Obesity and the Elderly

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that, although weight loss is recommended for older adults who are overweight and obese in the same way as it is advised for younger adults, there are questions concerning the long-term health effects of weight loss for elderly individuals. The author points out that, if older people are very obese, they will experience acute and chronic problems, but being underweight is actually a more serious problem since it has a greater link with mortality than does obesity. The paper relates that, in identifying the older person's weight loss goals, it must be remembered that, in terms of mobility, intentional weight loss by the older person does not always produce benefits. The author suggests that the best point to begin is with some concern that the person has about the effects of their obesity.

Table of Contents
Health Teaching and Learning Strategies
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"There are also cultural factors that include learned beliefs and traditions, as well as extrinsic factors such as advertising. Certain eating patterns, especially cultural ones, may contribute to the epidemic of obesity. For example, elderly Hispanics have a high prevalence of obesity, diabetes, systolic hypertension, and physical disability because their diets are high in refined grains. These patterns are based in the determinants of health because they illustrate the interactions between biology, culture, food availability, education and lifestyle."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Grabowski, D. & Campbell, C. (2005). Obesity and mortality in elderly nursing home residents. The Journals of Gerontology, 60A (9), 1184-1190.
• Herne, S. (1995). Research on food choice and nutritional status in elderly people. British Food Journal, 97 (9), 12-30.
• Lee, J. & Kritchevsky, S. (2005). Weight change, weight change intention, and the incidence of mobility limitation in well-functioning community-dwelling older adults. The Journals of Gerontology, 60A (8), 1007-1013.
• Lin, H. & Bermudez, O. (2003). Dietary patterns of Hispanic elders are associated with acculturation and obesity. The Journal of Nutrition, 133 (11), 3651
• Vermeulen, A. (2005). The epidemic of obesity: Obesity and health and the aging male. Aging Male, 8 (1), 39-42.

More papers on Obesity and the Elderly:

• Case Study # 88260 : "Case Management and the Elderly"
• Research Paper # 112001 : "Obesity and the Health Belief Model"
• Term Paper # 118201 : "Type 2 Diabetes in Elderly Americans"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: