Verified Document

Obesity And Health Structural Plan For Older Adults Term Paper

Optimal Health and Obesity for Older Adults In older adults, obesity can aggravate physical function deterioration that comes with age, and result in frailty. However, appropriate obesity treatment in older adults is controversial, owing to decrease of corresponding health risks in relation to increased body mass index (BMI) and concerns that loss of weight could potentially have harmful impacts on older individuals. Thus, it is especially vital to take into account therapies for weight loss, and alter one's lifestyle to nutritious food for improving obese older adults' physical function, as well as potentially improving or preventing medical complications linked to obesity. Health promotion strategy at individual and societal levels would enable older adults to adopt a changed and positive lifestyle, in addition to creating awareness among individuals of different age groups to urge older persons to keep up a healthy, nutritional lifestyle.

Introduction

At present, 7% of global population is aged over 65 years. This percentage is expected to increase to 12% by 2030. In America, increase is likely from 35 million (12%) to 71 million (20%) by the year 2030 (Newman, 2009). This considerable rise in older adult population indicated that a significant issue in the near future would be- obesity in older citizens. In the last three decades, the number of obese older individuals has increased twofold (Newman, 2009). This increase indicates rise in total older obese adults in USA, as well as rise in percentage of obese population (Newman, 2009). Severe health complications and impairment in life quality arise from obesity. Furthermore, obesity can, in older adults, aggravate physical function deterioration that comes with age, causing frailty. But, appropriate obesity treatment in older adults is debatable, owing to decrease of corresponding health risks with increased body mass index (BMI), and concerns that loss of weight could potentially have harmful impacts on older individuals (Villareal, Apovian, Kushner, & Klein,, 2008).

Modern ageing goals deal not just with lifespan extension, but also with experiencing healthier, independent years and reduced morbidity in old age. Though it is commonly believed that sickness increases in proportion to one's age, a more emboldening view is- the older people get, the healthier they have been (Feeney, 2010). A marked increase in older obese persons is due to rise in total older population, as well as in percentage of obese older population. Obesity has significant functional effects in older adults- it aggravates physical function deterioration that comes with age, causing infirmity (sarcopenic obesity). Thus, it is especially vital to take into account therapies for weight loss, and alter one's lifestyle to nutritious food for improving obese older adults' physical function, as well as potentially improving or preventing medical complications linked to obesity (Villareal, Apovian, Kushner, & Klein, 2008).

Health Promotion Program

Causes of the Obesity condition

A key determinant of the fat mass in one's body is the relation of energy intake with expenditure. Obesity results from greater calorie consumption as compared to calorie burning. Calories are required for sustaining life and staying active; however, maintaining the right weight necessitates balance in the quantity of energy ingested as food with energy expended (Newman, 2009). Decreased energy expenditure may likely lead to increased body fat with aging, especially in those aged 50-65 years old. In the age group of over 65 years, hormonal changes accompanying aging may result in fat accumulation. Aging is linked with decreased secretion of growth hormone, decrease thyroid hormone responsiveness, leptin resistance and reduced serum testosterone (Newman, 2009).

Genetic Factors

Obesity runs in the family- this may cause one to assume that obesity relates to a person's inherited genes; also, science demonstrates an association between heredity and obesity (Newman, 2009). Apparently, there is an element of interaction between genotype and overfeeding interaction, with regards to body fat; this suggests that an individual's sensitivity to body fat changes after overfeeding depends on genotype. A recent study's researchers employed structural equation modeling (SEM) for determining the specific relation of genetic loci affecting adiposity, with those affecting muscle growths (Newman, 2009). The studies substantially contribute to gene expression comprehension and its utilization in expanding our knowledge on obesity. While nothing can be done regarding genetic inheritance, other factors, contributory to an individual's obesity, can be identified (Newman, 2009).

Environmental and Sociological Factors

Environment also contributes to obesity. Environment represents our surrounding world, and impacts access to nutritious food, as well as safe walking places. Environment influences one's food, physical activity levels, and lifestyle behaviors (Newman, 2009). The environment may, in numerous ways, prevent individuals from eating healthful foods and exercising adequately. Examples include today's 'eating out' trend rather than cooking at home, high-calorie, high-fat foods in vending...

Lower education levels and poverty are also associated with obesity- one reason as to why these are obesity risk factors is that processed, high-calorie foods are cheaper and can be more quickly prepared than fresh vegetables and fruits (Newman, 2009).
Other Causes of Obesity

Other illnesses and conditions linked with obesity and weight gain include: depression, hyperthyroidism, polycystic ovary syndrome and Cushing's syndrome. Older obese adults are more prone, as compared to un-obese individuals, to report depression symptoms like feelings of hopelessness, sadness and worthlessness. Improper sleep and particular drugs (like steroids, and certain antidepressants that cause appetite stimulation, water retention and slow metabolism rates) may lead to obesity (Newman, 2009). Lastly, the complex link between lifestyle patterns and functional ability may also be a noteworthy obesity contributor. Activity intolerance, joint pain and decreased mobility may cause weight gain, due to reduced activity. Older persons have a greater tendency, compared to younger adults, to go through functional limitations linked to chronic illnesses, setting off a cycle of stress, pain and depression, which can bring about lifestyle patterns that cause obesity (Newman, 2009).

Potential for social stigma of Obesity

Stigma represents a common issue impacting disabled individuals. Disabilities in the form of developmental disabilities or chronic illnesses (e.g. chronic obstructive airway disease or obesity) causes mental and physical disabilities, in addition to major economic disadvantages, which include denial of opportunities and lowered self-esteem. These societal discriminations and burdens together exacerbate the psychological strain of stigma. Stigma linked with obesity proves to be a significant socioeconomic and psychological burden for concerned individuals and families. This forms a major obstacle to acceptance of the disease, obesity, by patients, and for sustained, meaningful treatment. Changes in society are extremely slow. Thus, those in the medical field must take prompt action and lead efforts to overcome the societal stigma linked to obesity and other chronic illnesses (Wimalawansa, 2014).

Previously, these stigmata were utilized for keeping the public safe from diseases in those eras wherein nobody knew the cause of the diseases. With enhancement in medical knowledge, some stigmata disappeared; however, disabled or chronically sick individuals (which include the obese) are still stigmatized. Obese individuals don't risk society, as obesity isn't communicable; illogical and unwarranted statements to the contrary are at the root of stigmatization of overweight and obese people (Wimalawansa, 2014).

In Brownell and Puhl's 2001 review, research providing evidence of weight-based discrimination and prejudice in the context of employment were summarized. During that time, developing evidence revealed that obese and overweight employees were stereotyped by their employers- their weight led to disadvantages in hiring, pay, job termination and promotion. Ever since, an upsurge in large population studies, experiments and survey research focusing on weight-based discrimination in the employment context, has occurred. A summarization of the findings can be found below (Puhl & Heuer, 2009).

Adaptations that can be made to alleviate the condition of Obesity

General Considerations to Facilitate Safe Weight Loss Strategies

Older adults face special challenges by in changing their exercise and diet. In case of obese individuals older than 65 years, increased chronic diseases accompanying aging decreases exercise capacity and physical activity, making weight-loss difficult in elderly individuals. Other factors which need to be accounted for weight-loss initiatives for the elderly include depression, isolation, widowhood and loneliness (Newman, 2009). Family and caregiver participation in these initiatives is particularly crucial if visual, hearing or cognitive impairment problems exist in the older patient. Weight reduction risks and benefits must be given careful consideration in case of the elderly. Lean body mass (LBM) reduction might be harmful for persons aged above 65 years (who already have lesser LBM) as this reduction is related to significant mortality and morbidity (Newman, 2009). A program for weight reduction, which diminishes loss of bone and muscle, is recommended to obese elderly people with metabolic complications or functional impairments (as these may be improved through weight reduction). This can be best achieved by way of a moderate decrease in daily consumption of calories (500-750 kilocalories/day). Counseling for proper nutrition by referring to any registered dietician is proposed for ensuring that the patient's daily nutritional needs are met in the course of the program. The diet must essentially include 1500 miligram calories/day, 1.0gram (g)/kilogram (kg) of protein, and 1000 IU vitamin D/day (IU- international units) (Newman, 2009).

Better physical function and preservation of bone and muscle mass through routine physical workout is essential…

Sources used in this document:
Bibliography

Corzine, J., & Jacobs, F. (2006). The New Jersey Obesity Prevention Action Plan. New Jersey:

The Department of Health and Senior Services. Retrieved from:

http://www.nj.gov/health/fhs/documents/obesity_prevention.pdf

Feeney, M.J. (2010). Optimal Health Throughout the Life Span. Health Connections, 1.
Sydney: PANORG. Retrieved from: http://sydney.edu.au/medicine/public-health/preventionresearch/news/reports/PANORG_Reducing%20the%20risk%20of%20c
Retrievedfrom:http://www.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/ANAMarketplace/AN
941-942. Retrieved from: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1038/oby.2008.636/pdf
Cite this Document:
Copy Bibliography Citation

Related Documents

Health Maintenance Organization Impact on
Words: 13949 Length: 50 Document Type: Thesis

" (AAFP, nd) The Health Maintenance Organization further should "…negotiate with both public and private payers for adequate reimbursement or direct payment to cover the expenses of interpreter services so that they can establish services without burdening physicians…" and the private industry should be "…engaged by medical organizations, including the AAFP, and patient advocacy groups to consider innovative ways to provide interpreter services to both employees and the medically underserved." (AAFP,

Effect of Forgiveness on Health
Words: 28998 Length: 105 Document Type: Thesis

Forgiveness on human health. In its simplest form, the purpose of the study is to evaluate human psychological stress that might constitute a risk factor for heart disease. Further, the study will also evaluate the impact of forgiveness on heart disease. However, such a simple dissertation clearly demands further definition. What, exactly, do we signify when we speak of heart disease? What is properly considered as forgiveness? What impact does

Diabetes in Middle Aged Adult Male Population
Words: 2862 Length: 9 Document Type: Research Paper

Diabetes Among Middle Age Males: One of the major public health issues among middle age males is diabetes since they are twice as likely to suffer from the disease as compared to their female counterparts. Generally, the rate of diabetes has increased in the recent past to an extent that 8% of the American population have the disease, especially children and adults. The main reason for the increase of the rate

Social Determinants of Health in America
Words: 1002 Length: 3 Document Type: Research Paper

Health Promotion StrategiesThe Z family�s social determinates of health (SDOH) include their race, class, religion, and overall health status. The family is white, middle class, and has good health overall. Their diet is healthy, but the parents do not get enough exercise. The dad has prostate issues but does not want to see a doctor. The family trusts their issues mainly to God, and prays about things, and trusts to

Combating Workplace Stress Using Cognitive Behavioral Therpay
Words: 20851 Length: 44 Document Type: Essay

…Occupational Stress and Scientific MonitoringLiterature Review2.1 IntroductionThe definition of the term �occupational stress� is derived from the definition of its two constituent words. In this context, occupational refers to anything that is related to the workplace while stress is defined as a natural body reaction from physical, mental or emotional strain in an individual. Thus, occupational stress can be defined as any mechanism by which the body attempts to adapt

Family Case Study Presenting Problem:
Words: 4052 Length: 14 Document Type: Term Paper

Expressive functioning is related to communication such as emotional, verbal, and nonverbal communication, problem solving and roles within the family. Beliefs within the family are also a part of expressive functioning. For the purpose of the Calgary Family Assessment Model, a family is defined as who they say they are. It is very important that the clinician performing the assessment not assign their own beliefs upon what he or she

Sign Up for Unlimited Study Help

Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.

Get Started Now