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 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 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.

This chapter describes aging with respect to people with acquired versus congenital disability. There is an emphasis on people with lifelong developmental disability, including intellectual disabilities, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy. General aging issues for this population are described, and then specific aging issues that are more prevalent and problematic are identified. The need for more vigilant health promotion and education is discussed.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Anatomy and physiology of the nervous system, including the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system, are described. Age-related changes in the nervous system are described. Common nervous system disorders are briefly discussed with Parkinson’s disease covered in greater depth. Sleep, aging-related changes with sleep, sleep disorders, and dangerous consequences of untreated sleep disorders are highlighted. The chapter concludes with brief consideration of how aging impacts memory and learning.