Susan Schoenbeck: Article Analysis

One of the key arguments for mental health being the important factor in successful aging is a person’s self-perception about aging (SPA) (Monko, 2016). Specifically, that SPA has a bearing on disease progression and perceived quality of life (Monko, 2016). That is, the higher the SPA, the more positive the sense of well-being,

Aging is an inevitability of life. With age man exchanges the physical prowess of youth for the wisdom that comes through experiencing the trials and triumphs of life. As an individual enters late adulthood, age 65 and older, they experience many physical, emotional and mental changes never previously encountered and which may require an adaptation of their earlier lifestyle. Some of these late adulthood changes are primary and secondary aging, issues regarding health and wellness, family and personal relationships, and the milestone of retirement. Understanding these changes can help late age adults

In choosing to select a topic from Healthy People 2020, the writer met with Sheila Dobbins, FNP and AIM Administrator for Sutter Care at Home. With the population serviced by Sutter Care at Home, it was decided that the topic of older adults would benefit the staff. The presentation would be a PowerPoint presentation followed by a game for interaction with the staff. Ms. Dobbins also expressed interest in community resources for the staff to be able to provide to their patients and families. Estimated time for the presentation would be twenty-five minutes including questions and time for the game. The location would be at Sutter Care at Home conference room located in Modesto, California on January 3, 2017. The participants would include nurses, physical therapy, medical social worker, and administrator. Due to improved technology, medical care, and medications people in the US are living longer. The quality of life needs to be taken into consideration and education provided to the aging person and families for disease prevention. Education provided to those aging on preventive measures to prevent chronic disease will reduce the financial burden on the economy as well as improve the quality of life for the person.

The term “aging” refers to a complex process of biological, physical, psychological and social changes in a person as he/ she ages over their lifetime. Typically, the term refers to older adults and takes on the meaning of the process of “getting old” and “being old”. It relates not only to how individuals live, act and perceive themselves, but also to society’s culture and perceptions, society’s policies and support systems designed for their needs - be it health care, social,

As adults age there are many changes that one may be challenged with. Aging adults begin to face cognitive, physical, and emotional issues that can present a challenge to health care professionals who are providing care. As one enters older adulthood, he or she is faced with potential memory loss. A struggle of forgetfulness can be a daily challenge that comes with aging. Degradation of the body can make everyday tasks increasingly challenging. With this degradation, simple activities such as walking, dressing oneself, eating, and showering can be limiting and difficult. Depression, loneliness, and a sense of

The author, Dr. Susan K. Gardner expands on the term success from different perspectives and attributes in which they support achieving the many milestone, through the student’s completion of a doctoral education. The question, what supportive structures exits that best enable doctoral students to achieve program milestones such as, completing the first year, moving on into Year two and subsequently into Year three beginning and completing the dissertation? are asked. With only 50% of those students completing a doctoral program, it begs the questions as to why such attrition over the course of the program and how doctoral program success is best measured.

The good news is, we are not victims of the aging process like our parents and grandparents believed. We do not have to surrender our health, freedom and independence once we hit “a certain age.” Instead, we can make healthy choices on a daily basis that will keep our bodies and minds working optimally so we can enjoy our lives fully.

Nurses are a large and diverse group of individuals and our experience, education, culture, beliefs, and values impact the care that we give. It’s helpful to reflect on our beliefs and value systems to understand how we view the world. Being aware of our feelings on aging, disability and chronic illness can influence the goals, strategies and actions that we choose. Ageism has been shown to negatively affect the quality of care that elderly patients receive, and including gerontology education in nursing programs has been shown to increase positive attitudes of nursing students toward the elderly (Topaz & Israel, 2013). For this discussion. I will explore and share my thoughts, ideas, and feelings regarding wellness and chronic illness.

The need for exercise is important for the aging population. There is a growing need for exercise since people are living longer. It prevents ADL disability and can help adults achieve a higher quality of life. The need to take care of older adults will continue to grow as we are living longer. As we age, we look to achieve an overall quality of life. Doing things that make us happy and that bring enjoyment to our life. In article, Physical Activity and Quality of Life in Older Adults, the effects of physical activity are associated with overall quality of life, “changes in physical activity[...] would be directly associated with changes in self-efficacy; changes in self-efficacy would be directly associated with changes in physical self-worth and disability; and changes in physical self-worth and disability would be directly associated with changes in global QOL” (Phillips, Wojcicki, & McAuley. 2013.) Older adults must go through the aging process and many people don’t like the idea of “growing old” physical activity is a lifestyle factor that reduces the effects of aging and gives older adults a community of people who all share the same

As stated above elderly are at risk of vulnerability due to mental, physical, economic, and social issues. These issues influence their lives predisposing them of developing several health problems. Health risk factors increase with age, the U.S Centers for Disease control and Prevention (CDC) identified heart disease as the leading killer among individuals older than 65 years old. The (CDC) described that 37 percent of men including 26 percent women age 65 and older are affected by this chronic disease (Vann, M. R., 2015). This study demonstrates that elderly are one of the vulnerable category, they are challenged by many health conditions, resources are available to provide them with adequate assistance, and healthy people 2020 objectives meet their

Firstly, it is important to understand that older adults are not a homogenous group, which has important implications. Older adults do not have the same problems and needs, and therefore cannot be solved with a universal intervention. This is vital because better solutions must be conceptualized that are grounded in data through systematic processes such as need assessments. Secondly, the chronological age of an older adult should not dictate how they should be treated. Older adults should not be patronized and treated like children because of their age, it does not mean that they should lose their independence and autonomy unless their capacity to perform daily activities and health is compromised.

In addition, retaining physical and cognitive function becomes a major challenge, as well as the avoidance of debilitating mental illnesses such as depression and dementia.” All of the above draw the conclusion of why older adults are a key priority group. (Start Active, Stay Active, 2011)

According to the statistics from the Administration on Aging, the U.S. population aged 65 years and older numbered 46.2 million in 2014 (the latest year for which data is available), which composed of 14.5% of the U.S. population. This data show that persons 65 years or older are expected to grow to be 21.7% of the population by 2040 (CITATION). With the growth of the aging population, there has been increasing attentions on how older people can age well, which lead to discussions of understanding of the “successful aging” among gerontologists. Rowe and Kahn (1997) defined successful aging as including three main components low probability of disease and disease-related disability, high cognitive and physical functional capacity, and active

This paper discusses how the health and wellness of elderly nursing home residents can be improved by exploring five peer-reviewed articles, which relate to the wellness of elders in nursing homes. Health and wellness can be broken down into five dimensions: (a) physical health; (b) emotional health; (c) intellectual health; (d) spiritual health; and (e) social health (Hoffman p.379). This paper will focus on physical and social health. Using the results from the studies, a wellness plan can be created to improve the wellness of nursing home residents. People begin to develop conditions that stop them from performing activities of daily living (ADLs) as they age. The World Health Organization’s WHOQOL-BREF assessment is a quality of life assessment

The life expectancy of today’s population has greatly increased over time due to increased exploration and understanding of the physical, emotional, and cognitive need. Aside for just the aesthetic changes we go through, there are internal struggles that we will subsequently face as well. While these changes are unavoidable, being prepared for them and having knowledge of them is fundamental for better health as we age.