Module 1 Discussion

 

Fishbowl Discussion: Aging, Health Promotion, and Geriatric Assessment

After studying Module 1: Lecture Materials & Resources, discuss the following:

Clinical Case 1: “Is This Just Aging?”

Patient Profile

• Mr. James R., an 82-year-old widowed male, presents to the family practice clinic accompanied by his daughter for a routine visit. His daughter reports that he has been “slowing down” over the past year.

History & Context

• Lives alone in a single-story home
• Retired accountant
• Independent in basic activities of daily living but needs help with grocery shopping and transportation
• Past medical history: hypertension, osteoarthritis of knees
• Medications: lisinopril, acetaminophen as needed

Assessment Findings

• Blood pressure: 138/78 mmHg
• Heart rate: 64 beats per minute
• Gait: slow, slightly wide-based
• Reports occasional forgetfulness but manages finances independently
• Vision corrected with glasses; hearing diminished in noisy environments
• Reports fatigue and decreased endurance when walking
• No recent falls

Social Determinants of Health

• Fixed income
• Limited social interaction since spouse’s death
• Daughter lives 45 minutes away

Discussion Focus

• Which findings are consistent with normal age-related changes versus concerning for pathology?
• What risk factors should be prioritized based on functional status and social context?
• What health promotion and prevention strategies could support functional independence and quality of life?

 

Clinical Case 2: “More Than Forgetfulness”

Patient Profile

• Mrs. Lillian S., a 78-year-old female, presents for follow-up after her son expressed concerns about memory changes.

History & Context

• Lives with her son and daughter-in-law
• Former elementary school teacher
• Past medical history: type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia
• Medications: metformin, atorvastatin

Assessment Findings

• Reports difficulty recalling recent conversations
• Occasionally misplaces household items
• Mini-Cog screening shows mild impairment
• Mood appears flat; reports poor sleep
• Functional assessment reveals difficulty managing medications independently
• Vision intact; hearing adequate

Social Determinants of Health

• Strong family support
• Limited engagement in social or cognitive activities
• Cultural beliefs emphasize family caregiving and avoidance of “labels” related to cognitive decline

Discussion Focus

• How do you differentiate normal cognitive aging from potential pathology in this case?
• What psychosocial, functional, and cultural factors influence risk and care planning?
• What prevention and health promotion strategies could address cognitive health, safety, and caregiver support?

 

Clinical Case 3: “The Quiet Risk”

Patient Profile

• Ms. Rosa M., a 74-year-old female, presents for an annual wellness visit.

History & Context

• Lives alone in an apartment
• Primary language Spanish; English is limited
• Past medical history: osteoporosis, gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Medications: calcium with vitamin D, proton pump inhibitor

Assessment Findings

• Body mass index: 20 kg/m²
• Reports decreased appetite and unintentional weight loss
• Gait steady but slow; grip strength reduced
• Vision impaired despite corrective lenses
• Reports fear of falling but denies prior falls

Social Determinants of Health

• Limited access to transportation
• Financial strain limits food choices
• Social isolation since relocating closer to adult children who work full time

Discussion Focus

• Which findings may represent frailty rather than normal aging?
• What sensory, nutritional, functional, and social risks require prioritization?
• How can health promotion and prevention strategies be individualized to address SDOH and reduce fall and frailty risk?

 

Submission Instructions:

Important Posting Instructions

• Each group submits ONE collective discussion post
• Group members should collaborate before posting
• Do not submit individual posts for this discussion
• Your initial post should be at least 200 words, formatted and cited in current APA style with support from at least 2 academic sources.
• You should respond to at least two of your peers by extending, refuting/correcting, or adding additional nuance to their posts.
• All replies must be constructive and use literature where possible.
• Please post your initial response by 11:59 PM ET Thursday, and comment on the posts of two classmates by 11:59 PM ET Sunday.
• You can expect feedback from the instructor within 48 to 72 hours from the Sunday due date.

Grading Rubric

Your assignment will be graded according to the grading rubric, which is found by clicking the three dots in the upper right-hand corner and selecting “show rubric” from the menu.

 

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