Any significant bonding in which a person feels a strong sense of responsibility toward the physical and emotional well being of others
Relationship
A term used to describe the various aspects of an individual’s efforts to maintain optimal health and functionality
Self Care
The incentive or drive that causes a person to act
Motivation
When the older person does not rely solely on spouse, children, physician, or nurse to determine “what to do to be healthy”
Self Responsible
Health
Has many definitions, one of which is the absence of disease.
Most elderly people have multiple chronic illnesses, for which there is only management, not cure
People older than age 65 constitute __ percent of the population.
13%
Properly designed Health-Promotion activities should be
- Accessible (transportation, time of day, location)
- Reasonable (focus on the right activity for the right reason)
- Enjoyable and social (mental and physical wellness)
- Sensitive to the needs of older people ( hearing, vision, and functional level )
Incentives for older people to participate in health-promotion activities
- A belief that activities improve fitness and health
- The enjoyment of socialization
- A belief that activities help maintain independence
- A desire to feel good and have fun
The Nurses Role in treatment for chronic disease
- You need to understand the aging process and older adults in general and advocate for what they need
- Nurses are the key people to recognize the symptom (pain) and administer the prescription treatment (medication)
- As a gerontological nurse you have to take this a step further and consider the impact of the disease and it’s treatment on the older persons ability to preform IADLS and ADLs
Chronic conditions
- Greater than 50% of individuals over the age of 60 are living with 2 or more chronic diseases
- chronic illness can not be cured but needs to be managed
- most common health problems of older adults are associated with chronic diseases
- most frequent chronic conditions include arthritis, hypertension, heart conditions, hearing impairments and dementia
Acute conditions
- The focus of many medical treatment interventions in the United States is on curing acute conditions.
- Chronic Illnesses are predominate and cannot be cured.
The difference between acute and chronic
Acute can be cured. Chronic can only be managed.
Four changes that occur with aging that affect needs for optimal nutrition
- The body’s rate of metabolism slows and no longer needs the same amount of energy and food to do the same amount of work. As people age, lean body mass decreases and body fat increases. This leads to weight gain and obesity.
- The senses of taste and smell may be less keen. Teeth may need to be replaced by dental appliances. As a result, elders may eat different foods and drink less.
- Social aspects of eating are important. As people age, they retire, families grow up and move, friends and their spouses and friends move away or die. This results in changes in the socialization of eating. One of the most difficult adjustments is learning to cook and eat for one.
- Environmental factors. Lack of transportation, inability to read labels and insufficient funds for healthy food.
Effects of exercising
- Builds and maintains muscle strength
- Decreases arthritic pain over time
- Strengthens joints
- Slows process of osteoporosis
- The greater the muscle mass, the greater glycogen reserves, which means more energy
- Weak muscles lead to falls and possible fractures
Exercise Plan Considerations
- Should be designed for the individual
- Should not be too tiring
- Should promote activity
Benefits of exercise
- Stimulates the mind
- Maintains fitness
- Prevents if slows progression of some diseases
- Helps to establish social contacts
- Generally improves quality of life
- Chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, arthritis, obesity, and depression have all been show to improve or slow progression with regular physical activity
Fatigue and lack of energy, poor sleeping habits, and poor circulation are common reports of older adults and are often a result of _______
Inactivity
Inactivity
Leads to muscle wasting and weaking of the bones.
4 components of the focus of most health promotion activities
- The focus frequently is on life extension or on reducing risks of premature death.
- Emphasis is often placed on advancing “youthfulness” and preventing aging.
- Health Promotion programs focus on preventing chronic disease.
- A focus on self-responsibility for health fails to consider the limitations imposed by personal circumstances.
•These are not appropriate for older people. Read pg. 109
Alcohol impairs:
•Mental alertness •Judgement •Physical coordination •Reaction time -These problems mimic and exacerbate the deleterious effects of other chronic conditions. (Dementia, depression and arthritis) and increase the risk of falls
The primary health-promotion goal regarding alcohol
- Help older adults and their families recognize when alcohol is a problem. •Second, info needs to be given to the elderly adult regarding the effects of alcohol, especially combined with drugs
- the nurse needs to understand the older persons reason for drinking
- Health-promotion activates that offer alternatives should be made available
Stress-Related problems
- Ulcers (stomach pain)
- High blood pressure (no symptoms)
- Arthritis (joint pain and muscle tension)
- Heart Disease ( chest pain and difficulty breathing)
- Cancer (Increased susceptibility)
- headaches (constant worry)
- Circulatory problems ( cold hands and feet)
- Backaches ( muscle spasm and chronic pain)
For most older people stress is related to 3 basic areas
Environment, body and mind
Environmental stressors
Weather, crime, crowds, time pressures, and the demands of others
