Introduction
Care for the elderly from any background is a significant emerging issue in the modern health care. The social determinants of health and a sustained healthy lifestyle can have long-term effects, and the cost of care for that impact in the older population should not be a burden to the society as well as to the health care system (Nickitas, Middaugh, & Aries, 2011, p. 37).
Identification of the Topic
The idea presented in this health promotion proposal is relevant to the well-being of elderly and the improvements connected to their physical activity. The idea is based on the fact that the elderly should engage in physical activity in order to maintain their health and prevent any diseases connected with a passive lifestyle. In older adults, physical activity includes the leisure time, for example, swimming, dancing, and walking. Moreover, any physical activity attributed to their occupation as well as travel and other planned experiences is also necessary for living a full and healthy lifestyle (Physical Activity and Older Adults, 2016, para. 1). If given information in a relevant manner, the elderly can start making healthy choices in their lifestyles that can greatly benefit them.
The Targeted Behavior
The targeted behavior for this health promotion is the physical inactivity of the adults aged 65 and older. According to the statistics acquired by the National Health Interview Survey, more than a half of adults aged 65 and more are physically inactive. Despite the fact that the majority of seniors recognize the fact that physical activity is good for their health and the overall well-being, they have some issues with starting even minor exercising and then struggle with keeping it up (Exercise for all older adults: NIA guide shows and tells, 2009, para. 11). A key aspect of the health promotion proposal is addressing some barriers of the physical activity in elderly, such as illnesses or lack of self-motivation.
The Proposal
The choice of promoting healthy lifestyle changes along with an increased physical activity in elderly is closely connected with the fact that no matter what knowledge they have on this topic, the elderly still lack motivation for going outside, doing some simple but beneficial exercises, and going for a walk. The benefits of the active lifestyle in elderly include the following aspects: active lifestyle can be beneficial in preventing bone loss and reducing the risk of various diseases attributed to aging. Moreover, active lifestyle increases the muscle strength and is crucial for improving the body balance and coordination.
While the proposal of the healthy lifestyle in elderly is good in theory, it requires some practical tips that will help the elderly in maintaining the healthy lifestyle and being physically active. Firstly, by working with the health care provider, the elderly will be able to plan activities with consideration of their chronic diseases or other limitations that will not allow performing certain types of exercises. Secondly, putting more focus on increasing moderate physical activity without putting any emphasis on achieving some high levels can be beneficial for the dedication to the exercising. Thirdly, it is important to start the active changes at low intensities and then have a slow but a stable, gradual progress. Selecting activities that the person enjoys and that are appropriate is the key to a sustained healthy lifestyle in elderly (Physical Activity in Older Americans, 2015, para. 9).
References
Exercise for all older adults: NIA guide shows and tells. (2009). Web.
Nickitas, D., Middaugh, D., & Aries, N. (2011). Policy and Politics for Nurses and Other Health Professionals: Advocacy and Action. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.
Physical Activity and Older Adults. (2016). Web.
Physical Activity in Older Americans. (2015). Web.