Discussion Question:
Why is there increasing emphasis on nutrition and exercise for middle aged and aging families? Why is it more significant than 30 years ago?
Your initial posting should be at least 400 words in length and utilize at least one scholarly source other than the textbook.
ASSIGNMENT
Part 2: Aging Adult Case Study
Write a 500 word essay addressing each of the following points/questions. Be sure to completely answer all the questions for each bullet point. Separate each section in your paper with a clear heading that allows your professor to know which bullet you are addressing in that section of your paper. Support your ideas with at least two (2) sources in your essay. Make sure to cite using the APA writing style for the essay. The cover page and reference page do not count towards the minimum word amount. Review the rubric criteria for this assignment.
A 68-year-old client lives alone and is independent with all ADLs, has no restrictions for mobility, and is competent, and oriented x4. The client is on a fixed income, but has enough to manage a modest lifestyle. The client has family and social supports but is very independent and is proud of her self-reliance. The client’s height is 5’ 6”, weight is 210 lb. / 95.25 kg.
Please answer the following:
- What is the client’s BMI?
- Identify what screening tools you would use to assess nutritional and exercise knowledge, and why?
- One Outcome/Intervention/Rationale:
- Identify what weakness in the client’s life may be impacting the client’s activity and diet?
- What referrals would you make and why?
- (Use references for your responses, not just opinion.)
Assignment Expectations:
Length: 500 words in length
Structure: Include a title page and reference page in APA format. These do not count towards the minimum word count for this assignment. Your essay must include an introduction and a conclusion.
References: Use appropriate APA style in-text citations and references for all resources utilized to answer the questions. A minimum of two (2) scholarly sources are required for this assignment.
Rubric: This assignment uses a rubric for scoring. Please review it as part of your assignment preparation and again prior to submission to ensure you have addressed its criteria at the highest level.
Format: Save your assignment as a Microsoft Word document (.doc or .docx) or a PDF document (.pdf)
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
As individuals age, they experience changes in their body and health. Nutrition and exercise play a critical role in maintaining good physical and mental health in aging adults. There is an increasing emphasis on nutrition and exercise for middle-aged and aging families due to the changing healthcare system, sedentary lifestyles, and unhealthy eating habits. In this context, the assignment focuses on a case study monitoring the nutritional and physical activity of a 68-year-old client living alone.
Discussion Question:
There is an increasing emphasis on nutrition and exercise for middle-aged and aging families due to several reasons. First, the changing healthcare system has shifted its focus from the treatment of diseases to their prevention. Second, aging adults are more vulnerable to developing health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Third, sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy eating habits have contributed to the rise of these health issues. Finally, middle-aged and aging families need to maintain healthy lifestyles to ensure their physiological and mental well-being.
In the past thirty years, the food industry has changed drastically, leading to unhealthy eating habits such as consuming processed and sugary foods. These foods have become more accessible and affordable, leading to higher obesity rates in people of all ages. Additionally, technology has made physical activity unnecessary, leading to a more sedentary lifestyle than ever before. Due to these factors, it is more critical now than it was 30 years ago to prioritize nutrition and exercise for middle-aged and aging families.
Assignment:
What is the client’s BMI?
The client’s BMI is 33.9 kg/m². According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH), a BMI of 30 or higher categorizes an individual as being obese.
Identify what screening tools you would use to assess nutritional and exercise knowledge, and why?
To assess the client’s nutritional and exercise knowledge, I would use the Nutrition Screening Initiative’s Determine Your Nutritional Health questionnaire (NSI-DYHN) and the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q).
The NSI-DYHN questionnaire assesses nutritional health by asking about the frequency and quality of food intake. This tool helps identify if there is a need to refer the client to a registered dietician to develop a suitable diet plan.
The PAR-Q is used to screen for the risk of cardiovascular health issues during physical activity. This tool assesses the client’s physical activity level, the type and frequency of activity, and any health issues. If the client is found to have risk factors or a previous medical condition, I would refer them to a physician or physical therapist.
One Outcome/Intervention/Rationale:
Assuming the findings from the dietary and physical activity screening are deficient, an appropriate intervention would be encouraging the client to adopt a healthy diet plan and daily physical activity. My rationale for this intervention is that a proper diet and regular exercise have been shown to improve overall health, boost mental well-being, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Identify what weakness in the client’s life may be impacting the client’s activity and diet?
The client’s social isolation may be a weakness that is impacting their activity and diet. Being alone can cause them to feel depressed, anxious, and unmotivated. They may also find it hard to cook or shop for healthy foods.
What referrals would you make and why?
To enhance the client’s well-being, I would refer the client to a registered dietician to develop a suitable diet plan. Additionally, I would enroll the client in a local exercise program to promote physical activity and socialization. Finally, I would refer the client to a mental health professional to address social isolation, depression, and anxiety.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, nutrition and exercise play a significant role in maintaining good physical and mental health in aging adults. The case study focuses on monitoring the nutritional and physical activity of a 68-year-old client living alone. Appropriate screening tools, interventions, and referrals are essential in enhancing an aging adult’s well-being.
