The meaning and use of complementary, alternative, and therapies integrative medicine along with the catagorical components are discussed. The history of these modalities from ancient time to the present are briefed. Discussion of various alternative and complementary therapies including herb and drug supplements, aromatherapy, massage, acupuncture, therapeutic touch, chiropractic, yoga, animal-assisted therapy, healing through music, meditation, mindfulness practice, and prayer is done. Referral to various books, organizations, and web sites are provided.

An overview of the gastrointestinal system as it relates to the nutritional status of the older individual is presented. The anatomy and physiology and age-related changes of the system are reviewed. Selected common age-related disorders are discussed along with their incidence, presenting symptoms, diagnostic measures, and interventions. The American Cancer Society’s 2020 screening recommendations for the intestines are then outlined.

The anatomy and physiology and function of the male and female reproductive system and how it affects the quality of life in older age is described. Selected disorder of the male and female reproductive systems is discussed. Sexuality, its meaning and expression, as it relates to older adults and those who care for them are also explained.

This chapter provides an overview of delirium and dementia, including primary dementias, secondary dementias, and reversible dementias. The distinction between mild and major neurocognitive disorders is described. An in-depth description of Alzheimer’s disease, including etiology, treatment, and general guidelines for care, is included. Other dementias including Huntington’s disease, frontotemporal lobar degeneration, Lewy body disease, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, and vascular dementia are also briefly covered. Secondary dementias (e.g., dementia associated with Parkinson’s disease) and reversible dementias (e.g., normal pressure hydrocephalus) conclude the chapter.

Focus is on the older adult learner and the status of and major issues related to the capacity to learn including intelligence, memory, attention, reaction time, readiness and motivation, learning styles, literacy, and neuroplasticity. Alterations in the sensory system that may influence learning and recommended approaches to teaching in each situation are analyzed. The language spoken along with literacy level and cultural barriers are discussed. Specific teaching approaches are reviewed including one-to-one instruction, group instruction, and electronic learning. Lastly, there is a summary of suggested teaching approaches and available programs plus locations to secure older adult education.

An overview of the influence, processing, and adverse reaction of drugs in the lives of older adults. Cultural influences impacting drug ingestion along with a consideration of generic drugs and over-the-counter drugs. Adverse drug reactions are discussed and reasons for drug misuse. Lastly, a discussion of the more commonly prescribed drugs for this age group is presented.

An overview of the anatomy, physiology, and functioning of the respiratory system is provided. Age-related changes in the respiratory system along with selected specific disorders commonly experienced by older adults and measures useful in preventing and living with respiratory dysfunctions are explained.

Several cogent topics as they relate to older adults, such as alcoholism, falls, foot care, pain and abuse, and neglect, were presented. The impact of alcohol as it relates to the psychosocial and physical aspects of the individual along with assessment and treatment modalities was indicated. Risks for falls in the older age group and the intrinsic and extrinsic factors contributing to falls were described. Evaluative information and measures to prevent falls and the structure, function, and age-related changes in the feet were explained. Selected foot disorders including those on the skin, corns, calluses, toenail disorders, arthritic conditions, diabetic issues, and circulatory and inflammatory disorders plus recommendations for foot care were discussed. Pain, its classification as acute and persistent and along with treatment options; definition and types of abuse and neglect along with appropriate interventions were described.

This chapter reviews the anatomy, physiology, and function of skin, hair, and nails and the role skin plays in an individual’s life. Age-related changes in each of these entities along with selected disorders including xerosis; rashes, senile purpura, pruritus, solar elastosis, keratosis, psoriasis, skin tags, herpes zoster, pressure ulcers, and skin cancer are discussed. Lastly, there are recommendations on how to maintain healthy skin and prevent skin cancer.

An overview of the anatomy, physiology, and function of the urinary system and age-related changes is provided. Selective disorders common in older adults with description and common symptoms are discussed. Useful diagnostic procedures and treatments frequently prescribed to maintain urinary health in older age were elaborated.