Health and Wellness for Older Adults

Health Screening

• Global Population of Older Adults

  • The population of older adults is increasing due to advancements in healthcare.
  • Longer lifespans lead to a higher risk of chronic diseases, which are primary causes of death.

• Importance of Screening in Primary Care

  • Early identification of chronic diseases can lead to reduced complications and improved health outcomes.

• Screening Tests in Canada

  • Blood Pressure Screening
  • Cholesterol Test (recommended for ages >40)
  • Osteoporosis Screening (recommended for ages >65)
  • Mammograms (recommended for ages >40)
  • Colon Cancer Screening (ages 50-74)

Immunization

• Why Vaccines are Crucial for Older Adults

  • With age, the immune system weakens, increasing vulnerability to infections.
  • Older adults are at higher risk for severe complications from diseases such as flu, pneumonia, and shingles.

• Reasons for Low Vaccination Rates

  • Underestimation of the importance of immunization.
  • Lack of recommendations from healthcare providers.
  • Misunderstanding risks versus benefits of vaccines.

• Recommended Vaccinations for Older Adults

  1. Influenza
  2. Covid-19
  3. RSV
  4. Pneumococcal
  5. Herpes Zoster
  6. Tetanus and Diphtheria (including boosters)

Exercising

• Benefits of Regular Physical Activity

  • Strengthens cardiovascular health and builds muscle tone.
  • Enhances mental health by releasing endorphins.
  • Vital for weight management and prevention of lifestyle-related diseases.

• Chronic Health Issues Addressed by Exercise

  • Regular activity can prevent or reduce the risk of conditions like Hypertension (HTN), obesity, diabetes, and depression.
  • Contributes to increased life expectancy and quality of life.

• Strength Training Benefits

  • Improves balance, reduces risk of falls, strengthens bones, and regulates blood glucose levels.

• Exercise Recommendations by Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP)

  • Older adults (65+) should engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise and muscle-strengthening activities weekly.

Nutrition

• Challenges in Nutrition for Older Adults

  • Aging may lead to changes affecting appetite, sensory perceptions (taste, smell), digestion, and physical ability to cook or shop.

• Benefits of Healthy Eating

  • Promotes health and well-being, provides energy, and supplies essential nutrients.
  • Reduces the risk of chronic diseases and prevents muscle/bone loss, lowering fall risk.

• Nutritional Guidelines

  • Follow the Canadian Food Guide: include daily servings of vegetables, whole grains, and protein.

• Hydration Concerns

  • Older adults may not feel thirsty; it's essential to encourage regular fluid intake.
  • Optimal fluid options include water, low-fat milk, and low-sodium soups.

Sleep Hygiene

• Importance of Good Sleep Hygiene

  • Crucial for mental well-being, daily functioning, and overall health of older adults.
  • Poor sleep can lead to cognitive decline and increased fall risk.

• Prevalence of Sleep Disorders

  • Over 50% of older adults suffer from sleep disorders, often overlooked as symptoms of other conditions (NIH, 2018).

Hobbies and Social Activities

• Engaging in Social Activities

  • Participation in activities like art classes or volunteering contributes to well-being and independence.

• Benefits of Hobbies

  • Lower risk of diseases such as dementia and cardiovascular problems.
  • Improves life satisfaction, sense of purpose, and resilience.

Sexual Health

• Importance of Sexual Activity

  • Sexual health remains significant for many older adults, even if frequency decreases with age.

• Findings from Canadian Surveys

  • Most individuals aged 65+ consider sex important; many remain sexually active.

• Benefits of Sexual Activity

  • Helps burn fat, reduces anxiety, supports immune system, and may slow aging effects.
  • Physical exertion from sex compares to moderate exercise (walking up two flights of stairs).