Obesity and Health Structural Plan for Older Adults Term Paper

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Optimal Health and Obesity for Older Adults

In older adults, obesity can aggravate physical function deterioration that comes with age, and result in frailty. However, appropriate obesity treatment in older adults is controversial, owing to decrease of corresponding health risks in relation to increased body mass index (BMI) and concerns that loss of weight could potentially have harmful impacts on older individuals. Thus, it is especially vital to take into account therapies for weight loss, and alter one's lifestyle to nutritious food for improving obese older adults' physical function, as well as potentially improving or preventing medical complications linked to obesity. Health promotion strategy at individual and societal levels would enable older adults to adopt a changed and positive lifestyle, in addition to creating awareness among individuals of different age groups to urge older persons to keep up a healthy, nutritional lifestyle.

Introduction

At present, 7% of global population is aged over 65 years. This percentage is expected to increase to 12% by 2030. In America, increase is likely from 35 million (12%) to 71 million (20%) by the year 2030 (Newman, 2009). This considerable rise in older adult population indicated that a significant issue in the near future would be- obesity in older citizens. In the last three decades, the number of obese older individuals has increased twofold (Newman, 2009). This increase indicates rise in total older obese adults in USA, as well as rise in percentage of obese population (Newman, 2009). Severe health complications and impairment in life quality arise from obesity. Furthermore, obesity can, in older adults, aggravate physical function deterioration that comes with age, causing frailty. But, appropriate obesity treatment in older adults is debatable, owing to decrease of corresponding health risks with increased body mass index (BMI), and concerns that loss of weight could potentially have harmful impacts on older individuals (Villareal, Apovian, Kushner, & Klein,, 2008).

Modern ageing goals deal not just with lifespan extension, but also with experiencing healthier, independent years and reduced morbidity in old age. Though it is commonly believed that sickness increases in proportion to one's age, a more emboldening view is- the older people get, the healthier they have been (Feeney, 2010). A marked increase in older obese persons is due to rise in total older population, as well as in percentage of obese older population. Obesity has significant functional effects in older adults- it aggravates physical function deterioration that comes with age, causing infirmity (sarcopenic obesity). Thus, it is especially vital to take into account therapies for weight loss, and alter one's lifestyle to nutritious food for improving obese older adults' physical function, as well as potentially improving or preventing medical complications linked to obesity (Villareal, Apovian, Kushner, & Klein, 2008).

Health Promotion Program

Causes of the Obesity condition

A key determinant of the fat mass in one's body is the relation of energy intake with expenditure. Obesity results from greater calorie consumption as compared to calorie burning. Calories are required for sustaining life and staying active; however, maintaining the right weight necessitates balance in the quantity of energy ingested as food with energy expended (Newman, 2009). Decreased energy expenditure may likely lead to increased body fat with aging, especially in those aged 50-65 years old. In the age group of over 65 years, hormonal changes accompanying aging may result in fat accumulation. Aging is linked with decreased secretion of growth hormone, decrease thyroid hormone responsiveness, leptin resistance and reduced serum testosterone (Newman, 2009).

Genetic Factors

Obesity runs in the family- this may cause one to assume that obesity relates to a person's inherited genes; also, science demonstrates an association between heredity and obesity (Newman, 2009). Apparently, there is an element of interaction between genotype and overfeeding interaction, with regards to body fat; this suggests that an individual's sensitivity to body fat changes after overfeeding depends on genotype. A recent study's researchers employed structural equation modeling (SEM) for determining the specific relation of genetic loci affecting adiposity, with those affecting muscle growths (Newman, 2009). The studies substantially contribute to gene expression comprehension and its utilization in expanding our knowledge on obesity. While nothing can be done regarding genetic inheritance, other factors, contributory to an individual's obesity, can be identified (Newman, 2009).

Environmental and Sociological Factors

Environment also contributes to obesity. Environment represents our surrounding world, and impacts access to nutritious food, as well as safe walking places. Environment influences one's food, physical activity levels, and lifestyle behaviors (Newman, 2009).

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The environment may, in numerous ways, prevent individuals from eating healthful foods and exercising adequately. Examples include today's 'eating out' trend rather than cooking at home, high-calorie, high-fat foods in vending machines at the workplace, neighborhoods lacking pavements, and a dearth of easily accessible areas for recreation. Lower education levels and poverty are also associated with obesity- one reason as to why these are obesity risk factors is that processed, high-calorie foods are cheaper and can be more quickly prepared than fresh vegetables and fruits (Newman, 2009).

Other Causes of Obesity

Other illnesses and conditions linked with obesity and weight gain include: depression, hyperthyroidism, polycystic ovary syndrome and Cushing's syndrome. Older obese adults are more prone, as compared to un-obese individuals, to report depression symptoms like feelings of hopelessness, sadness and worthlessness. Improper sleep and particular drugs (like steroids, and certain antidepressants that cause appetite stimulation, water retention and slow metabolism rates) may lead to obesity (Newman, 2009). Lastly, the complex link between lifestyle patterns and functional ability may also be a noteworthy obesity contributor. Activity intolerance, joint pain and decreased mobility may cause weight gain, due to reduced activity. Older persons have a greater tendency, compared to younger adults, to go through functional limitations linked to chronic illnesses, setting off a cycle of stress, pain and depression, which can bring about lifestyle patterns that cause obesity (Newman, 2009).

Potential for social stigma of Obesity

Stigma represents a common issue impacting disabled individuals. Disabilities in the form of developmental disabilities or chronic illnesses (e.g. chronic obstructive airway disease or obesity) causes mental and physical disabilities, in addition to major economic disadvantages, which include denial of opportunities and lowered self-esteem. These societal discriminations and burdens together exacerbate the psychological strain of stigma. Stigma linked with obesity proves to be a significant socioeconomic and psychological burden for concerned individuals and families. This forms a major obstacle to acceptance of the disease, obesity, by patients, and for sustained, meaningful treatment. Changes in society are extremely slow. Thus, those in the medical field must take prompt action and lead efforts to overcome the societal stigma linked to obesity and other chronic illnesses (Wimalawansa, 2014).

Previously, these stigmata were utilized for keeping the public safe from diseases in those eras wherein nobody knew the cause of the diseases. With enhancement in medical knowledge, some stigmata disappeared; however, disabled or chronically sick individuals (which include the obese) are still stigmatized. Obese individuals don't risk society, as obesity isn't communicable; illogical and unwarranted statements to the contrary are at the root of stigmatization of overweight and obese people (Wimalawansa, 2014).

In Brownell and Puhl's 2001 review, research providing evidence of weight-based discrimination and prejudice in the context of employment were summarized. During that time, developing evidence revealed that obese and overweight employees were stereotyped by their employers- their weight led to disadvantages in hiring, pay, job termination and promotion. Ever since, an upsurge in large population studies, experiments and survey research focusing on weight-based discrimination in the employment context, has occurred. A summarization of the findings can be found below (Puhl & Heuer, 2009).

Adaptations that can be made to alleviate the condition of Obesity

General Considerations to Facilitate Safe Weight Loss Strategies

Older adults face special challenges by in changing their exercise and diet. In case of obese individuals older than 65 years, increased chronic diseases accompanying aging decreases exercise capacity and physical activity, making weight-loss difficult in elderly individuals. Other factors which need to be accounted for weight-loss initiatives for the elderly include depression, isolation, widowhood and loneliness (Newman, 2009). Family and caregiver participation in these initiatives is particularly crucial if visual, hearing or cognitive impairment problems exist in the older patient. Weight reduction risks and benefits must be given careful consideration in case of the elderly. Lean body mass (LBM) reduction might be harmful for persons aged above 65 years (who already have lesser LBM) as this reduction is related to significant mortality and morbidity (Newman, 2009). A program for weight reduction, which diminishes loss of bone and muscle, is recommended to obese elderly people with metabolic complications or functional impairments (as these may be improved through weight reduction). This can be best achieved by way of a moderate decrease in daily consumption of calories (500-750 kilocalories/day). Counseling for proper nutrition by referring to any registered dietician is proposed for ensuring that the patient's daily nutritional needs are met.....

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