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Emerging Lifestyles and Proactive options for successful aging. Gero 302 Jan 2012. Challenges to Frailty. How can older adults enhance their own quality of life through proactive adaptations?
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Emerging Lifestyles and Proactive options for successful aging Gero 302 Jan 2012
Challenges to Frailty • How can older adults enhance their own quality of life through proactive adaptations? • There is a disability cascade leading from chronic illness to physical impairments to functional limitations and loss of psychological well-being. • Health maintenance is a key factor for successful aging. • To achieve this, older adults need the means and social resources to achieve good physical health. • Stressors can lead to adverse QOL outcomes. The model requires both internal and external resources, and proactive behaviors to reduce or moderate adverse consequences
Model • Review the model Fig 1 page 158 • Internal resources-hopefulness, altruism, self-esteem, all serve as buffers to the adverse impacts of stress. • External resources-Health care access (proximity to health care and a regular physician, access to specialists and diagnostic testing), access to technology (phones, assistive devices), financial ( adequate nutrition and exercise facilities), paid home support, environmental modification, appropriate housing fits). Social resources-access to friends and family. • Review Table one on page 163
Traditional Adaptations-Preventive • Health Promotion-exercise, weight control and maintenance, avoidance of tobacco, use of seat belts, moderate use of alcohol (See American Geriatric Medicine guidelines) • Follow-up studies are showing that regular exercise does impact IADL’s in a positive way. • Corrective adaptations-mobilizing social support, informal to formal helpers. Need disclosure is pre-emptive. Environmental modifications include-diminishing barriers, introducing prosthetic aids, grab bars, removing rugs, increasing comfort and enhancing safety. • Technology such as Skype, internet, home shopping and delivery, entertainment, enhancing appliances (Critical factor is educational background)
Health Care Consumerism • Active consumerism will improve the quality of life outcomes as it results in collaborative care, and an active alliance between patient and provider. Education and life long learning, Elderhostel and other travel opportunities, improving appearances and aging in style, personal and spiritual growth-gerotranscendance. • Greater cultural, ethnic, racial diversity will lead to new normative patterns in proactivity. Public policy will have to address the new health care consumerism and will challenge the responsiveness to consumer’s perspectives. This will range from housing options to end of life care.