scholarly journals Maintaining compliance at home: Helping the elderly with their medications

Curationis ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
E Mokgele ◽  
PP Du Rand

The elderly population consumes more drugs for their chronic conditions compared to any age group. In this study it was indicated that the average elderly takes two to four drugs per day. The high quantity and wide range of drugs used by the elderly can lead to significant risks. Adding to the risks is the problem of compliance. Areas of concern regarding safety in administering medications to the elderly are the need for increased awareness of the effects of drugs in their systems.

Gerodontology ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. e761-e767 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haviye Erverdi Nazliel ◽  
Nur Hersek ◽  
Murat Ozbek ◽  
Ergun Karaagaoglu

1987 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 81-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
E.R. Jeans ◽  
E. Helmes ◽  
H. Merskey ◽  
J. Mcd. Robertson ◽  
K.A. Rand

The epidemiology of dementia in Canada is not known. However, we report figures on the frequency of dementia in institutions in Ontario based upon the use of a multidimensional observation scale for the assessment of the elderly. These findings on institutionalized patients can be extrapolated to the whole elderly population, but the procedure is clearly too conservative by comparison with findings in other countries and in the light of the known occurrence of numbers of demented patients outside institutions. Ratios in different sutidies for the numbers of patients with dementia outside institutions and within institutions range from 1:1 to 6:1. Using a ratio of 2:1 and applying it to age specific population figures, a prevalence of dementia in Canada of 222,324 for those over 65 is obtained with a rate of 9.4% in that age group. When the figures projected in this way are compared with five epidemiological studies for the rate of dementia elsewhere, the Canadian figure which we have obtained ranks fourth out of six. This estimate provides potential figures on which to base the planning of services, provided that the inferential nature of the estimates is fully recognized.


2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 567-575 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eliana Carvalho ◽  
Rodrigo Caetano Arantes ◽  
Angélica Sartori Rossi Cintra

abstract Introduction: The evolution of information technologies has become part of our daily life and directly or indirectly affects the elderly population. The presence of these technologies, such as mobile phones, smartphones, computers, and tablets, at home where elderly persons live with their families demonstrates the necessity of including the elderly population in the technological universe. Objective: The aim of the present study was to describe the benefits obtained by the elderly from using such Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), the effect of such use on their Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and which physio-gerontological contributions resulted in the best use of the ICTs. Method: A convenience sample (n=30) was performed of individuals aged over 60 years who were students at the Instituto Henrique da Silva Semente (IHESS). Demographic and social data, the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) were considered. The data was collected between April and May 2014. Results: The average age was 67.9 years with a predominance of women (76.7%). Among the respondents 83.3% used a computer at home; 66.6% had some kind of difficulty in using computers; and 86.6% used ICTs in their daily lives. Despite the difficulties in using the devices resulting from the limitations imposed by age, it was observed that the equality of the age range encouraged interaction with friends and family, and as a result 100% of respondents displayed excellent interpersonal relationships with the class group. It was also observed that the elderly persons had a great desire to learn and interact through the use of technological devices, and that females were involved in recreational and educational activities, with wives encouraging their husbands to attend the computer class. However, there were exemplary risks of the misuse of these devices, such as poor posture when handling electronic devices or spending long spells in unsuitable positions, demonstrating the need for physical therapy and geriatric guidelines to ensure the well-being of the elderly. Conclusion: The inclusion of elderly persons in the IHESS or in any other educational activity should consider the familiar environment in which they live as well as providing professional support in physiotherapeutic and gerontologic areas in order to assure well-being and quality of life, especially at this stage of life, senescence.


Author(s):  
Maria do Céu Mendes Pinto Marques ◽  
Ana Filipa Pereira Vaz ◽  
Ana Sofia Emídio Cardoso Leite ◽  
Cláudia Sofia Araújo ◽  
Cláudia Roque Condeço ◽  
...  

The objective of this chapter is to identify cardiovascular risk factors in the elderly and their prevalence in the elderly population of Alentejo. The research question was elaborated according to the PI[C]OD methodology. The prevalence studies included allow the authors to identify the risk factors with the greatest impact on cardiovascular diseases, with the analysis of at least one of the factors (hypertension, diabetes, smoking, obesity, hypercholesterolemia, alcoholism, and sedentary lifestyle) and their prevalence in the elderly from the region of Alentejo. The results present the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, mainly at the national level, compared to those at the regional level, with a small number of exclusive studies in the Alentejo region, while simultaneously disaggregating the results by age group. From the data obtained, it can be concluded that the prevalence of risk factors is generally increased in the elderly population and, consequently, in Alentejo, because it is a region in the interior of the country that is predominantly rural and very old.


2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (07) ◽  
pp. 1740021
Author(s):  
JIN SEUNG CHOI ◽  
DONG WON KANG ◽  
JEONG WOO SEO ◽  
TAE HO KIM ◽  
HAE MI CHO ◽  
...  

Fall is the main cause of activity decline for the elderly. In general, it has been known to be closely related to decline in muscle strength and physical balance. The age profile of the elderly has a very wide range from 60 to 90 or more. Therefore, this study was to determine age-specific risk factors for falling in elderly individuals. Elderly females were included either in the old group ([Formula: see text]75 years; [Formula: see text], with 11 fallers and 24 nonfallers) or the older group ([Formula: see text]75 years; [Formula: see text], with 14 fallers and 22 nonfallers). The following were assessed and compared between the age-based groups and between fall-based subgroups (fallers and nonfallers within a given age group): height, weight, mental state, balance on the Berg balance scale (BBS), muscle strength of nine muscle groups, and 20 variables of postural sway. The two age-based groups differed significantly in terms of height, weight, balance, and postural sway (total sway area, 95% ellipse area, root mean square, mean distance, and total power); on the other hand, the fall-based subgroups differed only in terms of the median frequency of postural sway. Furthermore, the strength of the hip abductors displayed an interaction effect between age and fall status, and the result of main effect analysis revealed significant differences between fallers from the two age-based groups. These results confirm that extraction of specific factors for each age group is necessary to perform fall detection and prevention studies for the healthy elderly.


2011 ◽  
Vol 15 (15) ◽  
pp. 57-69
Author(s):  
Fátima De Matos

Ageing and Quality of Life - New Responses from the Real Estate Sector in Portugal (1) In the second half of the 20th century, the history of European demography is associated with a pronounced and widespread process of ageing. The 21st century will have to cater to the needs of an elderly population in transformation. Portugal is also part of this process and in efforts to improve the quality of life of the elderly, a wide range of facilities, services and social responses have been established by a variety of promoters, targeting several social levels. This paper will analyze a specific segment directed at an exclusive niche of the elderly population, the Senior Residential Condominiums. This is a very recent segment of the housing market, with high levels of comfort, quality, sanitation, health, and recreation, essential to full well-being. The paper intends to characterize this real estate market niche so as to identify its distinctive features, the promoting agents and how they can contribute to residents' quality of life.


2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-63
Author(s):  
Nikolay Grigorievich Neznanov ◽  
Lev Savvich Kruglov ◽  
Vladimir Yuryevich Serpov ◽  
Ismayil Hikmat Atayev ◽  
Inna Valentinovna Kiseleva ◽  
...  

Data exists showing a significant prevalence of mental disorders in the growing elderly population, but indices have a fairly wide range. This study’s aim was to analyze the frequency and variants of such disorders of the elderly in geriatrician attendance and their influence on social functioning.


2014 ◽  
pp. 677-685
Author(s):  
Marija Ivkovic ◽  
Jovana Todoric ◽  
Marija Mucic

The aim of this paper is to examine contemporary marital behavior of the population in Serbia older than 65 years. Models of marital behavior are a reflection of culture, tradition, local customs, economic status, cultural and historical heritage, and as such are subject to change. Extending the life expectancy of the population, and the change of socio-economic and cultural circumstances, had led to changing in marital behavior and marital structure of the old population. To track these changes and comprehend the current situation, we analyzed indicators such as the marriage and divorce rates for this age group, as well as current marital structure, comparing them with previous values. It is particularly noteworthy that for the first time (based on data from the 2011 census), we can analyze the frequency and characteristics of informal marriage unions (cohabitation), which provides important insights into the marital life of the elderly.


Author(s):  
Sarin S. M. ◽  
Jayasree A. K.

Background: The proportion of elderly population is increasing considerably world over. The health and socio-economic issues of this section is to be considered separately and in depth insights about them is needed for formulating elderly friendly health policy. This study intends toidentify the important health concerns of elderly population above the age group of 70 years in a rural area in North Kerala, India.Methods: It is a community based cross-sectional descriptive study involving all individuals above the age group of 70 years in a randomly selected panchayath ward from rural North Kerala. The data regarding demography, socioeconomic aspects, medical history, access to health care and treatment of chronic illnesses were collected through interview of study participants by a trained health care volunteer using a pre-validated questionnaire.Results: A total of 93 individuals above the age group of 70 years were included in the study out of which 63% were females and 37% males. In the study population 55.9% of the elderly were widowed and 87.1 % were staying along with their children. Almost 75% of the elderly received social welfare pension from government agencies and 14.3% received service pensions. 67.74% of the study population were hypertensive and 35.56% were diabetic. Other health issues included arthritis, coronary artery disease, chronic kidney disease, genito urinary symptoms and cerebrovascular accident.Conclusion:  The study provide valuable insights into the health and social issues of elderly in Kerala and points to the importance of formulating an elderly friendly health policy in the state.


2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ratandeep Lamba ◽  
Abhishek Agarwal ◽  
Ravi Rana ◽  
Vertika Agarwal

Background: Anaemia is a major public health problem in elderly persons which is often overlooked. With rising urbanization and world is facing demographic transition, there is a need to increase focus on elderly residing in urban slums. Aim: The present study aims to find the prevalence of anaemia and its associated factors among the elderly population in an urban slum of Meerut. Methodology: The present study conducted in an urban slum of Meerut from November 2017 to January 2018. The sample size was calculated as 396, considering the prevalence of anaemia as 45.5% in this age group. Haemoglobin levels were estimated using paper chromatography methodby hemoc-heck rapid diagnostic kit. Data were compiled and analysed using epi info software version 3.7.2. Results: 49.5% of the elderly residing in urban slums were found to be anaemic. The anaemia in the elderly was found to be significantly associated with employment, socioeconomic status and chronic diseases like COPD, hypertension and Tuberculosis


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