Samuel is a relatively healthy individual with health concerns typical to his age group. Unlike the US demographic profile for his age group, Samuel has a part-time job and enjoys an active lifestyle. Additionally, unlike the majority of people of his age, he is widowed and financially prosperous. He is within the life expectancy of 78 years (Arias & Xu, 2019). Thus, according to the activity theory, Samuel is in the process of successful aging, as he remains physically active and retains his social contacts and hobbies. The activity theory claims that older adults’ quality of life is enhanced, and the aging process is delayed if a person actively maintains his relationships and endeavors (Franzese & Rurka, 2016). In general, the activity theory is useful for promoting health care in the frail elderly population. For instance, it can be used to promote physical activity to reduce the risk of obesity and diabetes.
Apart from theory, it is crucial to synthesize the latest evidence to care for the aging population. For instance, due to changes in the cardiovascular system, it is critical to promote heart health. The latest evidence supports the promotion of a healthy diet with increased intake of natural antioxidants, exercise, stress management, and smoking cessation (Kolarzyk et al., 2018). Additionally, age affects the health of bones; thus, RodrÃguez-Gómez et al. (2019) suggest that older adults take adequate amounts of calcium, vitamin D, and moderate physical activity to prevent bone issues.
As for Samuel, I would refer him to a dietician due to significant weight gain and a cardiologist due to elevated blood pressure. Before referral, I would take a detailed family history of heart conditions and outline the dietary habits of the patient to make interaction with the dietician more effective.
References
Arias, E., & Xu, J. (2019). United States life tables, 2017. National Vital Statistics Reports, 68(7), 1-65.
Franzese, A., & Rurka, M. (2016). Theories of aging. Encyclopedia of Family Studies, 1-9.
Kolarzyk, E., Skop-Lewandowska, A., Jaworska, J., Ostachowska-GÄ…sior, A., & Krzeszowska-Rosiek, T. (2018). Dietary intake of antioxidants and fats in the context of coronary heart disease prevention among elderly people. Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine, 25(1), 131-136.
RodrÃguez-Gómez, I., Mañas, A., Losa-Reyna, J., RodrÃguez-Mañas, L., Chastin, S. F., Alegre, L. M.,… & Ara, I. (2019). The impact of movement behaviors on bone health in elderly with adequate nutritional status: compositional data analysis depending on the frailty status. Nutrients, 11(3), 582-595.