Question

The World Health Organisation (2015) states:

“Healthy ageing is a process of developing and maintain the functional ability that enables wellbeing in older age. Functional ability is about having the capabilities that enable all people to be and do what they have reason to value” Using the context provided in the statement above, critically analyse your role as a registered nurse in empowering the older adult.

In your response discuss current evidence-based approaches to the promotion of healthy ageing.

Answer 1

Empowerment of an older person means having the opportunity to learn, discuss, decide and act on decisions. In a clinic setting or community site, a registered nurse plays a vital role in empowering older adults. That means, they are not only providing services to them, but also they encourage the older adults participation and collaborates with them. Certain personality characteristics such as, patience, tolerance and positive attitude, enhances the nurses chance to collaborate successfully on the health goal. Their are health promoting strategies that may help.

Role of a nurse in empowering older adults are:

1) nurse should coordinate the care.

2) make care regimen person centered.

3 ) Enable social inclusion.

4) stay up-to-date on latest technology.

5) Greet person by name.

6) Provide mindful communication.

7) create a safe environment.

8) Listen attentively without interrupting.

9) Carry-out request.

10) Answer questions.

11) smile and make eye contact.

12) Ask them what they need.

Current evidence based approaches to the promotion of healthy aging are;

a) Review epidemiological and other data to identify key health or functional conditions and risk factors for older adults in the community.

b) Systematically identify and review relavent research and information for proven interventions or model that address the targeted condition or risk factor.

c) Recruit and retain high risk older adults from the target population who can benefit from the intervention

d) Appropriate use of behavioural science theory and program.