Question

When developing a training for students interested in healthcare administration careers what key information should be added to a PowerPoint for “successful aging” cognitive changes, mental health in old age, sexuality in old age and dealing with death.

Answer 1

Successful aging means avoidance of disease, maintenance of high cognitive and physical function and sustained engagement in social and productive activities. The behavioural factors include the psychological aspects of functioning such as mood and cognitive functioning. The signs of depression often precedes disability especially mobility loss which causes reduced survival. Successful aging theory is the sustained engagement in social and productive activities to obtain healthy aging. Depression is characterised by reduced enjoyment in activities and decreased social engagement. Successful aging comprises of three components: low probability of disease and disease related disability, high cognitive and physical functional capacity and active engagement with life. Low probability of disease refers to not only absence or presence of disease but also to absence, presence or severity of risk factors for disease. Active engagement is concerned with interpersonal relations and productive activity. Interpersonal relations involve contacts and transactions with others, exchange of information, emotional support and direct assistance. One common concern in aging is cognitive function especially learning and short term memory.