Healthcare Assignment: The Older Person - Theories of Aging Analysis

This essay analyzes the health and well-being of older persons, addressing the impact of risky behaviors on successful aging, as explained by activity theory. It then examines a case study of an older person with type 2 diabetes, proposing a trajectory for their health, well-being, and quality of life by applying disassociation theory, emphasizing the importance of family support and self-acceptance. The essay also discusses how the understanding that no single theory fits all older adults shapes a patient-centered comprehensive assessment approach, highlighting the need to prioritize individual needs and integrate various resources for healthy aging. The paper uses multiple references to support arguments.

Running head: THE OLDER PERSON 1
The older person
Name
Institution

THE OLDER PERSON
2
The older person
Question 1
Older people should engage in activities and social interactions to ensure healthy aging.
However, there are some of the risky behaviors that can lead to unhealthy aging. According to
Pabiona (2012), inequalities in health and lack of regular body exercises are some of the critics
behind successful aging. For example, unimproved nutrition can lead to diseases like obesity.
Also, poor living conditions and lack of regular medical checkups can bring about negative
effects to the aged people. Some of these diseases brought about by these conditions can be
lifetime or long term conditions hence affecting their healthy aging. Additionally, (Beverly,
2014) affirms that a lack of exercise can lead to unsuccessful aging for the old people. Body
Exercise is important because it helps in losing body weight which can lead to obesity.
Moreover, regular exercise helps in releasing hormones which assist muscles in releasing amino
acid that is essential for strong bones and also prevents them from dislocation. Strong bones and
healthy muscles help old age people avoid chronic diseases. Also, Poor relationships with other
people can cause stress and later develop to depression. Depression can lead to behaviors like
drinking alcohol which may lead to liver problems hence hindering successful aging.
Question 2
For the old person who has developed the type two diabetes, there is a process which
should be followed to ensure his health, well-being and quality of life is enhanced. The first step
which should be taken, in this case, is to do a diagnosis test to assert the illness, then prescribing
a medication which can assist the person to overcome the symptoms. Because diabetes is an
illness that requires family support, the third step should be enlightening the relatives on how to

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assist the person. In this case, it is crucial to apply the disassociation theory so as to ensure that
the person is accepted by his relatives and friends to avoid psychological trauma and developing
other conditions (Erika, 2018). First, it is crucial to advice the people around this patient not to
discriminate this person because of his old age or his health condition because this can
negatively affect his self-esteem, health and willingness to live. For example, if the patient faces
discrimination, he can develop depression which can in turn trigger other problems (Bernoth &
Winkler, 2017). The other thing which should be considered after enlightening relatives on how
to live which this patient is informing the old person on the importance of self-acceptance
because in most cases old people develop the notion of self-denial when they are ill.
Question 3
Older ages are complex and no one theory about their care fits everyone all the time.
Therefore, to improve on patient’s centered comprehensive assessment one should organize care
and concerns under priorities of the old persons themselves because different people require
different resources for healthy aging (Bernoth & Winkler, 2017). By doing this, one would
integrate all the necessary things which are essential for a healthy aging. These things include
family support, local resources like food, houses and many more. These resources are important
because old people experience a decline in physical, mental capabilities and they accumulate
diseases and other long term conditions leading to loss of functional ability (McVicker &
Puglielli, 2011). For example, an old person with obesity requires different care from that with
depression. A person with obesity should be exposed to regular exercises to ensure weight loss
while that with depression should be taken to guidance and counseling experts to assist him/her
avoid some of the dangers associated with depression hence ensuring healthy aging. According
to Pabiona (2012), for one to shape on his or her approach on patients centered comprehensive

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assessment, he or she should ensure that the balance of positive assets like local resources and
family support out ways the presence of considerable risks.

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References
Beverly, L. (2014). Quality of Life for Older Adults with Serious, Chronic Illness. Forum on
Public Policy: A Journal of the Oxford Round Table, 20-27
Erika, A. P. (2018). Elderly and Incarcerated: Preventing the Medical Deaths of Older People in
Texas Prisons. Texas Journal on Civil Liberties & Civil Rights, 23(2), 90-98
Bernoth, M & Winkler, D. (2017). Healthy ageing and Aged care. Australia: Oxford University
Press
McVicker, B & Puglielli, D. M. (2011). Stuck in the Middle: Shared Stories And Tips For
Caregiving Your Elderly Parents. Bloomington, Indiana: Authorhouse.
Pabiona, N. B. (2012). Functional Ability, Participation in Activities and Life Satisfaction of
the Older People. Asian Social Science, 8(3), 10-19