Health Promotion for

Elderly

Dr. Ibrahim Mahmoud

 Definition and Objectives

Significance

Outline Demography

Geriatric Giants

Elderly Health Promotion Activities

 Definition and Objectives
Health promotion is the process of enabling people to increase control over, and
to improve, their health. (WHO)
The key objectives of health promotion are:
Empowering individuals to take control of their health and well-being.
Preventing disease through education and lifestyle changes.
Improving health equity by addressing social determinants of health.
Enhancing community engagement in promoting a healthy environment.
Encouraging early detection and treatment of health issues to reduce
complications.
Why Geriatrics is important?
 Aging Population: The growing elderly population requires specialized care. WHO projects
that by 2050, the number of people aged 60 years and older will reach 2.1 billion.
 Complex Health Needs: Older adults often have multiple chronic conditions that require
careful management.
 Prevention and Health Promotion: Geriatric care focuses on preventive strategies to enhance
quality of life.
 End-of-Life Care: Ethical considerations and compassionate care for older adults, especially
around end-of-life decisions.
 Interdisciplinary Approach: Geriatric care involves collaboration across health care teams for
comprehensive patient care.
Demography
The elderly population is currently increasing twice as fast as the general
population.
In 2020, the number of people aged 60 years and older outnumbered children
younger than 5 years.
Between 2015 and 2050, the proportion of the world's population over 60 years
will nearly double from 12% to 22%.
By 2050, the world’s population of people aged 60 years and older will double
(2.1 billion).
The number of persons aged 80 years or older is expected to triple between
2020 and 2050 to reach 426 million.
Population ageing – started in high-income countries (Japan 30% of the
population is already over 60 years old).
Countries with the largest percentage of total population over 65 years in 2023
Causes of death statistics by age group, 2021
 10 leading causes
of death, 85+ age
group: United
States, 2017

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Data sourced from the ONS website (England and Wales), National Records of Scotland and the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency.
UAE Age Structure in 2024 & 2050
 Geriatric Giants
Geriatric Giants are a group of common health issues that affect
older adults and significantly impact their quality of life and
independence.
They were first defined by British geriatrician Bernard Isaacs.
These "giants" represent significant challenges in geriatric care and
require specialized management to improve outcomes for elderly
patients.
None of these geriatric giants are caused by aging itself; they are the
result of underlying pathology.
 These conditions need to be carefully identified and, whenever
possible, treated.
 Geriatric Giants

Geriatric Giants are a group of common health issues that affect older
adults and significantly impact their quality of life and independence.
They were first defined by British geriatrician Bernard Isaacs.
These "giants" represent significant challenges in geriatric care and require
specialized management to improve outcomes for elderly patients.
None of these geriatric giants are caused by aging itself; they are the result
of underlying pathology.
 These conditions need to be carefully identified and, whenever possible,
treated.
 Geriatric Giants

Geriatric Giants include the following:

 Immobility: Difficulty in moving, leading to decreased physical activity, falls, and loss of
independence.
 Instability: Increased risk of falls due to balance issues or frailty.
 Incontinence: Loss of bladder or bowel control, affecting dignity and quality of life.
 Impaired Cognition: Including dementia and delirium, which affect memory, decision-making,
and behavior.
 Iatrogenesis: Harm caused by medical interventions, such as adverse drug reactions or
complications from procedures.
 Geriatric Patients Presentation

Geriatric patients often present with unique and complex medical conditions due to
the aging process:
Atypical Symptoms: Such as confusion, fatigue, or weakness, rather than classical
symptoms of diseases. For example, an elderly patient with a urinary tract
infection may present with delirium rather than fever.
Multiple Comorbidities: Such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, interact
with one another, complicating their clinical presentation and treatment.
Polypharmacy: Due to the presence of multiple health issues, which can result in
drug interactions and side effects, influencing their overall health.
 Geriatric Patients Presentation

Functional Decline (Acopia): Inability to cope with activities of daily living

(e.g., dressing, eating), and a loss of independence.
Cognitive Impairment: Including dementia or delirium, is common in older
patients and can complicate diagnosis and treatment. Memory loss or
confusion may be part of their presentation.
Falls and Injuries: Due to underlying balance issues, muscle weakness, or
environmental hazards.
Emotional and Psychosocial Issues: Depression, anxiety, social isolation, or
bereavement are common in elderly patients, affecting their mental and
emotional well-being.
 Elderly Health Promotion Activities
Goals: Improve quality of life, independence, and well-being.
Health promotion activities for the elderly include the following:
 Physical Activity Programs
 Nutrition
Rest and Sleep
 Periodic medical check up
 High risk behavior (over counter medications, smoking, caffeine)
 Psychosocial well-being.
 Safety measures (General home safety, Kitchen safety, bathroom safety, drug safety)
Physical Activity Programs

 Enhances mobility and flexibility.

 Strengthens cardiovascular health.
 Improves mental well-being and
reduces depression.
 Types: Walking, swimming, strength
training, balance exercises.
 Frequency: At least 150 minutes of
moderate-intensity activity per week.
Nutrition

Nutritional status is crucial for

maintaining health and quality of
life in the elderly.
Multiple factors contribute to
poor nutrition in older adults,
which can lead to malnutrition or
nutrient deficiencies.
Factors Affecting Nutritional
Status of the Elderly

Age-Related Factors
 Physiological Changes: Aging leads to
reduced metabolism, decreased appetite,
and changes in digestion (e.g., decreased
gastric acid).
 Sensory Decline: Loss of taste and smell
reduces appetite and enjoyment of food.
 Dental Issues: Problems with teeth, gums,
or dentures make it difficult to chew,
limiting food choices.
 Chronic Diseases: Conditions like diabetes,
arthritis, and heart disease affect food
intake and absorption of nutrients.
Factors Affecting Nutritional
Status of the Elderly

Psychological Factors
 Cognitive Decline: Dementia or Alzheimer’s
may impair the ability to remember to eat
or recognize hunger cues.
 Depression and Anxiety: Mood disorders
are common in elderly individuals, which
can lead to a loss of appetite or irregular
eating habits.
 Social Isolation: Living alone or lacking
social support can result in reduced
motivation to cook and eat balanced meals.
Factors Affecting Nutritional
Status of the Elderly

Economic Factors
 Income Limitations: Fixed or limited income
makes it difficult to afford nutritious foods,
leading to a preference for cheaper,
processed foods.
 Access to Food: Lack of transportation or
physical inability to go shopping can limit
food choices.
 Healthcare Costs: Medical expenses may
take precedence over food expenditures,
limiting the budget for nutritious food.
Factors Affecting Nutritional
Status of the Elderly

Cultural Factors
 Dietary Practices: Cultural beliefs and
traditions may influence food choices, which
can either support or hinder proper
nutrition.
 Acceptance of Aging: In some cultures,
there may be less emphasis on the
nutritional needs of older adults.
 Food Preferences: Cultural comfort foods
may not always be nutrient-dense or may
lead to imbalances in essential nutrients.
Nutritional Counselling

 Balanced diet to support healthy aging

(vitamins, minerals, and fiber).
 Hydration: Older adults are more prone
to dehydration.
 Ensure adequate intake of calcium and
vitamin D for bone health.
 Encourage nutrient-dense foods like
fruits, vegetables, and lean protein.
 Manage portion sizes to prevent obesity
or malnutrition.
Rest and Sleep

 Sleep is crucial for cognitive function,

mood regulation, and physical recovery.
 Older adults need 7-9 hours of sleep
per night.
 Strategies to improve sleep: Maintain a
regular sleep schedule, avoid heavy
meals before bed, and create a
comfortable sleep environment.
 Identify and manage conditions like
sleep apnea or insomnia.
Periodic Medical
Checkups

 Routine screenings: Blood pressure,

cholesterol, diabetes, vision, hearing.
 Early detection of chronic conditions
(heart disease, cancer, diabetes).
 Immunizations: Flu shots, pneumonia
vaccines, shingles.
 Monitor medication and potential
interactions.
Psychosocial Well-
being

 Importance of social connections to

reduce loneliness and depression.
 Engage in community activities and
support networks.
 Mental stimulation: Puzzles, reading,
learning new skills.
 Emotional support from family, friends,
or professional counseling.
Safety Measures

 General Home Safety: Ensure good

lighting, remove tripping hazards, install
grab bars.
 Kitchen Safety: Use non-slip mats, store
sharp objects safely, avoid loose
clothing near stoves.
 Bathroom Safety: Non-slip mats, grab
bars, raised toilet seats.
 Drug Safety: Clear labeling, proper
storage, awareness of expiration dates,
avoid self-medication.