Understanding Gerontology and Aging Population

Importance of Understanding Dietary Needs in Older Adults

Rapid growth in the aging population over the past 40 years.
- The older adult population grew from about 2 million in 1977 to 3.5 million in 1997.
- A projection for 2025 indicates approximately 8.1 million older adults, constituting 19.5% of the population.
- Expected increase to 10.4 million older adults in 12 years.
Life expectancy statistics:
- For men in Canada (2023): approximately 79 years.
- For women in Canada (2023): approximately 84 years.
- Indigenous population (2017): Inuit men = 64 years, women = 73 years.
- Average life expectancy of an Indian is unspecified in the transcript.

Improved access to healthcare has significantly contributed to longer life spans.
- Advancement in cancer treatments and medications allowing individuals to live longer with chronic illnesses.
Quality of available food has transitioned from hunting and gathering to ease of access.

By 2030, older adults are projected to represent 21-23% of the population.
By 2068, this growth is expected to rise to 21-29%.
Factors contributing to growth:
- Decreased fertility rates—fewer people are choosing to have children compared to previous decades.

Lower life expectancy in Newfoundland and the territories compared to British Columbia (BC), which has the highest.
- Reasons for lower life expectancy in Newfoundland:
- Isolation, limited access to nutritious foods.
- Economic challenges and harsh weather conditions affecting population migration and healthcare.
Cultural diversity in the aging population presents unique needs for healthcare providers.

Importance of cultural competency in nursing for older adults.
Nurses must be knowledgeable about different cultures and the specific needs of individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Gerontological nursing originated with pioneers like Florence Nightingale.
- Nightingale’s initial position in long-term care laid the groundwork for the field.
Gerontological pioneer Vera McIvers (1967) advocated for innovation in older adult care:
- Critique of dependency in long-term care facilities.
- Introduced a priority model of care focusing on the strengths of individuals.
- Emphasized normalization of daily activities and supported independence.

Formation of provincial and national nursing associations:
- The first provincial gerontological nursing association in Ontario (1974).
- Establishment of the Canadian Gerontological Nursing Association (1985).
- Development of the first set of standards of practice (1987).
- Publication of the first Canadian textbook (1993).
Ongoing advocacy and commitment for older adults by nursing professionals.

Established standards include:
1. Humanistic and Relational Care:
- Focus on therapy and reciprocal relationships with older adults.
- Importance of empathy, education, and recognizing personal stories.
1. Ethical Care:
- Centers on ethical reflection and includes considerations of fairness and justice.
- Awareness and ethical decision-making are critical to patient dignity and rights.
1. Evidence of Care:
- Use of available evidence, research, and clinical expertise to guide nursing decisions.
1. Aesthetic or Art Health Care:
- Recognizes nursing as both an art and a science.
- Involves creativity and sensitivity to the lived experiences of older adults.
1. Safe Care:
- Emphasis on ensuring physical, emotional, and psychological safety.
- Importance of assessing risks in care environments to prevent harm.
1. Socio-Political Engaged Care:
- Advocacy for older adults and engagement with social and political contexts affecting their health.
- Efforts to address ageism and promote systemic changes for improved services.