The physical assessment of older adults and a 35-year-old
The physical assessment of older adults and a 35-year-old individual could reveal several differences. According to the Mayo Clinic (n.d.), older adults are likely to have hearing loss because the prevalence of the condition among adults aged between 65 and 75 years and those aged above 75 years is 25% and 50%, respectively. Subsequently, older adults are more likely to have hearing problems than young people. Older adults are more likely to have problems. The systolic blood pressure of older adults is likely to be higher than that of the younger adult due to arteries and large capillaries stiffening with age. Older adults are also more likely to experience a sudden drop of pressure when they stand than younger adults (Bickley, p. 957). The skin of the older adult is also likely to be different in two primary ways. First, the older adult is likely to have keratoses in different parts of the body, such as the chest, upper back, hands, and head (Bickley, p. 958). Secondly, the older adult’s skin is likely to have wrinkles and lax (Bickley, p. 958).
The eyes and the visual acuity of older adults are different from that of older people. For instance, older adults are more likely to suffer from dry eye due to the decrease in lacrimal secretion. Additionally, the pupils are smaller and may become slightly irregular. The visual acuity of the older adult is likely to be lower than that of the younger adult due to near vision and difficulty to see at night (Mayo Clinic, n.d.). The lung capacity of the older adult when exercising is expected to be lower due to the stiffening of the chest wall, weakening of respiratory muscles, and loosening of the lungs (Bickley, p. 960). It is crucial when screening the older adult for the acute abdominal disease to pay close attention because some of the symptoms such as pain and fever are likely to be less pronounced.
The nervous system for an older adult is also likely to be different. For example, the older adult may have lost some or all vibration sense in his ankles and feet. The changes in the motor system of the older adult may make him move with less agility and speed (Bickley, p. 964). the hands of the older are likely to be bony and thin due to the atrophy of the muscles. The older adult may also have benign essential tremor that leads to hands, lips, head, or jaw trembling.