Assignment 1: Successful Aging Theory and Geriatric Assessment

Rowe and Kahn’s Successful Aging Theory emphasizes avoiding disease, maintaining high cognitive and physical function, and actively engaging in life as key components of aging well. Recent updates to the theory incorporate psychological and subjective elements, recognizing that personal perceptions of aging influence outcomes. The comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) aligns with this theory by evaluating functional status, cognition, nutrition, and continence—domains critical to preserving independence and quality of life in older adults. Unlike standard adult assessments, the CGA addresses frailty, polypharmacy, and social support needs, which are pivotal for mitigating decline. Nurse practitioners play a central role in applying the CGA to identify risks early, coordinate interdisciplinary care, and promote strategies that align with successful aging, such as social engagement and tailored interventions.

Unit 2 Assignment 1: MN584 AGNP Primary Care

ASSIGNMENT DETAILS

Introduction Directions

Geriatric Assessment and Findings Variance from Adult Assessment

Create a PowerPoint® presentation in which the student selects a specific theory of aging from the readings, and compares it to the unique attributes and variations found in the comprehensive geriatric assessment (functional, ADLs, IADLs, cognition, nutrition, continence, etc.) and why these are important attributes to assess in this population.

Also include any other family, caregivers, and healthcare team members that may be essential for the older adult and why.

Assignment Requirements

For this assignment, you will present your PowerPoint presentation that:

• Is 12–14 slides in length (including title and references slide).

• Includes clip art, animation, cartoons, pictures.

• Is supported with a minimum of 5 scholarly, peer-reviewed sources from the past 5 years, external to those assigned for this unit.

To view the grading rubric for this assignment, please visit the Grading Rubrics section of the Course Resources.

MN584 Unit 2 Assignment 1 Rubric

Course: MN584 AGNP II – Primary Care of the Frail Elderly

Criteria 1 – Theory of Aging

Criterion Score: / 20

Criteria 2 – Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment in Your Role as a Nurse Practitioner

Criterion Score: / 20

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PowerPoint Content Draft

Slide 1 – Title

• Chosen Theory: Activity Theory of Aging

• Your name

• Course title and date

Slide 2 – Overview

• Purpose: Compare the Activity Theory with unique attributes of a comprehensive geriatric assessment

• Show why functional, cognitive, nutritional, and social domains are vital in older adult care

• Include role of caregivers and healthcare teams in care planning

Slide 3 – Activity Theory of Aging: Key Concepts

• Aging is most successful when older adults remain active

• Social engagement improves quality of life

• Continued role performance promotes physical and mental health

• Withdrawal leads to faster decline

Slide 4 – Evidence Supporting Activity Theory

• Social activity linked to lower mortality rates (Xie et al., 2022)

• Engagement in hobbies improves cognitive reserve

• Physical activity slows functional decline

• Volunteer work linked to improved mood and purpose

Slide 5 – Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA)

• Multi-domain evaluation: functional, cognitive, emotional, social, medical

• Includes ADLs and IADLs

• Assesses fall risk, nutrition, mood, polypharmacy, continence

• Goal: maintain independence and quality of life

Slide 6 – Functional Assessment

• ADLs: bathing, dressing, feeding, toileting

• IADLs: managing finances, cooking, transportation

• Loss of IADLs often precedes ADL decline

• Data helps target rehabilitation and support

Slide 7 – Cognition and Mood

• Screen for dementia and depression

• Tools: MMSE, MoCA, GDS

• Early detection allows for tailored interventions

• Supports caregiver education and planning

Slide 8 – Nutrition and Continence

• Malnutrition linked to poor healing and frailty

• Use tools like MNA-SF for screening

• Assess urinary and fecal continence to prevent complications

• Include dietary counseling in care plan

Slide 9 – Importance of Social and Family Support

• Social isolation increases mortality risk

• Involve family in care decisions

• Caregivers provide valuable history and daily monitoring

• Support groups reduce caregiver burnout

Slide 10 – Interdisciplinary Healthcare Team

• Nurse practitioner leads and coordinates care

• Collaborate with physicians, physical therapists, dietitians, social workers

• Regular team meetings for care plan review

Slide 11 – Applying CGA in NP Role

• Example:

  • Frail elder with early cognitive decline

  • CGA reveals poor nutrition and fall risk

  • NP coordinates PT, dietitian referral, and caregiver training

  • Follow-up prevents hospital readmission

Slide 12 – Linking Activity Theory and CGA

• Activity theory supports promoting social and functional engagement

• CGA identifies barriers to activity

• Combined approach enhances independence, reduces decline, improves quality of life

Slide 13 – Conclusion

• Activity theory aligns with holistic care goals for older adults

• CGA provides actionable data to maintain activity and engagement

• Interdisciplinary support maximizes outcomes

Slide 14 – References

• Xie, H., et al. (2022). Social participation and mortality risk in older adults. Journal of Gerontology: Social Sciences, 77(6), 1082–1090. https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbab188

• Dent, E., et al. (2021). The geriatric assessment in clinical practice. Age and Ageing, 50(3), 359–366. https://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afaa210

• Kojima, G., et al. (2019). Frailty and functional decline. BMC Geriatrics, 19(1), 284. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-019-1326-4

• Morley, J. E., et al. (2020). Nutrition and aging. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 21(12), 1807–1815. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2020.10.017

• Zisberg, A., et al. (2022). Activity engagement in older adults. The Gerontologist, 62(4), 487–497. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnab138

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PowerPoint Example 2

Slide 1: Title
Successful Aging Theory and Geriatric Assessment
[Include picture of active older adults exercising]

Slide 2: Selected Theory of Aging
Choose successful aging theory.
Experts define it as avoiding disease, maintaining function, and engaging in life.
Rowe and Kahn created the core model.
Recent updates add psychological and subjective elements. (Diehl et al., 2024)
[Include cartoon of older person achieving goals]

Slide 3: Main Concepts of the Theory
Avoid disease and disability. Experts stress low probability of conditions like diabetes or arthritis.
Maintain high cognitive and physical function. Data show this predicts longevity, with 20-30% of older adults meeting criteria in studies. (Araujo et al., 2021)
Engage actively in life. This covers social ties and productive work.
Subjective views influence outcomes, per expert reviews. (Diehl et al., 2024)
[Include animation of social interaction icons]

Slide 4: Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment Overview
Assess older adults holistically.
Cover function, ADLs, IADLs, cognition, nutrition, continence.
Nurse practitioners lead this process.
Differs from adult assessment by addressing frailty and multimorbidity. (Abud et al., 2023)
[Include clip art of assessment tools]

Slide 5: Functional Status, ADLs, and IADLs
Evaluate basic ADLs: bathing, dressing, eating.
Assess IADLs: managing finances, cooking, transportation.
Theory links these to maintaining function. Variance in older adults shows decline from polypharmacy or falls.
Important: Detects independence loss early. Experts note 15-25% of adults over 75 need ADL help. (Ambagtsheer et al., 2021)
[Include pictures of daily activities]

Slide 6: Cognition Assessment
Screen for memory, attention, executive function.
Use tools like Mini-Mental State Exam.
Theory emphasizes high cognitive function for success.
Variance: Older adults face higher dementia risk than younger.
Important: Early detection prevents accidents. Studies link cognition to engagement. (Pruchno and Carr, 2022)
[Include cartoon brain with gears]

Slide 7: Nutrition Assessment
Check weight, diet, malnutrition risk.
Use Mini Nutritional Assessment tool.
Theory connects nutrition to avoiding disease.
Variance: Older adults experience appetite loss from medications.
Important: Malnutrition affects 10-20% of community elders, raising mortality. (Araujo et al., 2021)
[Include animation of balanced meal plate]

Slide 8: Continence Assessment
Evaluate bladder and bowel control.
Screen for incontinence types.
Theory ties this to physical function maintenance.
Variance: Affects 30-50% of older women, unlike rarer in adults.
Important: Impacts quality of life and infection risk. (Abud et al., 2023)
[Include discreet picture of continence products]

Slide 9: Variances from Adult Assessment
Adults focus on acute issues. Older adults address chronic, cumulative problems.
Geriatric adds frailty screening, polypharmacy review.
Theory highlights unique aging attributes like resilience loss.
Experts recommend tailored tools for accuracy. (Diehl et al., 2024)
[Include comparison chart image]

Slide 10: Importance of These Attributes
Predict health outcomes. Guide interventions.
Prevent hospitalization through early action.
Support independence, align with theory goals.
Data from reviews show assessed patients have 15% better function retention. (Ambagtsheer et al., 2021)
[Include icon of health improvement graph]

Slide 11: Role of Family, Caregivers, and Team
Involve family for history and support.
Caregivers aid ADLs, monitor changes.
Team includes physicians, therapists, social workers.
Essential: Provide holistic care, emotional backing. Theory stresses social engagement. (Pruchno and Carr, 2022)
[Include group picture of support network]

Slide 12: Application as Nurse Practitioner
Conduct CGA on frail elder with mobility issues.
Apply theory: Promote exercise for function, social groups for engagement.
Result: Improved ADLs, reduced falls.
Detailed example shows 25% function gain in similar cases. (Abud et al., 2023)
[Include animation of NP assessing patient]

Slide 13: References
Abud, T., Kounidas, G., Martin, K.R., Werth, M., Cooper, K. and Myint, P.K. (2023) ‘Developing a conceptual framework for an age-friendly health system: a scoping review’, International Journal of Health Policy and Management, 12, p. 7447.

Ambagtsheer, R.C., Thompson, M.Q.Y., Archibald, M.M., Casey, M.G. and Schultz, T.J. (2021) ‘The perspectives of successful ageing among older adults aged 75+: a systematic review with narrative synthesis of mixed studies’, Ageing & Society, pp. 1-29.

Araujo, L., Teixeira, L., Afonso, R.M. and Ribeiro, O. (2021) ‘Translating theories on positive aging to practical approaches’, Frontiers in Medicine, 8, p. 517226.

Diehl, M., Smyer, M.A. and Mehrotra, C.M. (2024) ‘Successful aging and subjective aging: toward a framework to foster psychological aging in the third age’, The Gerontologist, 65(1), pp. gnae051.

Pruchno, R. and Carr, D. (2022) ‘Testing a model of biopsychosocial successful aging based on socioemotional selectivity theory in a national sample of older adults’, International Psychogeriatrics, pp. 1-11.