Elderly people
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Health and Well-being of Elderly People: Key Insights from Recent Research
Frailty in Elderly People: Risks and Interventions
Understanding Frailty and Its Impact
Frailty is a significant concern among the elderly, particularly those aged 80 and above. It is characterized by a state of increased vulnerability to adverse health outcomes such as falls, bone fractures, disability, dementia, hospitalization, and death2 4 7. This condition results from a cumulative decline in multiple physiological systems, leading to a reduced ability to maintain homeostasis after stressor events4. Studies have shown that frail individuals are at a higher risk of experiencing severe health complications compared to their robust or prefrail counterparts2.
Preventive Measures and Health Promotion
Preventive interventions can play a crucial role in delaying the onset of frailty and its associated complications. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) known as "Elderly Persons in the Risk Zone" demonstrated that health-promoting interventions, such as preventive home visits and multiprofessional senior group meetings, can postpone the progression of frailty, particularly in terms of reducing tiredness in daily activities1 10. These interventions are most effective when implemented before individuals become severely frail, highlighting the importance of early detection and proactive care1 10.
Quality of Life Among Elderly People
Key Factors Influencing Quality of Life
Quality of life (QoL) is a multifaceted concept that extends beyond physical health to include social relations, functional ability, and personal well-being. Research involving elderly individuals aged 67 to 99 years identified social relations, functional ability, and activities as critical components of QoL, alongside physical health3. Maintaining independence in daily activities and continuing to live in one's own home were also highlighted as significant contributors to a positive QoL3.
Coping Strategies in Everyday Life
Elderly individuals employ various strategies to manage their daily lives and maintain their independence. These strategies range from active coping mechanisms, such as adapting their environment and routines, to more passive approaches, such as relying on assistance from others8. Understanding these coping strategies is essential for developing supportive interventions that align with the preferences and needs of the elderly.
Addressing Elder Abuse and Victimization
The Scope of Elder Abuse
Elder abuse is a critical issue that encompasses physical, emotional, and financial abuse, often occurring in private spaces such as homes and care institutions6. The increasing global population of elderly individuals, projected to reach 1.2 billion by 2025, underscores the urgency of addressing elder abuse and ensuring the protection of their rights6. Despite the prevalence of elder abuse, there is a lack of a robust criminal justice response, with most efforts focused on care and individual needs rather than social justice and rights6.
Conclusion
The health and well-being of elderly people are influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including frailty, quality of life, and the risk of abuse. Early detection and preventive interventions are crucial in managing frailty and enhancing the quality of life for the elderly. Additionally, addressing elder abuse requires a comprehensive approach that includes both care and the protection of their rights. By understanding and addressing these key issues, we can improve the overall well-being of elderly individuals and support them in leading fulfilling lives.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
WellBeing study : a protocol for a quasi-factorial randomised controlled trial of the effectiveness of an Internet support group and an automated Internet intervention for depression
Multi-dimensional and multi-professional educational senior meetings may be more effective than preventive home visits in preventing functional decline and maintaining independence in activities of daily living for elderly individuals.
RCT
Large Human Trial
Highly CitedAdverse Health Effects of Frailty: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Middle-Aged and Older Adults With Implications for Evidence-Based Practice.
Frail middle-aged and older adults are at higher risk of adverse health effects like falls, bone fractures, disability, dementia, hospitalization, and death.
Meta-AnalysisElderly people's perspectives on quality of life
Social relations, functional ability, and activities are as important for elderly people's quality of life as health status.
Observational StudyHighly CitedFrailty in elderly people
Frailty in elderly people is linked to adverse health outcomes and requires improved detection methods for effective goal-directed care.
Highly CitedAging, disability, and frailty: implications for universal design.
Universal design in the built environment is crucial for addressing the increasing number of older, frail elders, as frailty and disability rates increase with age.
Highly CitedElder Abuse
Elder abuse is a complex issue, involving multiple forms of abuse and a growing global population, with criminology still in its infancy in addressing it.
Highly CitedFrailty in older people
Old age frailty, characterized by weight loss, exhaustion, physical inactivity, slowness, and weakness, increases the risk of disability, morbidity, and death, and early recognition and targeted interventions can prevent complications.
Highly CitedIntentions and strategies among elderly people: Coping in everyday life
Elderly individuals manage everyday life in active, adaptive, and passive ways, ranging from maintaining independence to passively depending on others.
Observational StudyHighly CitedElderly patients.
Dyslipidemia in elderly patients increases with age, reaches a peak of 76.2 per 1,000 people in those aged 65-74, and is a significant issue, but diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines for this population remain undeveloped.
Highly CitedHealth Promotion Can Postpone Frailty: Results from the RCT Elderly Persons in the Risk Zone.
Health promotion interventions, such as preventive home visits and multiprofessional senior group meetings, can postpone frailty progression in older persons by reducing tiredness in daily activities.
Non-RCTLarge Human Trial