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The idea and concept of healthy ageing is best described by the WHO. Read more: https://www.myessaymate.com/
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Introduction The idea and concept of healthy ageing is best described by the WHO and it includes the process of development of and maintenance of the individual’s functional ability which enables the well-being in older age. The idea of functional ability here, is the central, main concept to healthy ageing and is explained as the attributes that are related to health which help in enabling people to be able to do what they want to do and value as important for themselves. It includes the ability to meet own daily and basic needs, be able to move, and build and maintain own relationships and be as effective contributors to the society as they wish to be. The core concept should be to inculcate functional abilities in the older people so their functioning is established on their own and they gain the ability to function and develop skills improving, life quality.
Impact of Ageing Population on Healthcare An ageing population in a country has far-reaching consequences in terms of direct challenges such as the changing profiles of health, increasing costs of healthcare and increasing demands for healthcare services. The challenges for healthcare in Australian ageing population are twofold and require concentration on two groups of diseases- age –related disorders, like dementia, arthritis, cancer etc. in 85 and above population; and lifestyle related disorders like type-2 diabetes, obesity in the age group of 65 and above. The health system’s challenge would be to be able to meet the growing health needs of the population as there will be increasing demands of healthcare with increase in the ageing population.
Themes of healthy Ageing Physical and functional health Ageing well is influenced by fixed (genetic) and modifiable factors. Functional status is a major independent risk factor for dependency, institutionalisation and mortality in older populations. The ‘disease burden’ can be measured in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), where a DALY reflects one year of ‘healthy’ life lost. It is the sum of years of life lost due to premature death and those lost to disability.
Themes…. Mental health It is also important to consider the influence of psychological change among older people – how longevity may influence a person’s priorities and life tasks. The GP can have a role in supporting the older patient to optimise their goals within the limitations of their health circumstances. Cultural context Doctors operate in a society where ageism remains prevalent.The reality of person-centred care for older people will be that clinicians be mindful of the pressures to ration treatment and continue to provide the most appropriate treatment for all patients, regardless of their age. It would appear that longevity is set to continue.1 Cultural attitudes and practices need to adjust accordingly, not simply to counter discrimination.
Role of nurses in healthy Ageing Nurses play a major role in the provision of healthcare services to the elderly population. Cultural competency can help the nurses in establishing a better rapport with the patients and help in improved and effective communication as well. The level of communication and ability to put across a point and understand patient’s needs in a better way is based upon the cultural understanding and comprehension of the nurse. This improved communication can play a significant role in assessing the needs of the patient and developing treatments and interventions.
Importance of health promotion in elderly care Health promotion is basically the act of enabling the people in increasing control over their own health and improving their own health by developing their own resources for the same. Health promotion strategies for the elderly focus more on activities or interventions that are able to show more effect immediately. The strategies have basic three aims for the elderly such as – increasing their functional capacity, stimulating or helping develop their social network and maintenance or improvement in self-care of the elderly as well.. Health promotion helps in changing attitudes, behaviors and outlook towards life and helps in better engagement of the elderly in their care . It helps in promoting the required behavior in the elderly in a better way than just medical treatment. It helps in improvement and integration of the elderly to maintain life at older age. Since, the elderly require more social inclusion and activities to help build social bonds and relationships to improve their health, it is imperative that health promotion is considered an effective strategy to help improve their quality of life and functional ability and promote healthy ageing.
Attributes of RN at the Aged Care Facility ● The aged-care facility is a place where the elderly come and live, like it is their home. They are taken care off in their new home and provided the sufficient help that is needed in terms of management of their conditions. As a registered nurse in an aged-care facility, the RN needs to practice care with utmost sincerity towards the elderly to make them feel comfortable and at home. The practice of care and taking care of the elderly involves the presence and practice of caring attributes like patience, emotional stability and strength and empathy towards the elderly. Patience helps in practicing proper treatment regimens and taking continuous care of the patient with utmost care and accountability without getting frustrated or fatigued. Empathy helps in understanding the mental, vulnerable and emotional state the elderly is in and taking it into account before providing treatment to them. Also, required is emotional stability so as not to get carried away and be able to take competent and knowledge-backed, rational decisions regarding their care and treatment plan without getting swayed by their emotions towards them. Also, most needed is effective communication skills, to make them feel comfortable and to convey and understand their thoughts, treatment plans and personal care goals. ● ●
Nurses role in end of life care The nurses along with other health care professionals play a major role in providing adequate end-of life care to the individuals. Their role includes provision of comprehensive and compassionate end-of-life care to the elderly. This will include recognizing when the end is near and conveying the same to the person and his/her family as well. They are also responsible for providing care and optimal and adequate management of symptoms as a part of the multidisciplinary team providing care to the patient and by collaborating with other healthcare workers as well. They also play a major role in providing support to the patient and family- emotional, physical and mental support. They are responsible for adequate pain management and care for the same. They are also responsible of taking care of the psychological, emotional, personal and interpersonal, and spiritual and religious dimensions of the care provision to the patient and help cope with the situation (Hickman et al., 2020). Nurses are also responsible in helping explain the advance care plan to the patients and helping develop it for the patients as well.
Conclusion It can be effectively considered that healthy ageing is an essential part of health care and that it requires proper elder care and nurses play a significant and crucial role in doing the same. Nurses play a major role in taking care of the elderly, along with their co-morbidities and are adept in providing end-of-life care as well because of their personal skills such as effective communication, care and compassion. They help in ensuring healthy ageing and ways to improve the palliative care and end-of-life care experience for the aged population. Better health promotion strategies need to be effectively put into place to ensure optimal care outcomes for the elderly.
