Many people have a stereotypical view on the older adult population. Fortunately, through this course, we dove deeper into this specific population to understand and get rid of those stereotypes. One topic I really enjoyed was focused on the expected changes as we age and the changes that can occur but are not expected. For many, they solely focus on the physical changes but the internal ones that are even more important. Examples include decreased cells in the intestines putting them at risk for decreased absorption of vitamins/ minerals, decreased bone mass and calcium absorption putting them at risk for fractures, and the decline in all senses which puts them at risk for falls, not hearing a fire alarm, and overusing salt to enhance flavor. 

Another focus was on the Beers criteria which includes a guide to medications that have potential dangerous effects in the older adult population and potential polypharmacy complications. It is important as a nurse to use this resource to better understand which medications are contraindicated in the older adult population. This information is crucial to know in order to provide safe care. It is unfortunate to hear about the situations where older adults are inappropriately prescribed medications that actually worsen their health, especially when combined with medications they are already on. 

Having this information will support me in being a better nurse. By understanding how the body changes, we understand conditions they are at risk for as I mentioned above. In addition, with the toxicity risks, I can make this a priority assessment. The two topics mentioned above, along with the others taught in class, have already inspired me to delve deeper into this in clinical and work experiences. I feel that I can carry this information with me and take the extra time to complete medication reconciliation and understand more that patient symptoms could just be due to medication interactions or toxicity. Therefore, we can provide better teaching and prevention techniques for patients who are within this age category.