ladner, Patricia K., McTier, Lauren, Tollefson, Joanne and Lawrence, Joanne (ed.) Fundamentals of Nursing Australia and New Zealand. South Melbourne, Australia. Cengage Learning Australia. pp. 510-524
Interventions to optimize prescribing for older people in care homes
Neville, Christine. 2020. "Interventions to optimize prescribing for older people in care homes." International Journal of Nursing Practice. 26 (2), pp. 1-2. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijn.12763
Nonpharmacological Interventions for Anxiety and Dementia in Nursing Homes: A Systematic Review The Gerontologist
Brown Wilson, Christine, Arendt, Lars, Nguyen, Mynhi, Scott, Theresa L., Neville, Christine C. and Pachana, Nancy A.. 2019. "Nonpharmacological Interventions for Anxiety and Dementia in Nursing Homes: A Systematic Review The Gerontologist." The Gerontologist. 59 (6), pp. e731-e742. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnz020
Knowledge, help-seeking and efficacy to find respite services: an exploratory study in help-seeking carers of people with dementia in the context of aged care reforms
Phillipson, L., Johnson, K., Cridland, E., Hall, D., Neville, C., Fielding, E. and Hasan, H.. 2019. "Knowledge, help-seeking and efficacy to find respite services: an exploratory study in help-seeking carers of people with dementia in the context of aged care reforms." BMC Geriatrics. 19, pp. 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-018-1009-7
Aquatic exercise for residential aged care adults with dementia: benefits and barriers to participation
Henwood, Timothy, Neville, Christine, Baguley, Chantelle and Beattie, Elizabeth. 2017. "Aquatic exercise for residential aged care adults with dementia: benefits and barriers to participation." International Psychogeriatrics. 29 (9), pp. 1439-1449. https://doi.org/10.1017/S104161021700028X
Appreciating the work of nurses caring for adults with intellectual disability and mental health issues
Taua, Chris, Neville, Christine and Scott, Theresa. 2017. "Appreciating the work of nurses caring for adults with intellectual disability and mental health issues." International Journal of Mental Health Nursing. 26 (6), pp. 629-638. https://doi.org/10.1111/inm.12291
Systematic review summary: smoking cessation interventions for smokers with current or past depression
Neville, Christine. 2015. "Systematic review summary: smoking cessation interventions for smokers with current or past depression." Singapore Nursing Journal. 42 (1), pp. 43-44.
Cochrane review brief: Mini-Cog for the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease dementia and other dementias within a community setting
Neville, Christine. 2016. "Cochrane review brief: Mini-Cog for the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease dementia and other dementias within a community setting." Online Journal of Issues in Nursing. 21 (1), pp. 1-1. https://doi.org/10.3912/OJIN.Vol21No01CRBCol01
Cochrane review brief: pharmacotherapies for sleep disturbances in Alzheimer's disease
Neville, Christine. 2015. "Cochrane review brief: pharmacotherapies for sleep disturbances in Alzheimer's disease." Online Journal of Issues in Nursing. 20 (3). https://doi.org/10.3912/OJIN.Vol20No03CRBCol02
Emotional intelligence and affective events in nurse education: a narrative review
Lewis, Gillian M., Neville, Christine and Ashkanasy, Neal M.. 2017. "Emotional intelligence and affective events in nurse education: a narrative review." Nurse Education Today. 53, pp. 34-40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2017.04.001
Withdrawal versus continuation of long-term antipsychotic drug use for behavioural and psychological symptoms in older people with dementia
Neville, Christine, Beccaria, Lisa and Carey, Melissa. 2020. "Withdrawal versus continuation of long-term antipsychotic drug use for behavioural and psychological symptoms in older people with dementia." Issues in Mental Health Nursing. 41 (2), pp. 176-177. https://doi.org/10.1080/01612840.2019.1635669
The effectiveness of group reminiscence therapy for loneliness, anxiety and depression on older adults in long-term care: a systematic review
Syed Elias, Sharifah Munirah, Neville, Christine and Scott, Theresa. 2015. "The effectiveness of group reminiscence therapy for loneliness, anxiety and depression on older adults in long-term care: a systematic review." Geriatric Nursing. 36 (5), pp. 372-380. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gerinurse.2015.05.004
Collaborative care approaches for people with severe mental illness
Neville, Christine. 2015. "Collaborative care approaches for people with severe mental illness." Clinical Nurse Specialist. 29 (3), pp. 143-144. https://doi.org/10.1097/NUR.0000000000000127
Psychometric viability of measures of functional performance commonly used for people with dementia: a systematic review of measurement properties
Fox, Benjamin, Henwood, Timothy, Keogh, Justin and Neville, Christine. 2016. "Psychometric viability of measures of functional performance commonly used for people with dementia: a systematic review of measurement properties." JBI Database Systematic Review Implementation Reports. 14 (8), pp. 115-171. https://doi.org/10.11124/JBISRIR-2016-003064
Translating training in the NYU caregiver intervention in Australia: maintaining fidelity and meeting graduate standards in an online continuing professional education setting
Scott, Theresa, Mittelman, Mary, Beattie, Elizabeth, Parker, Deborah and Neville, Christine. 2015. "Translating training in the NYU caregiver intervention in Australia: maintaining fidelity and meeting graduate standards in an online continuing professional education setting." Educational Gerontology: an international journal. 41 (10), pp. 710-722. https://doi.org/10.1080/03601277.2015.1048171
The importance of caring to older persons’ mental health nurses: a cross-sectional study
Neville, C.. 2015. "The importance of caring to older persons’ mental health nurses: a cross-sectional study." Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing. 22 (9), pp. 742-746. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpm.12242
Physical and functional implications of aquatic exercise for nursing home residents with dementia
Henwood, T., Neville, C., Baguley, C., Clifton, K. and Beattie, E.. 2015. "Physical and functional implications of aquatic exercise for nursing home residents with dementia." Geriatric Nursing. 36 (1), pp. 35-39. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gerinurse.2014.10.009
Mental health inpatient experiences of adults with intellectual disability
Taua, Chris, Neville, Christine and Scott, Theresa. 2015. "Mental health inpatient experiences of adults with intellectual disability." International Journal of Mental Health Nursing. 24 (6), pp. 507-518. https://doi.org/10.1111/inm.12148
Undergraduate nurse attitudes toward older adults and perceptions of working with older adults: an analysis of measurement instruments
Neville, C.. 2015. "Undergraduate nurse attitudes toward older adults and perceptions of working with older adults: an analysis of measurement instruments." Nurse Education Today. 35 (1), pp. 183-188. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2014.09.001
Literature review: use of respite by carers of people with dementia
Neville, C., Beattie, E., Fielding, E. and Macandrew, M.. 2015. "Literature review: use of respite by carers of people with dementia." Health and Social Care in the Community. 23 (1), pp. 51-63. https://doi.org/10.1111/hsc.12095
Achieving ethics approval in residential aged care research: a protective process or barrier
Henwood, T., Baguley, C. and Neville, C.. 2015. "Achieving ethics approval in residential aged care research: a protective process or barrier." Australasian Journal on Ageing. 34 (3), pp. 201-201. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajag.12202
Quality and substance of educational strategies for mental health in nursing curricula
Neville, Christine and Goetz, Sandra. 2014. "Quality and substance of educational strategies for mental health in nursing curricula." International Journal of Mental Health Nursing. 23 (2), pp. 128-134. https://doi.org/10.1111/inm.12025
Relative and absolute reliability of functional performance measures for adults with dementia living in residential aged care
Fox, Benjamin, Henwood, Timothy, Neville, Christine and Keogh, Justin. 2014. "Relative and absolute reliability of functional performance measures for adults with dementia living in residential aged care." International Psychogeriatrics. 26 (10), pp. 1659-1667. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1041610214001124
Research participation by people with intellectual disability and mental health issues: an examination of the processes of consent
Taua, Chris, Neville, Christine and Hepworth, Julie. 2014. "Research participation by people with intellectual disability and mental health issues: an examination of the processes of consent." International Journal of Mental Health Nursing. 23 (6), pp. 513-524. https://doi.org/10.1111/inm.12079
The evaluation of undergraduate nurses' attitudes, perspectives and perceptions toward older people
Neville, Christine and Dickie, Robyn. 2014. "The evaluation of undergraduate nurses' attitudes, perspectives and perceptions toward older people." Nurse Education Today. 34 (7), pp. 1074-1079. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2014.04.018
Expanded review criteria: the case of no pharmacological interventions in dementia
Cohen-Mansfield, Jiska, Buckwalter, Kathleen, Beattie, Elizabeth, Rose, Karen, Neville, Christine and Kolanowski, Ann. 2014. "Expanded review criteria: the case of no pharmacological interventions in dementia." Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. 41, pp. 15-28. https://doi.org/10.3233/JAD-132357
A cross-sectional view of Australian undergraduate nurses' perceptions of working with older people
Neville, Christine. 2016. "A cross-sectional view of Australian undergraduate nurses' perceptions of working with older people." Collegian: The Australian Journal of Nursing Practice, Scholarship and Research. 23 (3), pp. 285-292. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colegn.2015.05.003
New Standards of Practice for Australian Mental Health Nurses
Neville, Christine, Eley, Diann, Hangan, Catherine, Weir, Jim, Quinn, John and Meehan, Tom. 2009. New Standards of Practice for Australian Mental Health Nurses. Australia. University of Southern Queensland.
A Psychometric Evaluation of Three Pain Rating Scales for People with Moderate to Severe Dementia
Neville, Christine and Ostini, Remo. 2014. "A Psychometric Evaluation of Three Pain Rating Scales for People with Moderate to Severe Dementia." Pain Management Nursing. 15 (4), pp. 798-806. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmn.2013.08.001
Systematic review summary: psychological therapies for people with borderline personality disorder
Neville, Christine. 2014. "Systematic review summary: psychological therapies for people with borderline personality disorder." Nursing Times. 110 (4), pp. 25-25.
Mental health nursing standards for Australia: a review of current literature
Neville, Christine, Hangan, Catherine, Eley, Diann, Quinn, John and Weir, Jim. 2008. "Mental health nursing standards for Australia: a review of current literature." International Journal of Mental Health Nursing. 17 (2), pp. 138-146. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1447-0349.2008.00522.x
Pain management skills of regional nurses caring for older people with dementia: a needs analysis
Neville, Christine, McCarthy, Alexandra and Laurent, Kathryn. 2006. "Pain management skills of regional nurses caring for older people with dementia: a needs analysis." Collegian: The Australian Journal of Nursing Practice, Scholarship and Research. 13 (2), pp. 31-36.
A stocktake of existing aged care clinical placements for undergraduate nursing students in Australia
Neville, Christine C., Yuginovich, Trudy and Boyes, Joanne. 2008. "A stocktake of existing aged care clinical placements for undergraduate nursing students in Australia." Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing. 26 (2), pp. 17-26.
The review and revision of 'Standards of practice for mental health nurses in Australia'
Neville, Christine, Hangan, Catherine, Eley, Diann, Weir, Jim, Quinn, John and Meehan, Tom. 2010. "The review and revision of 'Standards of practice for mental health nurses in Australia'." Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing. 17 (1), pp. 87-93. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2850.2009.01499.x
Behaviour of older people admitted for residential respite care
Neville, Christine C. and Byrne, Gerard J. A.. 2002. "Behaviour of older people admitted for residential respite care." Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing. 20 (1), pp. 8-12.
Mental health nursing standards and practice indicators for Australia: a review of current literature
Neville, Christine, Eley, Diann, Quinn, John, Weir, Jim, Hegney, Desley, Hangan, Catherine and Grasby, David. 2006. Mental health nursing standards and practice indicators for Australia: a review of current literature. Toowoomba, Australia. University of Southern Queensland.
Aged care in the future and baby boomers: shall the twain ever meet? - baby boomers and aged care
Fallon, Anthony Bruce, Price, Kay, Hegney, Desley, Abbey, Jennifer, Neville, Christine C., Oxlade, Deborah and Soar, Jeffrey. 2004. "Aged care in the future and baby boomers: shall the twain ever meet? - baby boomers and aged care." Conrick, Moya and Soar, Jeffrey (ed.) 1st Australian Aged and Community Care Informatics Conference (ACCIC'04). Brisbane, Australia 24 - 25 Aug 2004 Brunswick East, Australia.
A stock-take of existing aged care clinical placements for undergraduate nursing students in Australia
Neville, Christine C., Yuginovich, Trudy, Fallon, Anthony Bruce, Soar, Jeffrey, Boyes, Joanne and Grasby, David. 2006. A stock-take of existing aged care clinical placements for undergraduate nursing students in Australia. Toowoomba, Australia. University of Southern Queensland.
The impact of residential respite care on the behavior of older people
Neville, Christine C. and Byrne, Gerard J. A.. 2006. "The impact of residential respite care on the behavior of older people." International Psychogeriatrics. 18 (1), pp. 163-170. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1041610205002553
Implementing the wandering evidence for older people with dementia: key issues for nurses and carers
Neville, Christine C., McMinn, Bryan and Cave, Patricia. 2006. "Implementing the wandering evidence for older people with dementia: key issues for nurses and carers." International Journal of Older People Nursing. 1 (4), pp. 235-238. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-3743.2006.00044.x