Common Health Issues and Concerns Nutrition Mobility Stress

Common Health Issues and Concerns • • Nutrition Mobility Stress and loss Safety Drug use and misuse Mental health/behavioral health Elder neglect and abuse

HEALTH CARE ISSUES IN HOSPITALS • The Fulmer SPICES framework Sleep disorders Problems with eating or feeding Incontinence Confusion Evidence of falls Skin breakdown

NUTRITIONAL ASSESSMENT • What factors cause inadequate nutrition intake with the aging populations?

Nutrition • Causes of older adult malnutrition: – Inflation, reduced income, and lack of transportation – Inappropriate or unbalanced foods – Trouble carrying heavy bags or packages – Loneliness – Diminished sense of taste and smell – Tooth loss and poorly fitting dentures

Benefits of Regular Exercise • • Decreased risk for falls Increased mobility Increased sleep Reduced or maintained weight Improved well-being and self-esteem Fewer depression symptoms Improved longevity Reduced risk for DM and CAD

Frequent Sources of Stress • • • Rapid environmental changes Changes in lifestyle Acute or chronic illness Loss of significant others Financial hardships Relocation stress syndrome

Fall Prevention and Safety • Home modification • Exercise • Tai chi

Driving Safety • Motor vehicle accidents are the most common cause of injury-related death in the young-old population, those between 65 and 74 years of age. • Adult driver safety: – Attend driving refresher classes. – Avoid high-risk driving conditions. – Be aware of prescription side effects.

Drug Use and Misuse • Polypharmacy • May not be able to tolerate standard dosage of drugs • Physiologic changes from aging can affect absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drugs from the body • “Start low and go slow” policy • Self administration of drugs