Public Health and the Older Adult
Health, as defined by the World Health Organization, is a condition of “complete physical, mental and emotional well-being” and not just the absence of illness and disease. A number of definitions have been employed over the years for diverse purposes. In some dictionaries, health is also defined as well-Being; as in “health, a state of well being.” Some dictionaries also define health as “the practice of making an individual’s health his own” and as “the practice of taking care of the general welfare of human beings.”
The definition of “good health,” on the other hand, has been more subjective, referring to both quality of life and possibility for disease or infection. For older adults, good health means having reduced risk of death due to heart disease, cancer, accidents, and other chronic conditions. It also typically refers to the ability to carry out daily activities without limitations. This definition generally coincides with what public health experts have to say about the promotion of healthy living. Examples of such public health interventions include the regulation of cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption and the teaching of good nutritional habits and lifestyle choices to older adults.
Health education, a public health intervention aimed at older adults, aims to promote healthier lifestyles through the promotion of physical activity, healthy diets, and regular monitoring of health and nutrition. Studies have shown that physical inactivity and poor diet contribute to the majority of medical conditions and disability. Through the promotion of healthy lifestyles, older adults are able to manage the disease more effectively, reduce the likelihood of death due to illness, and improve their overall quality of life. An effective health policy therefore, should take all of these aspects into consideration.
Good health is also promoted through maintaining social well-being. This can be seen as a long-term investment in your own health and well-being. A well-balanced life course in turn improves the health and happiness of everyone in the family, the community, and society as a whole. This then serves to increase the overall quality of life for the older adults themselves.
Effective health education for older adults is usually achieved through a combination of the traditional disciplines of prevention and detection, treatment, and support. These three aspects to improve the overall health, safety, and independence of older adults. Prevention is the means of controlling or limiting the spread of conditions or diseases to which an older adult is vulnerable. Detection is the utilization of information about health, the status of health, and preventive measures; and support is the provision of services and resources to help in managing the disease, improving health, and maintaining health.
There is a lot of work involved in developing and implementing a sound public health policy. In order to successfully address these issues, you must work with an interdisciplinary team that encompasses professionals from a variety of backgrounds, including academics, practitioners, organizations, and governments. Your program must also incorporate the perspectives and ideas of individuals who are experts in the field of health, as well as those who are interested in developing and maintaining healthier environments for all citizens. You should be able to integrate your academic background, professional experience, and interest in public health into the development of an effective health policy for older adults.