1.

Substance Abuse Among the Elderly

Substance abuse in seniors is a relevant concern because of its prevalence, health implications
and economic burden. In this blog post we will look at why it is important to discuss this topic as
well as measurement tools, interventions and available services to enhance wellbeing among the
old people.

Importance of the subject for old people

It is essential to note that senior substance abuse has become a major global challenge. The
World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about 15% of older adults have substance use
disorders[1]. Substance abuse among elderly persons is more than other populations and has
severe health consequences such as an increased risk of falls, cognitive decline and mortality[1].

Measurement tools or scales

There are various tools and scales which are used in determining substance abuse among the
aged individuals. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) is one widely used tool in assessing
depression amongst old people which is mostly related to substance misuse[2]. Addiction
Severity Index (ASI) is another scale which is commonly used so as to measure how severe
addiction can get for older adults[2].

Interventions (Mostly Nursing) Related to the Subject

Old adult substance abuse is crucially addressed by nursing interventions. Older adults can be
motivated into treatment and educated about the dangers of substance abuse using motivational
interviewing techniques among other strategies[2]. Moreover, as age advances, it is easy for
nurses to assist older individuals develop coping strategies during recovery period[2].

Services Available

A variety of services are available for older persons with substance abuse problems. Public
resources consist of government funded rehabilitation programs while private ones comprise
counseling centers and rehab facilities. Non-governmental organizations also provide assistance
in this area.[2]

Reflection

Elderly addiction is a multifaceted subject that needs an all-embracing strategy. Nurses and
healthcare professionals have important roles to play in the identification and management of
drug problems among elderly people. We could therefore help older people lead better lives
through utilizing evidence-based methodologies as well as giving them varied accessibilities.

References

- [1] https://thl.fi/en/topics/alcohol-tobacco-and-addictions/substance-abuse-prevention/
addressing-substance-use-and-carrying-out-mini-interventions
- [2] https://paihdelinkki.fi/en/info-bank/articles/substance-use-and-special-groups/use-of-
intoxicants-by-the-elderly/
- [3] https://www.hazeldenbettyford.org/podcasts/addiction-recovery-older-adults

2. Loneliness and Depression in the Elderly: Addressing a Growing Concern

The elderly suffer from heavy loneliness and depression, which has severe impacts on their
health and well-being. Major depression affects 2 percent of those over age 65, but the rate can
jump as high as 40 percent in older adults with other illnesses such as stroke, heart attack or
cancer.[1][3] On the other hand, aging individuals experience loneliness at higher rates than
young people do; for instance, one study found that levels of age-related decline were greater
among seniors who felt lonely.[2]

Loneliness and Depression Assessment

Healthcare providers can identify and manage loneliness and depression in old people by
employing assessment tools such as Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and Loneliness Scale.
GDS is a commonly used questionnaire that assists in identifying if an elderly person is
depressed, it also exists in the form of a shorter five-item version for quick administration.[3]
The Loneliness Scale was created by scientists to measure individual feelings of loneliness, and
social isolation level.[2]

Promotion of Health Interventions

Elderly people undergo loneliness and depression that needs to be addressed by nurses and other
healthcare providers. Some interventions could be:

Getting them to join social activities and peer support groups for example offered in service
centers.[1]

Older adults should consult with social instructors who can not only address their concerns but
also provide guidance and support on how they can access extra resources.[1]

These may include Tsemppi or Puhti, rehabilitation services aimed at the holistic treatment of
mental health issues and alcohol drug abuse among others [1].

Even if it is difficult to leave one’s house, older persons should always be encouraged to
maintain contact with others.[2]

Available Services

In Helsinki, Finland, these references reveal a number of services for elderly people that can
serve as an example to other communities:

This includes facilities such as service centers offering a variety of activities for the aged people,
peer support and counseling from social instructors. [1]
Other examples are Kööri, Peesi, Vire and Toivo which are peer support groups offering
specialized assistance in relation to substance abuse, coping with vulnerable loved ones due to
addiction challenges, grief as well as depression among others. [1]

For instance Tsemppi or Puhti programs where mental health disorders together with substance
use disorders are treated comprehensively [1].

Reflection
The references support points focus on the enhancement of the health and well-being of the
elderly people due to loneliness and depression. Through the use of assessment tools, careful
interventions as well as offering multiple supportive services, various healthcare professionals
and community settings have the potential of effectively eradicating the aforementioned crucial
problems. In the references, there is an outlined framework for a comprehensive elderly care
model, which emphasizes social participation and mental health, as well as the need for an
individualized reintegration model, which is helpful in understanding the requirements and needs
of the elderly, as well as creating effective solutions for improving their health and improving the
quality of life. [1][2][3]

References
[1] https://www.hel.fi/en/health-and-social-services/mental-health-support-services-for-the-
elderly
[2] https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/podcast/loneliness-in-aging-carla-perissinotto/
[3] https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/depression-in-aging-diagnosis-and-treatment/

3. Nutrition and the Elderly: A Vital Component of Healthy Aging

Importance of Nutrition for Older Adults

Proper nutrition is in immeasurable importance to the heath welfare and functional independence
of the elderly population. The books argue that eating the right meals is crucial in order to meet
the nutritional needs of human bodies especially as one grows old. As it has been stated, older
adults are especially affected by malnutrition; according to different estimates, up to 15% of the
people over the age of 65 can be malnourished[1]. This, in turn, reduces the rates of recovery
from illnesses, raises one’s vulnerability to get chronic diseases, and general quality of life is
diminished[2].

Measurement Tools and Scales

In this connection, there are several types of tools and scales that can be used to evaluate the
eating habits of the older people with the aim of determining their nutritional status. These
include:

1. **Body Mass Index (BMI)**: A method of body fat estimate determined by height and weight
where most people use this index for comparison.
2. **Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA)**: A detailed technique in assessing the nutritional
health, having subcategories of body measurements, food consumption level, and general health.
3. **Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI)**: A quick and effective form of screening the
patients to find out the level of nutrition they possess using weight loss, albumin levels and other
test parameters.

Interventions and Nursing Strategies

To promote healthy aging through nutrition, several interventions and nursing strategies are
effective:To promote healthy aging through nutrition, several interventions and nursing strategies
are effective:

1. **Nutritional Therapy**: A combination of doctors, nutritionists, and caretakers to design

bespoke diets and nutrition for Chen.
2. **Dietary Counseling**: Individual or group counseling for appropriate counselling on
dietary requirements, meal portions, and food processing.
3. **Home Care and Support**: Help in finding suitable restaurants, shopping for groceries and
food ordering to make sure the seniors get their necessary nutrition.
4. **Exercise and Physical Activity**: For weight-bearing bones, the most effective activity is
weight-bearing activity including walking, strength training, and other resistance exercises.

Services Available

A range of services are available to support older adults in maintaining a healthy diet:A range of
services are available to support older adults in maintaining a healthy diet:

1. **Public Services**: Most local health stations, community centers and senior centers may
provide counseling for food, meals and education.
2. **Private Services**: Private clinics and practitioners such as nutritionists, dietitians, and
other healthcare professionals discuss and deliver services like house calls and online
appointments.
3. **Third Sector Services**: There are various non-profit organizations including the
Alzheimer’s Association which offer services and any other related peripherals to older adults
and caregivers.

Reflection

The references focus on the nutritional status of the older population and ways to support it. In
the present study, specific nutritional concerns must be identified for the elderly, and proper
interventions to deliver adequate nutriments must be established so as to enhance healthy aging
with lower chances of chronic illnesses. In healthcare, nutrition remains a critical aspect in the
care models and promoting the role of older adults in proper nutrition.

References
[1] https://www.ruokavirasto.fi/en/foodstuffs/healthy-diet/nutrition-and-food-recommendations/
elderly-people/
[2] https://www.hel.fi/en/health-and-social-services/health-care/rehabilitation-and-therapies/
nutrition-therapy/nutritional-therapy-for-the-elderly
[3] https://www.gery.fi/site/assets/files/1560/vitality_in_later_years_-
_food_recommendations_for_older_adults.pdf