Health and Wellness in Later Life

Study Notes

Health in later life is about functional abilities, not just the absence of disease.
Health encompasses a person's strengths, resilience, capabilities, and resources - not just pathology.
Wellness is the state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not just the absence of illness or infirmity (World Health Organization).
Wellness varies depending on culture and individual perception.
Holistic Health is a more common term today, encompassing all aspects of an individual.
Wellness is striving for an optimal level of health, regardless of situation (disability, illness, etc.).
Focus on promoting wellness even if restoring health is not possible.

Psychological: Self-efficacy, feeling in control of one's life, taking responsibility for health, effective coping skills, and healthy choices.
Spiritual: Transcend the physical and psychosocial to reach the deepest individual capacity for love, hope, and meaning.
Biological: Age-related physical changes, lifestyle factors, and genetics all influence wellness.
Social: Satisfying roles and relationships. Social support has a positive impact on health.
Environment:
- Physical: Includes structural living arrangements, such as maintaining a safe environment to prevent falls and air pollution.
- Social: Healthy relationships and effective role transitions.
Culture: Influences health beliefs, health disparities, and socioeconomic challenges.

Income and Social Status (Socioeconomic Factors):
- Seniors have the lowest income compared to other age groups, especially unattached women and those who did not contribute to CPP.
- Lower income is associated with more physical and mental health problems.
- Middle to upper income individuals report better overall health.
Social Support Networks: Linked to health and are a protective factor against depression.
Education and Literacy: Higher levels of education are associated with a lower prevalence of chronic conditions.
Employment and Working Conditions:
Social Environments: The quality of relationships and support.
Physical Environments: Living conditions.
Personal Health Practices and Coping Skills:
Healthy Child Development:
Biology and Genetic Endowment:
Health Services:
Gender:
Culture:

The Lalonde Report (1974) stated that socioeconomic, environmental, and biological factors are equally or more important than healthcare in influencing health.
Income and poverty have a significant impact on health.
Nurses should consider the impact of determinants of health when planning care to promote healthy aging.