10 Questions
What is the primary goal of public health programs for older people?
To delay or avoid disability and dependence
What is the projected proportion of the world's population over 60 years in 2050?
22%
What is the primary challenge facing health and social systems in the context of aging populations?
Ensuring health and social systems are ready for the demographic shift
What is the definition of aging?
A process that converts healthy adults into frail ones with diminished reserve
What is the projected number of older people in 2050?
1.5 billion
What is the purpose of comprehensive care programs for older people?
To provide promotive, preventive, curative, and rehabilitative care
What is the expected proportion of older people living in low- and middle-income countries in 2050?
80%
What is the consequence of the demographic shift in aging populations?
Increased demand for healthcare services
What is the main challenge in geriatric care?
Keeping older people healthy and independent
What is the primary focus of geriatric health programs?
Promoting healthy aging and preventing disability
Study Notes
Geriatric Health
- Geriatric health is a state of complete physical, mental, social, psychological, and spiritual wellbeing, not merely the absence of disease, in elderly individuals who need special care.
Definitions
- Geriatric Medicine: provides promotive, preventive, curative, and rehabilitative care for elderly individuals.
- Gerontology: is the scientific study of the phenomenon of old age and the accompanying physical, mental, social, and biological changes.
Age Classification
- In Developed Countries: 65 years is considered the definition of 'elderly' or older person.
- In Developing Countries: geriatric age starts at 60 years, which is the age of retirement.
Healthy Aging
- Optimizing opportunities for good health, so that older people can take an active part in society and enjoy an independent and high-quality life.
- Requires an age-friendly environment, including:
- Health (long-term care, trained doctors)
- Social (housing, transport, work)
- Economic (pensions)
Population Aging
- The major determinants are:
- Decline of mortality (Epidemiologic transition)
- Decline of fertility (Demographic transition)
Epidemiologic Transition
- Is the declining of infectious diseases and the emerging of chronic degenerative diseases.
- Results in:
- Decreased mortality rate
- Increased life expectancy
Demographic Transition
- Is the decline in fertility due to:
- Urbanization
- Industrialization
- Family planning programs
- Women development programs
Geriatric Health Problems
- Nutritional problems
- Mortality: common causes of death
- Elderly are exposed to progressive degenerative and pathological changes that are inevitable
- Need special comprehensive care programs (promotive-preventive-curative-rehabilitative)
Facts on Ageing
- Between 2015 and 2050, the proportion of the world's population over 60 years will nearly double from 12% to 22%.
- The number of older people is projected to grow from 524 million in 2010 to nearly 1.5 billion in 2050.
- In 2050, 80% of older people will be living in low- and middle-income countries.
Aging
- Is a process that converts healthy adults into frail ones, with diminished reserve in most physiological systems and increasing vulnerability to most diseases and to death.
This quiz covers the concept of geriatric health, its definition, and the role of geriatric medicine in providing care for the elderly.
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