An elderly patient has been admitted to your unit with a new diagnosis of osteoarthritis. The daughter who accompanied this patient asks you why the incidence of chronic disease increases with age. What would be your best response?
A) Biologic changes reduce the efficiency of body systems.
B) The older adult has less support and care from his family members, and this results in illness.
C) There is an increased morbidity of friends in this age group, and this leads to the older adult's desire to also assume the "sick role."
D) Normal aging increases the circulation of the heart.
Ans: A
Feedback: Causes of the increasing number of people with chronic conditions include the following: longer lifespans because of advances in technology and pharmacology, improved nutrition, safer working conditions, and greater access (for some people) to health care. Also, biologic conditions change in the aged population. These changes reduce the efficiency of the body's systems. Option B is incorrect because older adults usually have more support and care from their family members. Option C is incorrect because assuming the "sick role" can be a desire in any age group, not just the elderly. Option D is incorrect because normal aging does not increase the circulation of the heart.
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