A topic of older adults is extremely significant, especially in our time. The older people require more attention than the young generation. The group of older adults has a much higher risk of developing dangerous chronic diseases, which have a great destructive impact on health. The seniors often feel defective because of their issues. They are upset of being frustrated and unable to take care of themselves on their own. Therefore, the corresponding measures of safety should be implemented. All the possible arrangements have to be made to guarantee a comfortable and healthy living for the older adults.
The seniors often suffer from the chronic illnesses, such as diabetes mellitus, arthritis, dementia, stroke and congestive heart failure, that is why the chronic diseases are the reason of untimely death in the old age more often than the other cases. According to the recent research, “approximately 92% of elder adults have at least one chronic disease, and 77% have at least two. Four chronic diseases—heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes—cause almost two-thirds of all deaths each year” (National Council of Aging, 2016, para. 1). Because of their ailment, they are often forced to go through home nursing, hospitals and what is more, they often face the unqualified care that may cause irreversible consequences. Currently, approximately 75% of healthcare money is being spent on the chronic diseases, what is a serious indicator of problem significance. It also has to be mentioned that 12.2 millions of eldest Americans are being affected by diabetes, what represents the 23 percents of the senior population. The older adults also often suffer from the high blood pressure and hypertension. As it is stated, “90% of people with the age of 55+ are under the risk of high blood pressure or hypertension” (National Council of Aging, 2016).
Purpose
Considering the harmful impact of chronic illnesses, the health plan for the older adults should be arranged in Miami-Dade County. A report shows that “in the year 2014, the overall number of deaths in Miami-Dade County was 18, 846” (Florida Charts, 2014). In its turn, Miami-Dade still belongs to the state’s worst counties in obesity, nutrition, and health insurance rates, what plays a significant role in the health of the seniors. While being the biggest metropolitan area in Florida with the population of 2.617 million, Miami-Dade County needs an additional attention concerning healthcare. Its population includes many different international representatives, what requires a different medical approach towards each individual.
The goal of the current health plan is about improving the health of older adults, their life quality, and function. In its turn, it includes three main objectives, such as the increasing of the number of registered dietitians, physicians, and nurses with geriatric certificate.
Health Promotion
The correct diet and physical activity, as well as the right medic care, play the key role in the health of all age categories. In this respect, to significantly increase a health level of the old age group, the conditions for the new medic professionals should be created, what would attract the more qualified doctors and nurses and enhance the opportunities of the local health care. The diseases prevention should be organized on all levels, including constant physical activity, gymnastics, correct dietary, hygiene, and disciplined regime. There is also a great necessity of providing the support concerning the presence of older adults in the community: “Most older adults want to remain in their communities as long as possible. Unfortunately, when they acquire disabilities, there is often not enough support available to help them” (Healthy People, 2016, para. 9). These parameters should be implemented on the common level in the form of social actions and advertisement, as well as personally, depending on the individual predispositions of each senior. The various clubs concerning the topic of healthy living should be organized, where every single senior would be able to share and receive useful experience from communicating with other members. That would help everyone to receive helpful tips on how to prevent the mistakes of others.
Reference
Florida Charts. Major Causes of Death for 2014. Web.
Healthy People (2016). Older Adults. Web.
National Council of Aging (2016). Healthy Aging Facts. Web.