The age-related changes that are identical to those learned and those interviewed during the week were related to diet, exercise, and general health. Notably, there are changed and increased nutrient needs in both scenarios. The person interviewed noted that there is an increase in the need for nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D. Further, there is a decrease in the demand for high-calorie foods, because of low activity levels. There is also increased blood pressure because of the stiffening of blood vessels, which causes the heart to work harder, pumping blood. Another change experienced due to old age is experienced in bone and joint health. As learned, as a person ages, bones shrink in density and size, which makes them easy to fracture. The person interviewed admitted that he has experienced tow fractures in his old age, and his joints no longer support him the way they used to. The dietary changes are modified to meet the requirements, as older people ingest high fiber food, low fat, and a lot of water. Additionally, high calcium sources such as milk and bony meat are ingested in high amounts to meet the increased calcium demands. Due to the changes in bone and joint health, muscle strength is limited, which affects physical activity. Hence, the person could not be as active as they were in their youth.

In contrast, the person’s philosophy of living in old age was different from what was learned in class. The interviewee believed that aging does not make him see the world differently. Accordingly, the philosophy of aging posits that people ponder over their life, and appreciate a life well-lived. In their older years, they sit back, and enjoy the fruits of their labor, and try to be of service to their peers and family. However, the person interviewed elucidated that old age does not slow him down, as he still enjoys the same things he enjoyed as a youth. He always goes out, hangs out with younger people, and the only limitation he has is his health.

The preliminary issues identified are mental health, dietary, social, financial, psychological, and spiritual. Mental health issues are rife because of social isolation or undiagnosed mental health problems. Nutritional changes are evident because of the physiological changes that occur as a body age. As a person ages, they lose the energy to work, which means that finances are a sore point for some, as they experience more illnesses associated with old age, and they are expensive to treat. Psychological issues are related to social isolation, as some develop problems due to the stress of living alone. The last preliminary issue is spiritual, as a person in his old age reminisces on his life decisions, and questions the philosophical approach they choose to guide their lives in their youth.

The three alterations in health that would be proposed are diet modifications, increased activity levels, and socialization. Dietary changes are essential as a person ages are crucial to excellent health outcomes in older adults. According to Govindaraju et al. (2018), proper nutritional patterns are associated with a better quality of life in geriatrics. Notably, the Mediterranean diet is better, because it is higher while grains and vegetables and low in fat and processed food. Hence, the alteration in health is that older people have different dietary needs, because of changing physiological processes and loss of function of some areas, such as joints and bones. The second health alteration is activity levels, as older people have problems with bone and joint health. Therefore, they cannot be as active due to the restriction. As such, they develop complications such as arthritis and encounter frequent fractures. Hence, their activity levels drop because they cannot be as active as they were when they were younger. However, older people need to stay active to stay healthy and prevent conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, which are highly prevalent in people with sedentary lifestyles. The last alternation to health is reduced socialization, which predisposes them to mental health issues. Mental health problems are reported to be higher in people who are older than other population cohorts (Tiwari, Pandey & Singh, 2012). The mental health issues are partly caused by reduced socialization, because some do not have with family, and have lost spouses.

To handle the issue of changing dietary needs, older people need to ingest a diet that is high in fiber, calcium, and low in fat or processed food. A diet high in fiber ensures proper bowel movements, and adequacy provides most micronutrients needed. A high calcium diet is good for bone and joint health, hence, reducing cardiovascular and skeletal system issues. A diet low in fat and processed food ensures older people ingest food that is of nutritional quality, ensure proper bowel movement and reduces the prevalence of conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, hence, increasing their quality of life. The interventions for the second issue are to do at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly, three days of exercise for those with reduced mobility, and conducting aerobic activity for sessions lasting ten minutes each. Older adults not limited by joint or bone problems should be very active, to maintain balance, stay in perfect shape, and strengthen their bones. Those with mobility problems should exercise at least thrice a week, to maintain balance and avoid falls. Aerobic exercises are good for cardiovascular health and should be conducted in moderation because of the increased needs age places on the heart. The last issue is less socialization, which leads to mental health issues, and it can solve by engaging adults in group activities, volunteering, or taking up a job. Social isolation occurs because older adults, primarily males, do not interact with many people, and those who lose spouses find it harder to socialize. Hence, to prevent the mental health issues, volunteering is excellent, because it gives them purpose, and integrates them into the society. The second method is working to provide them with meaning and prevent social isolation. For some adults, money is not an issue, which means that they can take up jobs they are passionate about, and interact with other people. The last way social isolation can be prevented is by encouraging older adults to join a group activity such as seminars and support meetings.

The cultural considerations in diet, activity levels, and socialization have to come into play in the intervention process because they determine the success of the plans implemented. The older adult interviewed is an American, which means the cultural considerations are American. Dietary concerns in America are no restrictive, which means the adult can feed on the recommended foods, as long as they are affordable. Activity levels are restrictive because there aren’t many places older adults can exercise safely. Hence, it is paramount the advice the geriatric to exercise in an area they feel age, such as a gym, or their home. Socialization has restrictions on it because there are places older adults cannot freely interact, such as recreation centers with children, or teenagers. Hence, socialization should occur in areas that are age-appropriate and safe for them.

 

 

 

 

References

Govindaraju, T., Sahle, B. W., McCaffrey, T. A., McNeil, J. J., & Owen, A. J. (2018). Dietary patterns and quality of life in older adults: A systematic review. Nutrients, 10(8), 971.

Tiwari, S. C., Pandey, N. M., & Singh, I. (2012). Mental health problems among inhabitants of old age homes: A preliminary study. Indian journal of psychiatry, 54(2), 144.