Question

What are the current and future health challenges that face our aging population? What are the opportunities in nursing practice relative to this population? Use reference citations where appropriate.

Answer 1

There are a lot of challenges that face our aging population. some of them i here tried to explain : -

Physical and mental Health: - many older adults maintain good health and are fully able to function both physically and mentally well into their later years. However the biological effects of aging do lead to more physical and mental health problems among the senior population than in younger age groups. as we age muscles and bones begin to weaken, we lose eyesight and hearing and mobilityoften become limited. seniors also suffer from dementia including Alzheimer disease which affects about ten percent of people over 65 . Due to physical or mental health conditions about two thirds of all people 65 or older need assistance with at least one daily living activity such bathing

Nursing home care :- if the senior population has more health problems it makes sense that they also require mote health care . older adults visit the doctors and stay in the hospital. medicare helps cover some health care costs for seniors, however most are left to for about half of their medical bills on their own, which can cost thousands of dollars each year

Bereavement, social isolation and loneliness : - Seniors tend to have fewer oportunities for social engagement than younger age groups. They retire from jobs , children move away, friends and spouses pass away and eventually they may become housebound if they lose the ability to drive or become ill. Bereavement is always a difficult experience but because so many seniors lose a spouse it is a particualar problem in their lives. the grief that follows the loss of spouse can last many years and can involve anxiety, depression , loneliness and other isssues. of all these problems loneliness is perhaps the most common and the most difficult to overcome.

Elder abuse: - It is hard to tell exactly how many seniors are affected by elder abuse due to the fact that few report it . sadly some seniors are victims of abuse committed by their own relatives. such abuse involves physical or sxual violence, psychologiccallor emotional abuse neglect and financial exploitation

Mobility and movement :- Everyday objects, homes and communities not originally designed with longevity in mind often become obstacles to movement, safety, indepwndence and socializingt. Remaining safe and mobile are top prorities for older adults. There is a need for products, programs, and services that enables people to maximize their sfety , strength , balance, fitness, independence and mobility as they age

Daily Living and lifestyle : - The majority of older adults state a preference to "age in place" yet one third of people over 65 need assistance with at least one activity of daily living [ e.g bathing , dressing , eating ]

products and services are needed to help support not only older adults basic daily activities but als to foster and support hteirability to thrive , pursue their passions and engage with their chsen lifestyles.

caregiving :- Care for older adults is provided by informal and formal caregivers.Both groups are increasingly caring for people with higher levels of acuity and complex conditions.

Engagement and purpose : Ageism and outdated social norms have resulted in isolated and marginalized older adults in both rural and urban communities. Helping older adults get and stay meaningfully engaged is critical for their health and the health of our communities.

New and creative ways are needed to not only tap into their wisdom but also to provide opportunities for lifelong learning and meaningful engagement across the lifespan.

Financial Wellness : - peopleare living longer and traditional models of work and retirement have not kept norms. New opportunities for later life employment new models for palnning and financing care and better ways to prevent scams and fraud are needed

so there are a lot of problems with elderly people and a great scope for nurses in this field which are mentioned following:- [opportunities in nursing practice relative to this population] :-

Physical and psychosocial needs of oler adults care. they focus on maximizing patients functional abilities as well as promoting maintaining and restoring their physical and mental health in old age homes, at their own homes, hospitals , psychiatric centeres etc.

considr individuality of the elderly patients. Do not attempt to alter the lifelong character and behavior.

Be patient ,kind sympathetic while providing care. Handle them gently and maintain privacy while providing care.

communicate effectively. make sure they can hear you.

encourage independence as far as possible.

assist to achieve emotional stability. support them duringtheir perods of anxiety.

protec them from injuries fallss and accidents with proper instructions

the elders are highly prone to developbedsore so provide comfortable bed and smooth and wrinkle free bed linen.

help them to establish good sleeping pattern. try to engage them in certain activities during day time so that they can sleep well during night.

end of life care is a vital and integral part of all clinical practice. when older people are at the end of their lives, nurses can make a differencce to them and their families by creating and facilitating a therepeutic environment that addresses their physical psychological social cultural and spiritual needs.