Vulnerable Older Adults

Social isolation and loneliness are serious yet underappreciated public health risks that affect a significant portion of the older adult population. Approximately one-quarter of community-dwelling Americans aged 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated, and a significant proportion of adults in the United States report feeling lonely. People who are 50 years of age or older are more likely to experience many of the risk factors that can cause or exacerbate social isolation or loneliness, such as living alone, the loss of family or friends, chronic illness, and sensory impairments. Over a life course, social isolation and loneliness may be episodic or chronic, depending upon an individual's circumstances and perceptions. A substantial body of evidence demonstrates that social isolation presents a major risk for premature mortality, comparable to other risk factors such as high blood pressure, smoking, or obesity. As older adults are particularly high-volume and high-frequency users of the health care system, there is an opportunity for health care professionals to identify, prevent, and mitigate the adverse health impacts of social isolation and loneliness in older adults. Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults summarizes the evidence base and explores how social isolation and loneliness affect health and quality of life in adults aged 50 and older, particularly among low income, underserved, and vulnerable populations. This report makes recommendations specifically for clinical settings of health care to identify those who suffer the resultant negative health impacts of social isolation and loneliness and target interventions to improve their social conditions. Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults considers clinical tools and methodologies, better education and training for the health care workforce, and dissemination and implementation that will be important for translating research into practice, especially as the evidence base for effective interventions continues to flourish.

Winner of an AJN Book of the Year Award! Named an Outstanding Academic Title for 2007 by Choice! "Well organized, extensively referenced, and illustrated with figures/tables, this work represents a unique, multipurpose, interdisciplinary approach to elder care...Highly recommended." --CHOICE Based on the concept that vulnerability in the older populace encompasses those who are at increased risk for physical and psychosocial health problems, this book takes a closer look at vulnerability and how it affects five specific populations within the elderly: Those incarcerated in prisons The homeless Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people Those who are HIV positive or living with AIDS The frail Both physical and psychosocial health care issues and needs are addressed as well as interventions and resources that can be implemented to care for these very specific populations and their requirements for successful physical and mental health care. The unique challenges of hospice care in prisons; the lack of services that cater to homeless older people; and the overall attitude towards helping elderly gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender people are some of the increasingly important issues covered. Unique features include: The latest research and theoretical approaches are summarized to give health professionals a concise picture of health care needs of these older adults Themes of interdisciplinary approach to care, cultural considerations, and neglect and abuse are integrated throughout Strategies and resources for caring for older adults with dementia are discussed for each vulnerable population

Papers from a conference on the title topic, held at Cleveland State U., April 1988, provide scientific and professional definitions of vulnerability in the aged and select examples of vulnerable populations. They also offer conceptual discussions and empirical data on personal, social, societal, and environmental determinants, as well as consequences of vulnerability. Acidic paper. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

This report providesdata on the 38 key indicators selected by the Forum to portray aspects of the lives of older Americans and their families. It is divided into five subject areas: population, economics, health status, health risks and behaviors, and health care. NOTE: NO FURTHER DISCOUNT FOR THIS PRODUCT. Significantly reduced price. Overstock List Price. "

This large-print Canadian booklet provides brief information about elder abuse: who does it and why, how to determine abuse, why older people are reluctant to report it, and what can be done about it.

Family caregiving affects millions of Americans every day, in all walks of life. At least 17.7 million individuals in the United States are caregivers of an older adult with a health or functional limitation. The nation's family caregivers provide the lion's share of long-term care for our older adult population. They are also central to older adults' access to and receipt of health care and community-based social services. Yet the need to recognize and support caregivers is among the least appreciated challenges facing the aging U.S. population. Families Caring for an Aging America examines the prevalence and nature of family caregiving of older adults and the available evidence on the effectiveness of programs, supports, and other interventions designed to support family caregivers. This report also assesses and recommends policies to address the needs of family caregivers and to minimize the barriers that they encounter in trying to meet the needs of older adults.