Promoting the Health of Seniors

ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO, ONLY THREE MILLION PEOPLE IN THIS COUNTRY WERE OVER THE AGE OF 65. ACCORDING TO THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION, TODAY THERE ARE MORE THAN 33 MILLION AMERICANS IN THIS AGE GROUP, AND THAT NUMBER IS EXPECTED TO DOUBLE OVER THE NEXT 25 YEARS, AS BABY BOOMERS AGE. IN ADDITION, THE SENIORS OF THE FUTURE WILL BE EVEN MORE RACIALLY AND ETHNICALLY DIVERSE THAN TODAY’S SENIORS.

The aging of America is triggering a huge demand for health care and social services. Health care expenditures for a 65-year-old are now four times those for a 40-year-old.
Because the population will be older and greater in number, overall U.S. health care expenditures are projected to increase 25 percent by 2030.

At least 80 percent of seniors have at least one chronic condition, and 50 percent have at least two. These conditions can cause years of pain, disability, and loss of function. About 12 million seniors living at home report that chronic conditions limit their activities. Three million older adults say they cannot perform basic activities of daily living, such as bathing, shopping, dressing, or eating. Their quality of life suffers as a result, and demands on family and caregivers can be challenging.

Poor health and loss of independence are not inevitable consequences of aging. The following strategies have proven effective in promoting the health of older adults:

• Healthy lifestyles. Research has shown that healthy lifestyles are more influential than genetic factors in helping older people avoid the deterioration traditionally associated with aging. People who are physically active, eat a healthy diet, do not use tobacco, and practice other healthy behaviors reduce their risk for chronic diseases
and have half the rate of disability of those who do not.

• Early detection of diseases. Screening to detect chronic diseases early in their course, when they are most treatable, can save many lives; however, many older adults have not had recommended screenings. For example, 60 percent of Americans aged 65 or older have not had a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy in the previous five years to screen for colorectal cancer, even though Medicare covers the cost.

• Immunizations. Approximately 36,000 people aged 65 or older die each year of influenza and invasive pneumoccocal disease. Immunizations reduce a person’s risk for hospitalization and death from these diseases. Yet in 2002, 32 percent of Americans aged 65 or older had not had a recent flu shot, and 37 percent had never received a pneumonia vaccine.

• Injury prevention. Falls are the most common cause of injuries to older adults. More than one-third of adults aged 65 or older fall each year, and of those who fall, 20 to 30 percent suffer moderate to severe injuries that decrease mobility and independence. Removing tripping hazards in the home and installing grab bars are simple measures
that can greatly reduce older Americans’ risk for falls and fractures.

• Self-management techniques. Programs to teach older Americans self-management techniques can reduce both the pain and costs of chronic disease. For example, the Arthritis Self-Help Course, disseminated by the Arthritis Foundation, has been shown to reduce arthritis pain by 20 percent and visits to physicians by 40 percent. Unfortunately, less than one percents of Americans with arthritis participate in such programs, and courses are not available in many areas.

DOES A SENIOR NEED HELP?
While it is possible for families to complete assessments on their own using standard forms, there also are experienced professionals who can help. Although different forms and professionals will offer slight variations, here are some basic areas you may want to cover, according to the AARP (www.aarp.org).

Physical Health. Have they been diagnosed with any chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis or emphysema? Or other diseases, such as bowel or bladder problems, heart disease, stroke or cancer? Do they have vision or hearing problems, excessive weight loss, or difficulty walking? Be sure and include a list of health professionals they currently see, and any recent hospitalizations.

Mental Health. Have they been diagnosed with any psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety or psychosis? Have they been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia? Are they showing signs of confusion, disorientation or
isolation?

Medication Use. What medications are they currently taking, and what is the dosage? Are they taking their medication as directed?

Daily Living Skills. Are they able to dress, bathe, get up from a chair, use a toilet, climb stairs, use the phone? Do they know how to get help in an emergency? Can they shop, prepare meals, do housework and yard work? Can they safely drive?

Home and Community Safety. How safe is their neighborhood? Does their home have smoke alarms, and can they hear them adequately? Can they avoid telephone and door-to-door fraud?

Support Systems. Do your older loved ones have frequent visitors or see friends? Do they go to a Senior Center or get out of the house for other social reasons? Do family members live close by? Do they keep names, addresses and phone numbers of key friends and family members they can call in an emergency?

Appearance and Hygiene. How is their overall appearance? Do they dress appropriately in clean clothes?

Finances. Can they live on their current income? Are there any legal documents such as trusts, living wills, and/or durable power of attorney? Do they pay bills on time and make informed financial decisions?

Interests/Lifestyles. Do they engage in their favorite hobbies, read books, watch their favorite TV shows, exercise, play a musical instrument, go to church, keep up with their friends? Are they still engaged in the activities they have always enjoyed?

It’s not always easy to recognize when an older loved one needs help. Learning how to
assess their needs will make it easier to know when, and how, to help.

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