An aging process is an ordinary physiological process that is characterized by specific health changes and unpredictable behaviors. The elderly require individual care, and primary prevention strategies reduce the chances of new disease development and remove its causes (Duplaga, Grysztar, Rodzinka, & Kopec, 2016). In the chosen group, primary prevention is defined as a magic bullet, the goal of which is the creation of supportive living conditions (Lionis & Midlöv, 2017). Among the examples of primary prevention, the best strategies for caring for the aging population include vaccination, health education, and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle.
An old-age patient is vulnerable to various infections that result in serious health complications. Lionis and Midlöv (2017) recommended vaccination to predict epidemics of influenza or pneumonia in people aged 65 and more. Geriatric hospitals and nursing homes support the idea of immunization for the elderly because it is a change to reduce the number of chronic diseases. Although older people are better aware of the peculiarities of their health and can predict some changes, they are still in need of health education and explanations of new conditions. Therefore, education has to be a part of primary prevention (Duplaga et al., 2016). This strategy prepares people for old age and life with its risk factors and increased responsibility. Finally, the promotion of a healthy lifestyle and the removal of unfavorable behaviors are recommended (Lionis & Midlöv, 2017). The aging population needs to know how such habits as smoking or alcohol use raise the chances of new cardiac or lung diseases. Physical exercises, healthy diets, and physical protection may improve the quality of life.
All these strategies are important for older patient care and have to be properly developed because the number of threats and unpredictable traumas is usually increased with age. Nurses need to support patients in their intentions to learn better the peculiarities of their health. Education, immunization, and healthy behaviors contribute to the decrease in serious problems and complications in the aging population.
References
Duplaga, M., Grysztar, M., Rodzinka, M., & Kopec, A. (2016). Scoping review of health promotion and disease prevention interventions addressed to elderly people. BMC Health Services Research, 16(5), 278. Web.
Lionis, C., & Midlöv, P. (2017). Prevention in the elderly: A necessary priority for general practitioners. European Journal of General Practice, 23(1), 203-208.