As people age, their bodies and minds undergo several changes, making them more vulnerable to illnesses and diseases. Therefore, it is crucial for the elderly to maintain good health and be aware of their medical conditions. However, many factors can negatively influence their disease consciousness and hinder their ability to manage their health effectively. In this blog, we will discuss some of the common factors that can negatively impact the disease consciousness of the elderly.
Cognitive decline
One of the primary challenges that the elderly face is cognitive decline, which affects their ability to process information, understand complex medical terms, and remember instructions given by healthcare professionals. As a result, they may struggle to understand their health conditions and may have difficulty managing their medications or following recommended treatment plans. This can lead to confusion, frustration, and anxiety, which can further worsen their health conditions.
Lack of health literacy
Health literacy refers to the ability to understand and use health information to make informed decisions about one's health. Unfortunately, many elderly people may lack sufficient health literacy, which can make it challenging for them to navigate the healthcare system, understand their diagnoses and treatment options, and access reliable sources of health information. This lack of knowledge can lead to a lack of confidence in managing their health, which can negatively impact their disease consciousness.
Social isolation
Social isolation is a prevalent problem among the elderly, especially those who live alone or have limited social support. This can lead to feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety, which can negatively impact their mental and physical health. Social isolation can also lead to a lack of access to healthcare resources and information, which can further reduce their disease consciousness.
Communication barriers
Effective communication between healthcare providers and patients is critical for managing health conditions. However, communication barriers can negatively impact the disease consciousness of the elderly. Language barriers, hearing impairment, and other communication problems can make it challenging for the elderly to understand their diagnoses, medications, and treatment plans. This can lead to a lack of confidence in managing their health, further worsening their health conditions.
Financial constraints
Financial constraints can also negatively impact the disease consciousness of the elderly. Many elderly people may have limited access to healthcare resources due to financial barriers such as high medical bills, lack of insurance, and limited access to transportation. This can make it challenging for them to access healthcare services, obtain necessary medications, and manage their health conditions effectively.
In conclusion, several factors can negatively influence the disease consciousness of the elderly. Healthcare providers, caregivers, and family members need to be aware of these factors and take steps to address them to promote better health outcomes for the elderly. Improving health literacy, addressing communication barriers, providing social support, and reducing financial constraints can all play a significant role in improving the disease consciousness of the elderly.
Here are some scientific sources that discuss the factors that can negatively influence the disease consciousness of the elderly:
Cognitive decline:
Alzheimer's Association. (2019). Understanding memory loss. Retrieved from https://www.alz.org/media/documents/alzheimers-dementia-understanding-memory-loss-ts.pdf
Maslow, K. (2018). Cognitive decline in older adults. American Family Physician, 97(10), 648-654.
Lack of health literacy:
Berkman, N. D., Sheridan, S. L., Donahue, K. E., Halpern, D. J., & Crotty, K. (2011). Low health literacy and health outcomes: An updated systematic review. Annals of Internal Medicine, 155(2), 97-107.
Kutner, M., Greenberg, E., Jin, Y., & Paulsen, C. (2006). The health literacy of America's adults: Results from the 2003 National Assessment of Adult Literacy. National Center for Education Statistics.
Social isolation:
Cacioppo, J. T., Hawkley, L. C., & Thisted, R. A. (2010). Perceived social isolation makes me sad: 5-year cross-lagged analyses of loneliness and depressive symptomatology in the Chicago Health, Aging, and Social Relations Study. Psychology and Aging, 25(2), 453-463.
Pantell, M., Rehkopf, D., Jutte, D., Syme, S. L., Balmes, J., & Adler, N. (2013). Social isolation: A predictor of mortality comparable to traditional clinical risk factors. American Journal of Public Health, 103(11), 2056-2062.
Communication barriers:
Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities. (2015). Communication access in healthcare standards manual. Retrieved from https://www.carf.org/resource-library/communication-access-in-health-care-standards-manual/
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. (n.d.). Age-related hearing loss. Retrieved from https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/age-related-hearing-loss
Financial constraints:
Berk, M. L., Monheit, A. C., & Selden, T. M. (1997). Access to and utilization of health care services among the uninsured nonelderly population. Inquiry, 34(2), 202-215.
Cohen, R. A., & Martinez, M. E. (2014). Health insurance coverage: Early release of estimates from the National Health Interview Survey, January-June 2013. National Center for Health Statistics.
About Aceso
ACESO is a patient-centric solution for smart and sustainable healthcare, employing a co-creative approach to realize integrated health and oral-care platform in which intelligent devices use data analytics for adaptable health and well-being. ACESO will monitor parameters related to physical health (blood pressure, glucose, heart rate, oxygen saturation, etc.), activity, sleep, and oral hygiene integrative, providing primary users with personalized and adaptive feedback extracted by the underlying artificial intelligence engine. A patient-centric approach involving users in maintaining their health will bring clear benefits for the elderly and caregivers. AAL funds Aceso. More about Aceso...
About AAL
Active Assisted Living Programme
Aging Well in the Digital World - is a funding program that aims to create a better quality of life for older people and strengthen industrial opportunities in healthy aging technology and innovation. More about AAL.
Contact: www.aal-aceso.eu/contact
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