NURSING ASSIGNMENT: Promoting Healthy Ageing in Australia

This report examines the concept of healthy ageing, emphasizing its significance in Australia. It highlights the demographic data of senior adults and the need for healthcare professionals to promote holistic wellness among the elderly. The assignment references the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare and the World Health Organization to underscore the importance of addressing mental health and providing support services to facilitate healthy ageing. The report also discusses the challenges faced by the elderly, such as age-related discrimination, and the importance of providing services to foster recovery, psychological wellness, and adaptation. The report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of healthy ageing, focusing on its multifaceted aspects and implications for healthcare and policy.

Running head: NURSING ASSIGNMENT
NURSING ASSIGNMENT
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Why is healthy ageing important to individuals?
The concept of healthy ageing can be defined as the provision of optimum
opportunities so as to render appropriate physical, social as well as mental health among the
senior adults. Research studies indicate that approximately 26.6% of the senior adults within
residential care aged between 52 and 59 years of age witness age related discrimination (Kuh
et al., 2013). Also, it has been predicted in research studies that a 37.2% of the adults who are
aged between 70 to 79 years of age experience discrimination in the form of negligence and
denial (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2019). As stated by Kuh et al. (2013),
healthy ageing is directly related to the maintenance of positive mental health among the
elderly. It should be critically mentioned in this context that the elderly population constitute
a significant 15% of the total population base of Australia. According to Australian Institute
of Health and Welfare (2019), it has been mentioned that 1 in 7 Australians are aged 65 years
and above in Australia. With a significant proportion of the total population being occupied
by the senior adults, it is important to promote healthy ageing so as to improve the life
expectancy and promote holistic wellness. It is important to take into consideration the
immense contribution of the elderly in the structuring of the present society with their effort
and wisdom. In lieu of the social contribution as well as senior adult human rights it is
important for care professionals to make use of the best medical practice to reduce the disease
burden pertaining to old age. According to the World Health Organization (2019), every
individual irrespective if their age, gender or culture possesses the right to lead a long and
healthy life. Also, as revealed by statistical figures, the world population is most likely to age
rapidly and by the end of the year 2050, would reach up to 80% specifically in the low and
middle-income countries (World Health Organization, 2019). This suggests that globally
nations must be equipped with appropriate health and social support services so as to tackle
the demographic shift smoothly. Promoting healthy ageing is not solely restricted to the

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provision of improved health care services but also deals with other life events such as
demise of partner or friends, relocation as well as retirement. Therefore, the support services
must be effective in fostering recovery, psychological wellness and adaptation.

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References:
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2019). Older Australia at a glance,
Demographics of older Australians - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
[online] Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Available at:
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/older-people/older-australia-at-a-glance/contents/
demographics-of-older-australians [Accessed 11 Mar. 2019].
Kuh, D., Cooper, R., Hardy, R., Richards, M., & Ben-Shlomo, Y. (Eds.). (2013). A life
course approach to healthy ageing. OUP Oxford.PP.90-93
World Health Organization (2019). Ageing and health. [online] Who.int. Available at:
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ageing-and-health [Accessed 11
Mar. 2019].