COMMON HEALTH PROBLEMS

OF OLD AGE
 SYSTEM HEALTH PROBLEMS HEALTH PROMOTION
STRATEGIES

CVS HTN, IHD, CCF, ARRHYTHMIAS, Exercise regularly; avoid

VHD, PVD smoking; eat a low-fat,
low-salt diet;
stress-reduction activities;
check blood pressure
regularly; medication
compliance; weight control

RESPIRATORY PNEUMONIA, COPD, DYSPNOEA Exercise regularly; avoid

smoking; take
adequate fluids to liquefy
secretions;
receive yearly influenza
immunization
NEUROLOGIC PD, AD, INSOMNIA, DEMENTIA,
DEPRESSION, ANXIETY
GASTRO CONSTIPATION, INCONTINENCE,
INTESTINAL COLORECTAL CANCER,
ANOREXIA, RECTAL PROLAPSE,
HEMORRHOIDS
Pace teaching; with
hospitalization, encourage
visitors; enhance sensory
stimulation; with
sudden confusion, look for
cause; encourage
slow rising from a resting
position
Use mouthwash;
massage gums daily;
receive regular dental
care; eat small, frequent
meals; limit
antacids; eat a high-fiber,
low-fat diet; toilet
regularly; drink
adequate fluids
 MUSCULO OSTEOPOROSIS, RA, Exercise regularly; eat a
SKELETAL OSTEOARTHRITIS, high-calcium diet;
FRACTURES, GAIT limit phosphorus intake;
DISTURBANCES take calcium and
vitamin D supplements as
prescribed

GENITOURINARY URINARY INCONTINENCE, UTI, drink adequate fluids;

PROSTATE WNLARGEMENT, avoid bladder irritants (eg.
CERVICAL CANCER, SEXUAL caffeinated beverages,
DYSFUNCTION alcohol, artificial
sweeteners); pelvic floor
muscle exercises, consider
urologic workup
 FACTORS AFFECTING HEALTH
PROMOTION
• PHYSIOLOGIC:
- SLEEP
- SENSORY IMPAIRMENTS
- MOBILITY AND BALANCE
• PSYCHOLOGICAL:
- AGEISM
- MULTIPLE LOSSES
- NEGLECT AND ABUSE
 TIPS FOR HEALTHY AGING
• BALANCED DIET
• REGULAR EXERCISE
• REGULAR CHECKUPS
• NO SMOKING
• SAFETY HABITS
• CONTACT WITH FAMILY
• NO OVEREXPOSURE TO SUN/ COLD
• POSITIVE ATTITUDE