Prevention of diseases in old age

Prevention of diseases in old age: an integrated approach to a long and healthy life

1. Introduction to geriatric prevention: Fundamentals of health in adulthood

Prevention of diseases in old age (geriatric prevention) is a multifaceted and vital aspect of health care aimed at maintaining functional independence, improving the quality of life and extending the period of active longevity. In contrast to the approach, oriented exclusively on the treatment of already emerging diseases, geriatric prevention is focused on identifying and managing risk factors, as well as on strengthening health reserves that allow the body to effectively withstand diseases and injuries.

Aging is a natural process, accompanied by a gradual decrease in physiological functions, which increases vulnerability to various diseases. However, aging does not necessarily mean weakness and dependence. Properly planned preventive measures adapted to the individual needs of an elderly person can significantly slow down the progression of age -related changes, reduce the risk of chronic diseases and improve overall well -being.

Geriatric prevention goes beyond the traditional medical model, which is often focused on the treatment of individual diseases. It includes an integral approach, taking into account physical, psychological, social and environmental factors that affect the health of an elderly person. This requires cooperation between medical workers of various specialties, social services, family and the most elderly person.

2. Risk factors: identification and management of the main threats of health

Identification and management of risk factors – the cornerstone of geriatric prevention. Risk factors can be modified (i.e., amenable) and unmodified.

• Unmodified risk factors:

  • Age: The age itself is a risk factor for many diseases.
  • Genetic predisposition: Heredity plays a role in the development of certain diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and some types of cancer.
  • Floor: Some diseases, such as osteoporosis, are more common in women, while others, such as cardiovascular diseases, are more common in men at a certain age.

• Modified risk factors: These risk factors are changed using behavioral and medical interventions.

  • Inal meals: Insufficient consumption of nutrients, excess calories, high consumption of saturated fats, trans fats and sugar increase the risk of developing many diseases.
  • Low physical activity: A sedentary lifestyle contributes to the development of obesity, cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and some types of cancer.
  • Smoking: Smoking is the main risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases, lung cancer, chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) and other diseases.
  • Alcohol abuse: Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to damage to the liver, cardiovascular diseases, cancer and mental disorders.
  • High blood pressure (hypertension): Hypertension is the main risk factor for the development of a heart attack, stroke, renal failure and dementia.
  • High cholesterol level: The high level of blood cholesterol increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
  • Diabetes: Type 2 diabetes increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, renal failure, blindness and amputations.
  • Obesity: Obesity is associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, some types of cancer and osteoarthritis.
  • Chronic stress: Chronic stress can have a negative effect on health, increasing the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, depression and other diseases.
  • Lack of sleep: The lack of sleep can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, depression and cognitive disorders.
  • Social isolation and loneliness: Social isolation and loneliness are associated with an increased risk of development of depression, cognitive impairment and mortality.
  • Falls: Falls are a common cause of injuries and disability in the elderly.
  • Medicinal interactions: Taking several drugs can simultaneously lead to drug interactions and side effects.

Management of risk factors requires an individual approach based on a thorough assessment of the state of health and lifestyle of an elderly person.

3. Nutrition in old age: maintaining health and energy with the help of the right diet

Nutrition plays a decisive role in maintaining health and preventing diseases in old age. With age, changes in the body occur, which affect the need for nutrients and the ability to absorb them.

• General recommendations for nutrition for the elderly:

  • Balanced diet: The use of a variety of products from all groups, including fruits, vegetables, whole grain products, low -fat protein sources and low -fat milk products.
  • Sufficient protein consumption: Protein is necessary to maintain muscle mass, immune function and bone health. It is recommended to consume 1-1.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day.
  • Adequate fiber consumption: Fiber helps maintain the health of the digestive system, control the blood sugar and reduce cholesterol.
  • Limiting the consumption of saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol: These fats can increase blood cholesterol and increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
  • Restriction of consumption of added sugar: Excessive consumption of added sugar can lead to weight gain, increased blood sugar and an increase in the risk of type 2 diabetes.
  • Moderate salt consumption: Excessive salt consumption can increase blood pressure.
  • Sufficient fluid consumption: Maintaining an adequate level of hydration is important for many body functions. Older people are recommended to drink at least 8 glasses of liquid per day.

• Important nutrients for the elderly:

  • Vitamin D: Vitamin D is necessary for the health of bones and immune function. Elderly people often experience vitamin D, so you may take additives.
  • Calcium: Calcium is necessary for the health of bones. Older people are recommended to consume 1200 mg of calcium per day.
  • Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 is necessary for the health of the nervous system and the formation of red blood cells. Elderly people may have difficulties with the assimilation of vitamin B12 from food, so you may take additives.
  • Folic acid: Folic acid is necessary for the formation of red blood cells and the prevention of defects in the nervous tube in the fetus during pregnancy.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are useful for the health of the heart, brain and joints.

• Problems with food in the elderly:

  • Reduced appetite: A decrease in appetite can be caused by various factors, including drugs, illnesses and social insulation.
  • Problems with chewing and swallowing: Problems with chewing and swallowing can make it difficult to use hard food.
  • Reducing a sense of taste and smell: A decrease in a sense of taste and smell can make food less attractive.
  • Financial difficulties: Financial difficulties can limit access to healthy foods.
  • Social isolation: Social isolation can lead to a lack of motivation to cook and eat healthy food.

4. Physical activity: the key to maintaining functional independence

Physical activity is one of the most important factors affecting health and functional independence in old age. Regular physical exercises can help prevent or slow down the progression of many chronic diseases, improve physical and mental function, as well as improve the quality of life.

• Advantages of physical activity for the elderly:

  • Improving cardiovascular health: Physical activity helps reduce blood pressure, cholesterol and the risk of a heart attack and stroke.
  • Strengthening bones and muscles: Physical activity helps strengthen the bones and muscles, which reduces the risk of falls and fractures.
  • Improving balance and coordination: Physical activity helps improve balance and coordination, which also reduces the risk of falling.
  • Weight control: Physical activity helps to burn calories and control weight.
  • Improving mood and cognitive function: Physical activity can help improve mood, reduce the risk of depression and improve cognitive function.
  • Increase in life expectancy: Studies show that physically active people live longer and healthier.

• Physical activity recommendations for the elderly:

  • Aerobic exercises: It is recommended to engage in aerobic exercises of moderate intensity of at least 150 minutes a week or aerobic exercises of high intensity of at least 75 minutes a week. Examples of aerobic exercises include walking, swimming, cycling and dancing.
  • Power training: It is recommended to engage in strength training at least twice a week. Power training helps strengthen muscles and bones. Examples of strength training include weight lifting, using elastic tapes and exercises with its own weight.
  • Flexibility exercises: It is recommended to perform flexibility exercises at least twice a week. Flexibility exercises help improve the range of movements and reduce the risk of injuries. Examples of flexibility exercises include stretching and yoga.
  • Balance Exercise: It is recommended to perform exercises for balance at least twice a week. Balance exercises help improve balance and reduce the risk of falls. Examples of balance exercises include standing on one leg and walking in a straight line.

• Tips for the beginning of physical activity classes:

  • Consult a doctor: Before you begin to engage in physical activity, consult a doctor to make sure that it is safe for you.
  • Start slowly: Start with small loads and gradually increase them as your physical form improves.
  • Choose the classes that you like: If you like classes, you are more likely to perform them regularly.
  • Engage with a friend: Classes with a friend can help you remain motivated.
  • Listen to your body: If you feel pain, stop classes and rest.

5. Vaccination: protection against infectious diseases

Vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect against many infectious diseases. Older people are more susceptible to infections and have a higher risk of complications, so vaccination is especially important for them.

• Recommendations for vaccination for older people:

  • Flu (influence): An annual flu vaccination is recommended.
  • Pneumococcal infection: Vaccination against pneumococcal infection is recommended, which can cause pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis. There are two types of pneumococcal vaccines: PKV13 and PPSV23. It is recommended to introduce both vaccines, but the sequence and the interval between them depend on the history of vaccination.
  • Drilling lichen (herpes zoster): Vaccination against enclosing lichen, which can cause a painful rash and neuralgia, is recommended. There are two vaccines against enclosing lichen: Zostavax (Living Vaccine) and Shingrix (recombinant vaccine). Shingrix is preferable, as it is more effective and safe.
  • Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (ADD): Revaccination against tetanus, diphtheria and pertress is recommended every 10 years.
  • Other vaccines: Depending on the individual risk factors, other vaccines, such as a hepatitis A vaccine, hepatitis B, chickenpox (if they have not been sick) and meningococcal infection, can be recommended.

• The importance of consulting a doctor: Discuss with your doctor your vaccination needs to make sure you get the necessary vaccinations.

6. Screening and early diagnosis: Identification of diseases in the early stages

Screening and early diagnosis are important tools of geriatric prevention, which allow you to detect diseases in the early stages, when treatment is most effective.

• Recommended screening tests for the elderly:

  • Measurement of blood pressure: Regular measurement of blood pressure helps to identify hypertension.
  • Blood test for cholesterol: A blood test for cholesterol helps to identify a high level of cholesterol.
  • Blood test for sugar: A blood test for sugar helps to detect diabetes.
  • Screening for colon cancer: The screening for colon cancer may include colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or a hidden blood test in feces.
  • Breast cancer screening: Breast cancer screening includes mammography.
  • Screening for cervical cancer: Screening for cervical cancer includes a papanicolau smear (dad test).
  • Screening for prostate cancer: Screening for prostate cancer includes a blood test for a prostate -specific antigen (PSA) and a finger rectal examination.
  • Osteoporosis screening: Osteoporosis screening includes bone densitometry.
  • Depression screening: Depression screening helps to identify depressive disorders.
  • Assessment of cognitive functions: Assessment of cognitive functions helps to identify cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
  • Risk assessment of falls: Assessment of the risk of falls helps to identify risk factors for falls and develop strategies to prevent them.
  • Visual and hearing assessment: Regular vision of vision and hearing helps to identify problems with vision and hearing.

• Frequency of screening tests: The frequency of screening tests depends on the age, gender, family history and other risk factors. Discuss with the doctor what screening tests you need and how often they should go.

7. Management of chronic diseases: maintaining the quality of life

Management of chronic diseases is an important aspect of geriatric prevention, which is aimed at maintaining the quality of life and preventing complications.

• General principles for managing chronic diseases:

  • Regular visit to the doctor: Regular visits to the doctor allow you to control the state of health and adjust the treatment if necessary.
  • Compliance with the doctor’s recommendations: It is important to comply with all the recommendations of the doctor, including taking drugs, compliance with diet and physical activity.
  • Self -control: Self -control allows you to track your health and respond to changes in time.
  • Education: Obtaining information about your disease allows you to better understand it and take an active part in managing them.
  • Support: Support from family, friends and medical workers can help cope with a chronic disease.

• Common chronic diseases in the elderly:

  • Cardiovascular diseases: Cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary heart disease, stroke and heart failure, are the main causes of death and disability in older people.
  • Diabetes: Type 2 diabetes is a common disease in older people, which increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, renal failure, blindness and amputations.
  • Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is a disease in which the bones become fragile and the risk of fractures increases.
  • Arthritis: Arthritis is an inflammatory disease of the joints, which can cause pain, stiffness and limitation of mobility.
  • Chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD): Cobble is a disease of the lungs that causes difficulty breathing.
  • Alzheimer’s disease: Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease that causes a progressive decrease in cognitive functions.
  • Parkinson’s disease: Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease that causes tremor, constraint and slowing of movements.

8. Medicinal safety: prevention of unwanted drug reactions

Drug safety is an important aspect of geriatric prevention, since older people are more susceptible to undesirable drug reactions (NLR) due to age-related changes in the body and frequent administration of several drugs at the same time (polyprahmasia).

• Factors that increase the risk of NLR in the elderly:

  • Age -related changes in the body: With age, changes in the function of the kidneys and liver occur, which can affect metabolism and excretion of drugs.
  • Polypragmasia: Taking several drugs simultaneously increases the risk of drug interactions and NLR.
  • Chronic diseases: Chronic diseases can affect the metabolism of drugs and increase the risk of NLR.
  • Cognitive disorders: Cognitive disorders may make it difficult to comply with the drug administration.
  • Reducing vision and hearing: Reducing vision and hearing can make it difficult to read instructions for drugs.

• Strategies for preventing NLR in the elderly:

  • Regular review of drugs: Regular review of drugs with a doctor or pharmacist allows you to identify unnecessary or dangerous drugs.
  • Using the minimum effective dose: The use of the minimum effective dose of the drug helps to reduce the risk of NLR.
  • Avoidance of polypragmasia: Media drugs should be avoided at the same time, if possible.
  • Careful monitoring: Careful monitoring of health status after taking a new medicine helps to identify NLR in the early stages.
  • Patient training: Teaching patients about drugs that they take helps them understand their advantages and risks.
  • Using simple medicine use modes: The use of simple drug taking helps patients to observe the administration regimen.
  • Using auxiliary means: The use of auxiliary agents, such as tablets and reminders of medication, can help patients observe the administration regimen.
  • NLR message: A message about the NLR to a doctor or pharmacist helps to identify and prevent future NLR.

9. Mental health: maintaining well -being and cognitive function

Mental health is an important aspect of general health and prosperity in old age. Older people are at risk of developing mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety, dementia and delirium.

• Risk factors for the development of mental disorders in the elderly:

  • Social isolation and loneliness: Social isolation and loneliness can lead to depression and anxiety.
  • Loss of loved ones: The loss of loved ones can cause grief and depression.
  • Chronic diseases: Chronic diseases can cause pain, disability and depression.
  • Financial difficulties: Financial difficulties can cause stress and anxiety.
  • Cognitive disorders: Cognitive disorders can lead to depression and anxiety.
  • Medicines: Some drugs can cause mental disorders.

• Strategies for maintaining mental health in old age:

  • Maintaining social ties: Maintaining social ties with family, friends and society can help prevent social isolation and loneliness.
  • Participation in social activities: Participation in social activities can help remain active and involved in the life of society.
  • Physical activity classes: Physical activity classes can help improve mood and reduce the risk of depression and anxiety.
  • Healthy nutrition: Healthy nutrition can help improve cognitive function and mood.
  • Sufficient sleep: A sufficient dream can help improve mood and cognitive function.
  • Stress management: Stress management can help reduce the risk of depression and anxiety.
  • Professional help: Application for professional help to a psychologist or psychiatrist can help cope with mental disorders.

10. Prevention of falls: reducing the risk of injuries and disability

Falls are a common cause of injuries and disability in the elderly. Prevention of falls is an important aspect of geriatric prevention, which is aimed at reducing the risk of falls and their consequences.

• The risk factors of falls in the elderly:

  • Reducing vision and hearing: Reducing vision and hearing can complicate orientation in space and increase the risk of falls.
  • Violation of equilibrium: Violation of equilibrium can increase the risk of falls.
  • Muscle weakness: Muscle weakness can make it difficult to maintain equilibrium and increase the risk of falls.
  • Chronic diseases: Chronic diseases, such as arthritis and Parkinson’s disease, can increase the risk of falls.
  • Medicines: Some drugs can cause dizziness and violation of equilibrium, which increases the risk of falls.
  • Dangers in the environment: Dangers in the environment, such as carpets, slippery floors and poor lighting, can increase the risk of falls.

• Downs prevention strategies:

  • Regular vision of vision and hearing: Regular verification of vision and hearing helps to identify and adjust problems with vision and hearing.
  • Exercises for balance and power: Equilibrium and power exercises help improve balance and strengthen muscles, which reduces the risk of falls.
  • Assessment of drugs: Assessment of drugs with a doctor or pharmacist allows you to identify drugs that can increase the risk of falls.
  • Enlightenment of dangers in the environment: The elimination of dangers in the environment, such as carpets, slippery floors and poor lighting, can help reduce the risk of falls.
  • Using auxiliary means: The use of auxiliary tools, such as canes and walkers, can help maintain balance and reduce the risk of falls.
  • Downs prevention training: Learning to prevent falling helps older people to learn about the risk factors of falls and strategies for their prevention.

11. Social support: the importance of social ties and participation

Social support plays an important role in maintaining the health and well -being of older people. Social relations and participation in public life can help prevent social isolation and loneliness that are associated with an increased risk of depression, cognitive impairment and mortality.

• Advantages of social support for the elderly:

  • Improving mental health: Social support can help prevent depression, anxiety and other mental disorders.
  • Improving cognitive function: Social support can help improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of dementia.
  • Strengthening physical health: Social support can help strengthen physical health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
  • Increase in life expectancy: Studies show that people with strong social ties live longer and healthier.

• Ways to obtain social support:

  • Maintaining relationships with family and friends: Maintaining ties with family and friends can help prevent social isolation and loneliness.
  • Participation in social activities: Participation in social activities, such as volunteering and participation in interest clubs, can help remain active and involved in society.
  • Entry into support groups: The entry into support groups for people with chronic diseases or other problems can help to receive support and tips from other people in a similar situation.
  • Professional help: Application for professional help to a social worker or therapist can help cope with social isolation and loneliness.

12. Environmental adaptation: Creating a safe and comfortable space

Environmental adaptation can help older people remain independent and safe in their home. Modifications of the house may include installing handrails in the bathroom, installing ramps, improving lighting and removing dangers, such as carpets and electric wires.

• Environmental adaptation recommendations:
  • Improving lighting: Improving lighting throughout the house can help reduce the risk of falls.
  • Installation of handrails in the bathroom: The installation of handrails in the bathroom can help maintain balance and reduce the risk of falls.
  • Installing ramps: Installing ramps can help people with limited mobility to move around the house.
  • Removing dangers: Removing dangers, such as carpets and electric wires, can help reduce the risk of falls.
  • Using auxiliary means: The use of auxiliary tools, such as lift chairs and adjustable beds, can help people with limited mobility to remain independent.

13. Financial planning: ensuring financial security in old age

Financial planning is an important aspect of geriatric prevention, since financial security can affect access to medical care, healthy food, safe housing and other important resources.

• Recommendations for financial planning in old age:
  • Retirement planning: Retirement planning should begin long before retirement. It is necessary to evaluate your expenses and income and develop a plan for how to provide yourself financially in retirement.
  • Medical insurance: Medical insurance is necessary to cover the costs of medical care. It is necessary to choose a medical insurance plan that meets your needs.
  • Long -term care: Long -term care can be very expensive. It is necessary to consider the possibility of long -term insurance or other options for financing long -term care.
  • Testament and power of attorney: The will and the power of attorney are necessary to protect your assets and ensure that your wishes are fulfilled after your death.
  • Consultation with a financial consultant: Consultation with a financial consultant can help develop a financial planning plan that meets your needs.

14. Ethical aspects: respect for autonomy and dignity of elderly people

Geriatric prevention should be based on ethical principles that respect the autonomy and dignity of older people. It is important to take into account the wishes of the elderly and provide them with the information necessary to make reasonable decisions about their health.

• The main ethical principles of geriatric prevention:
  • Autonomy: Older people have the right to independently make decisions about their health.
  • Good deed: Medical workers must act in the interests of their patients.
  • Did not harm: Medical workers should avoid harm to their patients.
  • Justice: All elderly people must have equal access to medical care.

15. The role of medical workers: coordination of care and support

Medical workers play an important role in geriatric prevention. They can help older people identify risk factors, develop prevention plans, manage chronic diseases and coordinate care.

• Functions of medical workers in geriatric prevention:
  • Assessment of health: Assessment of the state of health helps to identify risk factors and needs of an elderly person.
  • Development of prevention plans: The development of prevention plans helps reduce the risk of diseases and improve health.
  • Management of chronic diseases: Management of chronic diseases helps maintain the quality of life and prevent complications.
  • Coordination of care: Coordination of care helps to provide uninterrupted and effective medical care.
  • Patient Education: The formation of patients helps them make reasonable decisions about their health.
  • Support: Support helps older people cope with health related problems.

Geriatric prevention is a dynamic and developing approach to maintaining health and well -being in old age. He requires cooperation between medical workers, social services, family and the elderly himself. An individual approach based on a thorough assessment of the state of health and lifestyle is the key to successful geriatric prevention. Active participation in preventive measures can significantly improve the quality of life and extend the period of active longevity.