TRANSLATE THE TEXTS ORALLY
Caring for the elderly
A Anyone who is healthy, under 40, and living in a developed country now has a good chance of surviving past 100. But surveys show that many people show that many people think that old age means only boredom and mental and physical decay, and do not see any advantage in this.
B The medical problems associated with old age are classified by gerontologists under the four Is (also known as “The giants of Geriatrics”):
· intellectual impairment / confusion,
· immobility,
· instability,
· incontinence.
These problems are seriously disabling, and elderly people are often highly dependent on nursing care. Many are bedridden. Neurodegenerative diseases, sleep disorders, depression, problems with eating, and skin breakdown are the main areas of research and hot issues for the elderly and for the people who take care of them. Physical and emotional abuse by relatives and care staff is also receiving attention from health authorities and the police in a number of countries.
C Studies show that chronic impairments in elderly people such as deafness and muscle weakness are frequently mistaken for failing mental abilities. Thus, an elderly woman admitted to Accident and Emergency Department after a fall may be referred to a social worker to judge if she is able to take care of herself, whereas, if she were 40 years younger, there would be a full medical investigation.
D Gerontologists argue that it is possible to grow old and die without losing faculties to dementia. But while many believe that “old” is just a state of mind, in reality factors such as the loss of a lifetime partner, and a sense of uselessness and social isolation after retirement, tend to make the elderly more prone to apathy and depression, which increases vulnerability to disease.
E Elderly people can be very demanding to nurse. They can often be inattentive, with disorganized thought and speech, and disturbed behaviour. But geriatric nurses have to build meaningful relationships with the elderly patients in long-term care. They should be patient, enthusiastic, and understanding towards their problems.
confusion – растерянность
decay – упадок
disabling – отключение
faculties – способности
impairment – нарушение
inattentive – невнимательный
prone – склонность
vulnerability – уязвимость