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Questions and Answers
Which factor is specifically identified as an environmental risk factor affecting elderly health?
What is NOT a characteristic often associated with elderly people?
Which of the following health problems is specifically mentioned as a concern for elderly people?
Which need is highlighted as essential for older people to maintain their well-being?
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What is a common individual risk factor for elderly health that can lead to serious concerns?
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What is the primary reason for the global increase in the elderly population?
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Which age group is traditionally focused on by gerontologists?
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What is the definition of 'geriatrics'?
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What does the World Health Organization identify as a primary goal of elderly health?
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What is a characteristic of aging as defined in the content?
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How should older persons be treated according to the goals of elderly health?
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Which of the following defines the 'old age' period?
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What does the term 'oldest old' refer to in the subgroups of older adults?
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Study Notes
Population Aging
- The global population is aging due to decreasing birth rates and increasing life expectancies.
- By 2030, more people than ever will face a higher risk of developing chronic illnesses, dependence, and ill health.
Gerontology & Geriatrics
- Gerontology comprehensively studies aging and its associated challenges.
- Geriatrics is a medical branch focused on the health care of older individuals.
Defining Old Age
- Old age is marked by a decline in physical and mental functions.
- Aging involves a consistent degeneration in various physiological systems, impacting physical, mental, and behavioral aspects.
- Different perspectives define older adults differently.
- Gerontologists typically consider individuals 60 years and older.
- Researchers categorize older adults into sub-groups: younger old (65-75), older-old (75-85), and oldest old (85+).
- Most developed countries use the chronological age of 65 years and above as the definition of elderly or older persons.
Goals of Elderly Health
- The World Health Organization (WHO) defines the goal of elderly health as:
- Maintaining a minimum level of autonomy.
- Improving quality of life.
- Providing greater security, dignity, and comfort.
Older Persons Rights
- Older persons should have access to healthcare to maintain or regain optimal physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
- Elderly individuals should be able to live with dignity and safety, free from exploitation and abuse.
- They deserve fair treatment regardless of age, gender, disability, or other status.
- Elderly individuals should enjoy human rights and fundamental freedoms in any shelter or healthcare facility, including respect for their dignity, beliefs, needs, and privacy.
Elderly Well-being
- Older persons should have access to adequate food, water, shelter, clothing, and healthcare through income support, family and community assistance, and self-help initiatives.
- They should have opportunities for work and access to relevant educational and training programs.
- Elderly individuals must be able to reside in safe environments.
Risk Factors in Elderly Health
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Individual Factors:
- Habits and behaviors - tobacco use, physical activity, healthy eating, oral health, alcohol consumption.
- Genetic factors - predisposition to certain diseases.
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Environmental Factors:
- Home environment - safe housing, clean water, clean air, safe food.
- Social environment - social support, protection from violence and abuse.
Characteristics of Elderly People
- Feelings of insecurity due to perceived inability to meet life's demands.
- Difficulty adjusting from work routines to retirement.
- Challenges in finding fulfilling service opportunities.
- Concerns about health.
Common Health Problems of Elderly People
- Loss of confidence.
- Arthritis and rheumatism.
- Vision impairments.
- Hearing loss.
- Movement disorders.
- Accidents.
- Diabetes mellitus.
- Hypertension.
- Cardiovascular diseases.
- Prostate enlargement.
- Depression and anxiety.
- Senile dementia.
- Delirium and Alzheimer's diseases.
- Malnutrition.
- Substance abuse.
- Urinary incontinence.
- Parkinson's disease.
Needs of Older People
- Health and social care.
- Safety and security.
- Companionship.
- Love and respect.
- Health education.
- Healthy nutrition.
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Description
Explore the complexities of aging in global populations through this quiz. Understand the distinctions between gerontology and geriatrics, and the various definitions and perspectives on old age. Learn about the challenges that older adults face, especially as life expectancy increases.
