Impact of Demographic Changes on Health Care Needs

Aging population

A demographic trend characterized by an increasing number of older individuals in the population.

Chronic Disease

A disease lasting 1+ years, requiring ongoing medical attention or limiting daily activities.

Heart Disease

Narrowing or blockage of blood vessels affecting heart function.

Symptoms of Heart Disease

Chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue.

Risk Factors for Heart Disease

High blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking.

Management of Heart Disease

Lifestyle changes, medications, and procedures like angioplasty.

Cancer

Abnormal cell growth potentially spreading to other parts of the body.

Common Types of Cancer in the Elderly

Lung, breast, prostate, colorectal.

Symptoms of Cancer

Weight loss, fatigue, lumps, unusual bleeding.

Treatment for Cancer

Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy.

Chronic Lower Respiratory Diseases

Long-term lung diseases causing airflow blockage (e.g., COPD).

Symptoms of Chronic Lower Respiratory Diseases

Persistent cough, wheezing, shortness of breath.

Risk Factors for Chronic Lower Respiratory Diseases

Smoking, pollutants, genetic predisposition.

Management of Chronic Lower Respiratory Diseases

Inhalers, oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehab.

Arthritis

Inflammation of joints causing pain and stiffness.

Common Type of Arthritis

Osteoarthritis (age-related wear and tear).

Symptoms of Arthritis

Joint pain, swelling, reduced mobility.

Treatment for Arthritis

Pain relievers, physical therapy, joint replacement.

Stroke

Sudden interruption of blood supply to the brain.

Symptoms of Stroke

Sudden weakness, slurred speech, facial droop.

Types of Stroke

Ischemic (blockage), Hemorrhagic (bleeding).

Prevention/Treatment of Stroke

Blood pressure control, clot-busting drugs, rehab.

Diabetes

Chronic condition affecting how the body processes blood sugar.

Symptoms of Diabetes

Frequent urination, thirst, fatigue, blurred vision.

Types of Diabetes

Type 1 (autoimmune), Type 2 (insulin resistance).

Management of Diabetes

Blood sugar monitoring, insulin, healthy diet.

Alzheimer's Disease

Progressive brain disorder causing memory loss and cognitive decline.

Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease

Memory loss, confusion, difficulty performing daily tasks.

Risk Factors for Alzheimer's Disease

Aging, family history, genetics.

Influenza

Contagious viral infection affecting the respiratory system.

Pneumonia

Infection causing inflammation of the air sacs in the lungs.

Kidney Disease

Gradual loss of kidney function over time.

ADLs (Activities of Daily Living)

Basic self-care (e.g., bathing, dressing, eating).

IADLs (Instrumental ADLs)

Complex tasks (e.g., managing finances, medication management).

Heart disease

Leading cause of death in the elderly.

Cancer

Second leading cause of death in the elderly.

Chronic lower respiratory diseases

Third leading cause of death in the elderly.

Stroke

Fourth leading cause of death in the elderly.

Alzheimer's disease

Fifth leading cause of death in the elderly.

Medicare for Older Adults

Coverage includes hospital stays, outpatient care, prescription drugs (with limits).

Medicaid for Older Adults

Coverage includes long-term care, nursing homes, personal care, and medical services.

Medicaid Spousal Impoverishment Provision

Protects the income/assets of a spouse not receiving Medicaid in cases of long-term care.

Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR)

Ensures individuals in Medicaid-certified nursing facilities receive appropriate care based on mental illness or intellectual disabilities.

Long-Term Care Services (LTSS)

Includes places of care such as hospice, residential care communities, home health agencies, and adult day care centers.

Community Long-Term Care Services

Examples include PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) and The Aging Network (Older Americans Act services).

Nursing Facility

Provides basic custodial care.

Skilled Nursing Facility

Provides specialized medical care (e.g., therapy, wound care).

Health Literacy

Ability to understand health information and services.

Importance of Health Literacy

Improves outcomes, adherence, and reduces hospitalizations.

Low Health Literacy Leads To

Medication errors, poor disease management, and increased mortality.