NursingSprint

✔️ The term "older adult" is the appropriate clinical classification for individuals aged 65 years and older, according to the CDC, WHO, and nursing developmental frameworks.

✔️ In nursing and health care settings, “older adult” is used to guide age-specific assessments, interventions, and safety considerations, including fall risk, polypharmacy, and cognitive changes.

✔️ This classification is relevant for applying geriatric care principles, such as screening for dementia, depression, and promoting age-appropriate health maintenance.

✔️ The term “older adult” promotes respectful, age-affirming language that avoids stereotypes or stigmatizing terms like “elderly.”

Educational Insight:

Developmental theorists like Erik Erikson describe the older adult stage (65+) as the time of integrity vs. despair, focused on life reflection and legacy. The term “older adult” is widely used in gerontological nursing to guide holistic care for this age group.

Incorrect Options:

“A. Aged”

⯈ This is a dated and non-clinical term, rarely used in professional nursing language and may be considered imprecise or stigmatizing.

“B. Elderly”

⯈ Though commonly used in lay language, “elderly” is often considered less respectful in healthcare and is being replaced with “older adult” in clinical practice and literature.

“C. Adult”

⯈ While technically true, "adult" is too broad and does not provide age-specific clinical guidance needed for someone 65 and older.