Gerontological Nursing

• One-third of older adults do not engage in regular physical activity. Encourage physical activity in the older adult to decrease the risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and other chronic illnesses.
• Advice for the Young and Not-So-Young Adult

  * Accept that you are getting older- adjust to the changes, and plan for possibilities

  * Explore options for the future - look for things you want to accomplish in life

  * Find work or creative outlets that make you happy - look for ways to grow throughout your life

  * Modify your lifestyle to promote health- exercise, eat healthy foods and manage exercise

  * Develop and maintain relationships- bonds formed with friends and loved ones provide support ; we can

  never have too many
• Older adults should consume a well-balanced, plant- based diet with the recommended daily allowances of nutrients. Helpful nutrition guides for healthy eating include "My plate for Older Adults".
• Older adults should be examined annually by primary care providers
• More frequent exams are needed if known health problems exist
• Some older adults resist exams due to cost or fear of findings
• Delay in problem recognition can make treatment more difficult and expensive
• Physical examinations help detect problems early, monitor and treat chronic conditions, and prevent health issues
• Physical examination for older adults should include evaluations of:

  • Height and weight
  • Blood pressure
  • Rectal examination
• Bone Density Screening

  Men: Recommended initial screening at 70 years of age

  Women:Initial screening at 65 years of age; rescreening depending on risk factors ( no more frequent than every 2 years )
• Cervical Cancer Screening

  Men:N/A

  Women: Pap test + HPV (human papilloma virus) every 5 years (preferred) -or-Pap test alone every 3 years
• Clinical Breast Examination

  Men: Yearly ( if high risk )

  Women: Yearly
• Mammography

  Men: Only if inherited gene mutation exists or lump on physical examination

  Women: Every other year until age 74
• Guidelines for prostate can have different advice depending on age and risk factors. Screening decisions should be shared between the older male and his health care provider.
• Evaluation of joints, feet and gait  should be part of the physical examination. Problems with the knees and shoulder joints  can cause pain , activity limitations, poor sleep and decreased overall function. 
• Vision should be checked yearly to monitor for glaucoma or other eye problems.
• Refractive examinations can detect the need for a change in eyeglass prescription.
• Hearing examinations need not  be done annually unless a problem  is suspected. When signs of  diminished hearing are present, audiometric testing is appropriate. 
• Pneumoccocal Vaccine

  2 Pneumoccocal Vaccine

  Healthy adults recommended to receive each of these 2 vaccine after 65 years of age and at least 1 year apart.