1. PROMOTING AND PROTECTING THE HEALTH OF THE OLDER ADULT POPULATION

4. Introduction
Peoples are living longer as a result of improved health care, eradication and control of communicable disease, use of antibiotic and other medicines and accessibility to a better quality of life for residents.
The older population does, however, have higher percentage (80%) of chronic conditions, some of which may limit activities.
These chronic illnesses include arthritis, heart diseases, high BP, DM, visual and hearing impairments.

6. Good health in elderly means maintaining the maximum degree possible of physical, mental, and social rigor. It means being able to adapt, to continue to handle stress, and to be active and involved in life and living. In short, healthy aging means being able to function, even when disabled, with a minimum of ordinary help from others.

8. Wellness among the older population varies considerably
Wellness among the older population varies considerably. It is influenced by many factors including personality traits, life experiences, current physical health and current societal support some elderly people demonstrate maximum adaptability, resourcefulness, optimism, and activity, however, misconception often arises from negative personal experience, myths shared through out the ages, and a general lack of information on older people. Some of these misconception and stereotypes of older people includes

10. Most older adults can’t live independently
Chronological age determines oldness
Most old people have diminished intellectual capacity/are senile
All older people content and serene
Older adults can/t be productive or active
All older adults are resistant to change.

11. Health problems of elderly people
Problems associated with aging process
Cataract
Glaucoma
Deafness
Reduced vision
Immobility (due to changes in joints and bones)

12. Chronic disease
Arthritis
heart disease
Peripheral vascular disease
Hypertension
Cancer
Diabetes mellitus
Emphysema, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD)

13. Psychological problem
-Dementia -Depression -Rigidity of out look
-Social and emotional withdrawal -Suicide
Sexual problems diminished sexual activity, this leads to physical and emotional disturbance

14. Health maintenance program for older people
communication service ( phones, emergency access to health care)
dental care service
dietary guidance and food services
escort and protective services
exercise and fitness program
financial aid and companions
health education
hearing aid and hearing-aid assistance

15. home health service
legal aid and counseling
library service
medical supplies /equipment
medication supervision
recreational and educational program
safe, affordable, and ability appropriate housing
social assistance service offered in conjunction with the health maintenance