Adult Life Span Health Promotion
After completing this unit, you should be able to:
- Identify health disparities among diverse adult populations
- Name psychosocial and spiritual changes that may occur during the adult life span.
- Describe health patterns of young, middle and older adults.
Course Outcome(s) practiced in this unit:
MN505-5: Evaluate intradisciplinary health promotion resources.
Application of Health Promotion in the Young Adult, the Middle-Aged Adult, and the Older Adult
The master’s prepared registered nurse promotes health care measures and behaviors in a variety of places where young adults come into contact with the health care delivery system, such as community colleges, University settings, or community health clinics. Preventative care in young adults takes the form of screenings, counseling and education in methods of contraception. Health examinations that are recommended are crucial components of screening for potential health concerns and providing education in measures to avoid disease and disability.
The master’s prepared registered nurse assists the middle-aged adults in improving their quality of life, both in the present and futuristically, through identification of risk factors, as well as through health promotion. It is anticipated that the middle aged adult will need healthcare services several times before they reach into their sixties.
Life expectancy is now well beyond 75 years for both men and women, and the age group of 85 and older is one of the fastest-growing populations. With this longevity, the process of aging results in multiple physiological changes in many body functions. Older adults have a tendency to have a higher rate of illness than younger populations. The master’s prepared registered nurse who specializes in the care of the older adult population can promote their health and well-being through education, research, and practice. Education of the patient is equally important and begins with the master’s prepared registered nurse making an assessment of the individual level of understanding of health promotion activities. Major areas of focus are healthy weight and diet, activity, fall prevention, general safety, and medical appointments for screening.