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Essay On Obesity And The Elderly

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How does obesity affect the elderly population? Hypothesis: Obesity amongst older individuals poses risk factors on health issues. Risk factor for many chronic conditions, including four of the ten leading causes of death in the U.S. -- coronary heart disease, type II diabetes, stroke and several forms of cancer. (Geriatric Nursing 1983) Obesity not only affects the health of older adults, it also affects their day-to-day lives. Decreased mobility related to muscle wasting, immobility causing decubitus ulcers. In the research I have conducted, more and more nursing homes possess residents that are obese, that are considered to have a calculated BMI greater than thirty-five. Obese geriatric patients are more likely to report poor …show more content…

SETTING: All regions of the United States.
PARTICIPANTS: Estimates were based on five nationally representative surveys of the adult population of the United States, conducted from 1960 to 2000, and population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau.
MEASUREMENTS: changes in obesity (body mass index (BMI) > or =30 kg/m(2)) and normal weight (BMI <25 kg/m(2)) prevalence for men and women by 10-year U.S. birth cohorts were examined. The prevalence of obesity and normal weight in the elderly in 2010 was estimated under three different scenarios of obesity prevalence change.
RESULTS: It was estimated that the prevalence of obesity in adults aged 60 and older will increase from 32.0% in 2000 to 37.4% in 2010 (range 33.6-39.6%). The number of obese adults aged 60 and older will increase from 14.6 to 20.9 million (range 18.8-22.2 million). Similarly, it was estimated that the prevalence of normal weight among adults aged 60 and older will decrease from 30.6% in 2000 to 26.7% in 2010 (range 31.0-24.7%).
CONCLUSION: The prevalence of obesity in elderly Americans will likely continue to increase, challenging healthcare delivery and financing systems in the United

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