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Chronological age is the length of time that has passed since a person was born (The State of Aging, 2004). Aging is a universal process that is part of the life course, and there is no clearly marked point when old age be-gins. Because of Medicare and social security eligibility regulations, people tend to think of age 65 as the point of becoming “senior citizens.” However, chronological age is not a good indicator of physical or psychological health (Biomarkers of Aging, 2001). Gerontologists of-ten categorize the elderly as young-old (age 65-75 years), middle-old (age 75-85 years), and old-old, or frail elderly (age 85 years and older). Although age categories can help with understanding the differences that may exist among older adults, the onset and degree of changes associated with aging vary tremendously. In addition, in the society there is so much social and cultural diversity that it is impossible to place everyone aged 65 and older into one group. This richness and diversity can be one of the great benefits of working with older patients. However, health care professionals cannot assume that a 60-year-old is healthier than an 80- year-old. Functional age, which is based on physical health and self-sufficiency, as well as psychosocial well-being, may be a more useful way to define age.

CHANGES ASSOCIATED WITH AGING

Aging is not synonymous with disease; everyone ages, even in the absence of disease. It is true, however, that aging makes people more vulnerable to disease, and sometimes it is difficult to distinguish between normal aging and pathological changes. There are normal physical changes that occur over time, at different times, and to different degrees in each of the body systems. Below is a summary of these normal changes due to aging that a health care professional may see in older radiography clients. With aging, the hair grays and the nails become thick and are easily split. The skin becomes thin and fragile because of a loss of subcutaneous fat and decreased vascularity. Skin is also drier, has fewer sweat glands, and often shows various benign skin lesions. Skin changes contribute to problems with thermal regulation, so elders are less tolerant of extremes of heat and cold. Clinical Alert. Be very careful in turning or lifting thin, oldest-old adults to prevent tearing skin. Use palms of hands and not fingers to lift or move an arm or leg, and roll like a log from one side to the other to achieve an oblique or lateral position. Use patient movers to assure synchronized movement of the patient from stretcher to the x-ray table. When transferring a patient from a wheelchair, elicit the patient’s cooperation and inquire how he/she moves best. It is easier for the patient if movements are initiated from the largest nearby joint (e.g., an internal movement of the hip to rotate an ankle into an internal oblique position). Make use of support devices, such as walkers and canes. Wrinkled and folded linens are irritants to the skin, so adjust them carefully. Accessories such as table pads will assure that pressure points are supported. Older patients may need blankets for warmth because x-ray rooms, tables, and image receptors are often cold.

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