Sample Solution

When examining physical assessments for healthy older adults, there are several findings that may be different from those of a healthy 35-year-old. For example, due to naturally occurring age-related changes such as decreased elasticity in the skin and muscle weakness, older adults tend to have diminished reflexes and reduced ability to perform certain movements (American Academy of Family Physicians [AAFP], 2019). Additionally, hearing and vision acuity can be affected by age with both senses becoming less acute over time which could lead to difficulty understanding verbal communication or recognizing objects and people at a distance (AAFP, 2019).

Heart rate and respiratory rate are also likely to differ between the two age groups; with heart rates typically being lower in older adults while their respiratory rates tend to increase due to weakened lung function associated with aging (AAFP, 2019). Further differences can be seen when assessing cognitive abilities such as memory or problem solving where declines are more common among elderly individuals due the effects of dementia or other degenerative diseases (AAFP, 2019). Finally, nutrition status is an important factor that should not be overlooked when examining physical assessments for this population – as malnutrition is more common among elderly patients – so it is important for clinicians to consider any risk factors associated with poor nutrition in order assess if preventative measures need to be taken.

Overall these differences emphasize why comprehensive physical assessments should be tailored towards each patient’s individual needs depending on their particular medical history. By taking into account all aspects of health – including those related specifically to aging – clinicians can better identify potential issues before they become serious health problems thus allowing them intervene early enough so that they can take corrective action accordingly.