Older Adults: Aging in Place

Community Health

Describe the health status of older adults.

 Growth in number and proportion of older adults living in the United States; projected to reach almost 30% of population by 2060

 Increased demands on public health system, medical and social services, and health care delivery

 Chronic disease contributing to disability, diminished quality of life, and increased health care costs

What are common misconceptions about older adults?

•Inability to live independently

•Most with diminished intellectual capacity or senility

•Homogeneity: all alike, with no individual differences

•Inability to learn new things

•Withdrawn, inactive, nonproductive

•Liability: expensive, draining on economy

What are characteristics of health older adults?

 Lifetime of healthy habits

 Strong social support system

 Positive emotional outlook

 Affected by: 

•personality traits

•life experiences

•current physical health

•current societal supports

Describe the health status of older adults nationally.

•Increased life expectancy (females > males)

•Older adults healthier than ever before

Young–old (65–75 years)

Old–old (75–85 years)

Oldest old (85–100 years); approximately 40%

Elite-old (centenarians)

Frail elderly (over age 85 years and need assistance with ADLs)

What are the primary prevention health needs of older adults.

Primary prevention

Health education; follow-through of sound personal health practices; recommended immunizations 

Nutrition, oral health, exercise, safety needs, sleep

Economic security needs

Psychosocial needs

•maintaining independence

•social interaction

•companionship

•purpose

Spirituality, advance directives

What are the secondary prevention health needs of older adults.

•Focus on early detection of disease and prompt intervention

•Routine screening for hypertension, diabetes, cancer

What are the tertiary prevention health needs of older adults.

•Follow-up and rehabilitation

•Health issues: Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, cancer, depression, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis

What are common health problems of older adults?

 Alzheimer’s disease

 Arthritis

 Cardiovascular disease

 Cancer

 Depression

 Diabetes

 Hearing loss

 Obesity

 Osteoporosis

Describe elder abuse.

“Intentional or neglectful acts by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult” 

 Physical abuse

 Neglect

 Emotional or psychological abuse

 Verbal abuse and threats

 Financial abuse and exploitation

 Sexual abuse

Abandonment

What are the criteria for effective health services?

Comprehensiveness:

•Affordable housing options

•Adult day and memory care programs

•Access to high-quality health care services

•Health education (including preparation for retirement)

•In-home services

•Recreation and activity programs

•Specialized transportation services

•Safe and outdoor spaces

What are services for health older adults?

•Goal: maintenance of functional independence

•Living arrangements and care options

• Day care and home care services

• Arrangements based on level of care

  • Skilled nursing facilities

  • Intermediate care; assisted living

  • Personal care homes

  • Continuing care retirement communities

    • Presbyterian Village, Austell

    • St. George Village, Roswell

    • Respite care services 

  • Hospice and palliative care

Describe community health nursing in an aging America.

•Case management for resources and referrals

•Development of creative living arrangements and services

•Encouragement of healthy lifestyle changes to avoid disease and disability

•Education about immunizations and safety measures including fall prevention

 Which would be most accurate when describing the changes

  occurring in the older adult population globally?

 The over-80-year age group is the fastest-growing segment of the group.