Caring for Older Adults Holistically, 4th Edition Chapter Five Promoting Wellness

Caring for Older Adults Holistically, 4th EditionCaring for Older Adults Holistically, 4th Edition

Chapter FiveChapter Five

Promoting Wellness


Health PromotionHealth Promotion

Modern version of “Fountain of Youth” is the concept of health promotion

Current health-care concepts emphasize vitality and independence


Chronic DiseaseChronic Disease

80% of older adults experience at least one chronic disease

50% of older adults experience at least three chronic diseases

Most frequent: Arthritis, hypertension, heart disease, hearing

impairments, dementia


Chronic DiseaseChronic Disease

Treatment strategies Treat symptoms Maximize strengths of older adult Maintain ability to perform ADLs and IADLs


Illness/Wellness on a ContinuumIllness/Wellness on a Continuum

Health is a continuum with illness at one end and health at the other end

Health promotion focuses on wellness Health promotion must include:

Motivation Desire must be present to make change Explore what motivates the older person

Internal and external


Illness/Wellness on a ContinuumIllness/Wellness on a Continuum

Health promotion (cont.) Incentives

Reasons for participating in health promotion Identified through caring and focused interview

Health-promotion activities Find properly designed activities that are focused on

needs of older adults Individualized activities for each person


NutritionNutrition

General health is determined by the effects of dietary patterns over the years

Aging changes that affect optimum nutrition Metabolism slows Senses of taste and smell decrease Decrease in socialization opportunities Environmental changes


NutritionNutrition

Poor dietary habits contribute to disease in old age Heart disease Cancer Osteoporosis

Health-promotion activities should be aimed at changing dietary habits


Exercise and FitnessExercise and Fitness

Exercise Stimulates the mind Maintains fitness Slows progression of some diseases Helps establish social contacts Improves quality of life



Inactivity leads to: Fatigue Lack of energy Poor sleeping patterns Poor circulation Muscle wasting Decreased bone density



Exercise improves or slows the progression of chronic diseases

Regular exercise for older adults should emphasize increase in: Strength Flexibility Endurance



Strengthening Build and maintain muscle condition Short-term illness decreases muscle strength Weak muscles lead to falls

Flexibility Exercises include slow stretching motions Prevent muscles from becoming short and tight Motions should be done gradually and slowly



Exercise program should be approved by physician

Endurance Improves function of heart, lungs, and blood vessels Aerobic exercises best—swimming, walking, cycling Correct breathing technique should be emphasized



Stress Motivates people to act, think under pressure, be

creative Need to maintain balance between positive stress

and harmful stress Stress can increase risk of developing or

worsening chronic diseases



Stress (cont.) Stress in older adults is related to:

Environment—weather, crime, crowds, time pressures

Body—illness, accidents, lack of sleep, normal aging changes

Mind—boredom, despair, hopelessness



Stress (cont.) Assist older adult in recognizing personal stress

Stress log Daily journal

Develop interventions to relieve stress Quickie relaxers Long-term management skills



Stress (cont.) Stress management options

Symptom relief Accept stressors Alter stressors Avoid stressors


LifestylesLifestyles

Various lifestyles have impact on health promotion

Relationships As people grow older, relationships end or change

Divorce Death of spouse, child, friend, petRetirement


LifestylesLifestyles

Alcohol and drugs Serious problem in older adults Chronic abusers Excessive drinkers later in life Combination with OTC and prescription drugs a

concern Need to assess for alcohol and drug use


Self-CareSelf-Care

Self-care is the individual’s efforts to maintain optimal health and functionality

Older adults best qualified to keep themselves healthy

Self-care involves Accepting responsibility for own health Adopting healthy habits Making changes to accomplish what you want


Self-CareSelf-Care

Encourage individuals to participate in maintaining or improving their health

Nurses should offer activities that promote self care

Nurses should create an environment that assists with self-care

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Caring for Older Adults Holistically, 4th Edition Chapter Five Promoting Wellness