Preventive activities in older age
Older people are at increased risk of multiple chronic conditions, which may impair their function and quality of life. Those living alone are particularly vulnerable. Their health problems may be exacerbated by poor nutrition, lack of physical activity and lack of exposure to the sun.
Medication related problems may cause unnecessary hospital admissions or death. These may be related to patient confusion, inadequate knowledge about medicines, poor compliance, and the GP and pharmacist not having full details of all the medications the patient is taking. Risk factors for medication related problems include:
- currently taking five or more regular medications
- taking more than 12 doses of medication per day
- significant changes in medication treatment regimen during the past 3 months.
Older people may rely on the help and support of family and carers. Carers, particularly carers of people with dementia or depression, are at risk of depression, anxiety, emotional distress, loneliness and isolation, but their health care needs are often overlooked.133–137 The carer’s need for support should be assessed when the patient’s health is assessed.138 Carer support resources are helpful for carer wellbeing and may delay the need for the older person to be relocated to a residential aged care facility.133,139–141
© The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners
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