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Prep for Success: Care Transitions/Settings/Reimbursement
Chapter 5:
Define Gerontology the study of aging and older adults
Name 2 goals (focus has shifted to…)
1. emphasis on healthy and successful aging
2. emphasis on promoting wellness and preventing disease for the increasing
numbers and diversity of older adults worldwide
Define Geriatrics- is a subspecialty of internal medicine or family practice that focuses
on the medical problems of older people.
Focus has shifted from medical problems of older people to an emphasis on goals of
care based on healthy life expectancy, which is the average number of years a person
can expect to live without significant illness or disability and what is important based on
a comprehensive assessment of the individual, with emphasis on quality-of-life issues
and what is important to the individual.
Types of Geriatric Nursing Health Promotion Interventions include (p.66)
1. screening programs ex. Glaucoma, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia,
osteoporosis, cognitive impairment, obstructive sleep apnea, and many kinds of
cancer
2. Risk reduction interventions ex immunizations, statins for primary prevention
of cardiovascular disease, assessments (falls, anxiety, depression, heart
disease, pressure ulcers, elder abuse and neglect), lifestyle factors (weight
management, optimal nutrition, adequate physical activity, sleep
3. Environmental modifications (reducing fall risk, improves hearing and vision
and prevents urinary incontinence)
4. Health education (teaching to engage in self-care, they address specific
conditions as well as overall health and functioning ex. Physical activity, nutrition,
dental care, avoiding smoking and secondhand smoke)
