Promoting Healthy Lifestyle Choices - Essay Example

? Promoting Healthy Lifestyle Choices The population in the UK is considered to be increasingly ageing with and with rising health care needs. This population is at risk of chronic diseases related to ageing including diabetes, stroke, heart disease and cancer. This is caused by poor health and lifestyle choices made throughout the individual’s life. On the other hand, positive changes in lifestyle and diet can better the quality of life for the elderly. This paper explores factors which may affect health and wellbeing, the concept of health and wellbeing, models of behavior change and issues linked with the role of promoting healthy lifestyle choices. This is by analyzing the case of an elderly Pakistani woman and her lifestyle choices. Keywords: diet, physical activity, lifestyle choices Promoting Healthy Lifestyle Choices Introduction There are approximately 10 million people in the United Kingdom aged sixty five years and above (Office for National Statistics, 2009). Additionally, this population is projected to rise by half in the next twenty five years (NHS Information Centre, 2009). This rapid growth of the older population is a major area of concern in the medical and health sectors. Nonetheless, ageing is one factor that is closely related with deteriorating health posing challenges for NHS and other health organizations. Recent studies have shown that three quarters of the population report living with long term chronic diseases. This is nearly 39 percent of the population aged above sixty five years and above (Office for National Statistics, 2009). Medical practitioners are under increasing pressure to provide improved quality services for this section of the population (Davies, 2010). Ageing is a natural process that is often related with disease and this can be attributed to the increased contact to disease causing carcinogens. It is important to study the factors facilitating these diseases and the lifestyle choices that can be made to minimize their prevalence. Case analysis The target group in this paper is the older people aged fifty years and above. The older generation does not share homogenous characteristics; they differ in terms of social status, educational backgrounds, living conditions and health status. These factors dictate and individual’s lifestyle and are important determinants of their health condition (Chappell et al., 2003). The case study is about a Pakistani woman who is fifty two years old. She leads a sedentary lifestyle with minimal exercise and unhealthy eating habits. She suffers from one of the chronic diseases, Type 2 diabetes. This condition is caused and aggravated by behavioural factors in her life such as physical inactivity and poor diet. She is uneducated and therefore does not know the benefits of physical exercise and advantages of maintaining a healthy diet. This has worsened the condition of the disease and this puts her at increased risk. She attends a local women’s group often and matters concerning health are rarely discussed. It is clear that healthier lifestyle decisions that are dependent on social status, education and economic factors. This case is a sample representing the lifestyle choices made by the older population in the UK. Importance of Promoting Health Decisions for Older People Health and well being for the elderly is an important for national policy and a key objective of the medical sector. Promoting the health of this target group is aimed at reducing the risk of chronic conditions including diabetes, cancer, hypertension and high blood pressure (Thew and McKenna, 2008). It is also aimed at positively influencing the behaviour patterns in the target population. The goals of health promotion for the older population are manifold and refer to the societal and individual level. Firstly, health provision is a basic human right. Secondly, an individual’s health and well being are a determinant of independence at old age (Guralnik et al., 2002). Thirdly, health is an indicator of contentment in old age. Fourthly, ensuring a quality of life in the older generation ensures their improved contribution in society. Finally, when the older population is healthy, there is decreased spending on the health care sector (Laditka, 2001). Factors Affecting Health and Well Being Health and well being of the older people are affected by numerous factors. Healthy lifestyle choices can prolong one’s life and minimize the possibility of developing chronic disease. The level of activity, the type of food and the hours of sleep affect the well of individuals. Other socio- economic factors that affect health include income, social support systems, education, physical environment, personal health practices and culture. The section below analyzes the key factors that impact on the wellness of individuals. Healthy eating Eating a healthy diet is significant for the older generation to assist them remain independent and improve their quality of life (Ewles, 2005). In addition to, it minimizes the risk of developing diseases that are common in old age. Examples of include diabetes, hypertension, cancers and cancer. These conditions have proven links with certain dietary elements. Therefore, these conditions are affected positively or negatively by what people eat. Physical activity This has numerous gains and extensively contributes to ageing in good (Hubley and Copeman, 2008). Lack of physical activity causes early deaths, chronic diseases, reduced independence as well as decreased quality of life. The older people are advised to be involved regular physical activity. Social activity Social interactions help improve the value of one’s life and enhance the physical and mental well being. Conversely, isolation results to higher levels of depression and reduced well being (Victor, Scrambler and Bowling, 2000). The older people in society are advised to be involved in social activities such as book clubs in order to increase their satisfaction and purpose in life (Department of Health, 2010). Drugs and alcohol use Exposure to drugs and alcohol at various stages in a person’s life accelerates the occurrence of chronic diseases in old age (Kirsty, 2007). People should refrain from using drugs throughout their lives. Sleeping patterns Adequate sleep is vital as it replenishes the body cells and relaxes the mind and soul. The elderly should get enough sleep to better improve their health (Kirsty, 2007). Public awareness and education The level of public awareness determines the individual’s health and well being. Higher levels of public awareness and education lead to improve health (Kirsty, 2007). Thereby, government and the medical fraternity should work collaboratively to educate the elderly on healthy practices to develop their health and minimize effects of chronic diseases. The Concept of Health and Well- Being A healthy lifestyle is defined as the way of making healthy lifestyle decisions that lower the risks falling ill leading to an early death (Bowling and Dieppe, 2005). Health is not just about keeping away from disease but also about the social, physical and mental well being of the individual. Lifestyle is used to describe the facts that affect health including diet, smoking, drug use, mental well being and sexual health. These factors are intertwined and contribute to the overall health and well being of the individual (Bernstein et al., 2010). These factors play a significant role towards the successful ageing of the older generation. Diet A healthy diet is important to the general health, quality of life and independence of the elderly. The widely used diet framework is the FSA (Food Standards Agency) 2007(Davies, 2011). It expresses that the diet of the elderly population should be composed of the dietary components summarized in the table below. Type of food Percentage (%) Examples Fruits and vegetables 33 Oranges, spinach, apples Starchy foods 33 Rice, potatoes, pasta, bread Milk and dairy products 15 Milk, butter, yoghurt Meat 12 Chicken, pork, fish Drinks and food high rich in sugar and fat 8 Preferably the lower versions Apparently, the nutritional needs for the elderly are the same as those of a regular adult population. Nonetheless, their dietary requirements vary as it is not easy to meet owing to social, psychological and physiological changes linked to ageing. This implies that the elderly are at a greater risk of malnutrition. This is facilitated by difficulty in chewing food, reduced sensitivity and increased cases of stomach complications. It is therefore important for older people to seek dietary advice from a qualified medical practitioner. It is important to note that Vitamins B12 and D are essential for the health of older people and can be obtained from the foods in the above table (Davies, 2011). Exercise Physical activity is one of the aspects that have numerous advantages for the older people. Recent lifestyle trends have shown that the level of physical activity decreases with age. Studies have shown that only a minimal portion of the older population engage in the required level of physical exercise (Department of Health, 2004). The appropriate amount of time of exercising is thirty minutes of moderate exercise five times a week (Department of Health, 2008). Minimized level of physical activity can be caused by various reasons including, low education and awareness, low level of functioning, low motivation and lack of a support system. Yet, there is supporting evidence showing that there are copious benefits accruing from taking part in physical activity throughout one’s life. Furthermore, physical activity plays an imperative role in bone health and in the prevention of chronic diseases that are likely to occur in old age. It has become a widely accepted fact that physical activity improves overall health and well being in the older generation. It can also been noted that this population rarely takes part in physical activity due to lack of exposure and opportunities. Several initiatives have been put in place to address this concern. For example, the Fit as a Fiddle Programme was established to assist individuals aged over fifty tears with physical exercise activities, psychological well being and healthy eating habits (Davies, 2011). More like- minded initiatives should be launched to help the elderly make better lifestyle choices to improve their health. Smoking Tobacco is known to be among the top preventable causes of disease and death. Moreover, it is among the major causes of death for older people (Chappell et al., 2003). It leads to the frequency of fatal illnesses such as lung cancer, emphysema, respiratory complications and heart disease. The comforting news is that only a small section of the older population engages in the habit. On the other hand, measures should be taken to warn this section about the dangers of smoking (Robinson and Bugler, 2010). Individuals should abstain from smoking throughout their lives as it results to a wide range of complications in old age. Drug and alcohol use Much is known about the relationship between alcohol and drug misuse and disease. Alcohol consumption is an unhealthy lifestyle choice that poses risks to a person’s health and behavior. High levels of alcohol can cause cancer, heart complications, high blood pressure and memory loss. In addition to, when one misuses drugs and alcohol they are not in a position to make sober decisions with regards to their health. They fail to engage in physical activity and practice unhealthy dietary practices. However, it is only a limited number of individuals in the elderly population which abuses drugs and alcohol. Sexual health Sexual and reproductive health problems are not as common in the older generation in comparison to the younger generation. Chronic illnesses such as prostate cancer in men and ovarian cancer in women are prevalent in old age (Kirsty, 2007). The elderly are advised to undergo regular check up for early detection and treatment of such conditions. Mental health and wellbeing Mental health in old age is important since it influences all other spheres of life. When an elderly person is mentally healthy they are independent and can make healthy lifestyle choices to minimize their risk to disease and prolong their life (Ogden, 2004). This can be attained through cognitive exercises that boost their mental activity reducing the risk of disease including Alzheimer’s disease. Mental activity should be encouraged throughout one’s life as it there has been evidence that it is one of the contributing factors to healthy ageing. Models of Behaviour Change The behaviour models are important in understanding the behaviour and attitudes of the elderly toward making healthy lifestyle choices (Sidell, 2003). They are used to indicate the relationships between variables affecting the health status of the elderly and explain the reasons why people fail to take part in healthy activities. The section below discusses the major theories that can be used to explain behaviour. The Theory of Planned Behaviour (Ajzen 1991) The theory is dependent on three main variables, attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control. Attitudes are considered to be perceptions about outcomes of behaviour. This determines the positive and negative aspects of making a change (Ajzen, 1988). If the individuals believe that making healthy life choices will have positive consequences to their health, they will be motivated to make the change. Subjective norms are concerned with the impact other people have on the individual and to what extent they want to be like others. There is need for society as a whole to practice healthy behaviour and the elderly will be encouraged to do the same. Perceived behavioural control is about the persons thoughts about their capability to go through change. If a person believes that they can go through the change successfully, they will be motivated undertake the process. The Health Belief Model (Becker 1974) The model stipulates that for effective behaviour change to take place, the following circumstances must take place. First, the individuals must have an incentive to change. Second, the individuals must feel at risk due their present behaviour. Third, the individuals feel the need to change if they are aware that their behaviour will be beneficial. Fourth, individuals must feel proficient to carry out the change (Becker and Rosenstock, 1987). Most important, the individuals needed to be triggered in order to act. Elderly people will be encourage to make positive lifestyle changes if they are fully aware of the numerous benefits associated to healthy behaviour. The Stages of Change Model (Prochaska & Di Clemete) This model states that there are two kinds of individuals, those who are willing to change and those who are not willing to change (Powell and Thurston, 2008). The first stage is contemplative where the individual is reflecting about the change. At this level the individual has not yet decided on whether to undertake the change. Once they decide to embark on the change, they take all the necessary actions in preparation to start the process. If the individuals do not get the necessary support system they will relapse and they will give up. It is important for the individuals to be interested in the change. This theory can be applied in our cases study to analyze the reaction of the patient to change. This model can be used to analyze the feelings of the subjects towards change (Hubley and copeman, 2008). At the pre- contemplation level, the focus is mainly on creating awareness on the benefits of engaging in the change. For instance, the elderly should be educated on the benefits of a healthy diet and physical exercise. The contemplation stage is whereby the person is thinking about quitting. At this level the individuals are given a chance to share their problems, referred for a health check to determine their health status and given motivational support and advice. At this stage the older persons should be advised on healthy practices and they are able to actualize their health status. At the final which is known as the trial stage, the subjects are complemented for making the decision to change, their choice is strengthened, and they are then advised on the available strategies and counselled on the best course to take. Pill and Scott (1990) Model According to this model change is a result of thought but not social influences, habit, emotion and impulse. The model stipulates that change should be self initiated, behaviour should be salient and the behaviour should not be a component of a person’s survival strategies. There is a social support system that is available for the persons undergoing the change (Naidoo and Willis, 2006). According to the models of behaviour of change it is clear that the factors affecting can be divided into two broad categories (Powel and Thurston, 2008). All the models are based on the basic assumption that all the individuals are rational decision makers who are able to make the best choices concerning their welfare. These are internal and external factors. The internal factors affecting a patient’s behaviour are personality, self efficacy and beliefs and attitudes (Tomkins and Collins, 2005). People in old age should be internally motivated and willing to make healthy life choices. On the contrary, the external factors affecting change include external motivation and knowledge. Moreover, influence of family, friends, media and authority figures play a key role in influencing the individual’s attitudes towards healthy lifestyle choices. Conclusion In summary, promoting healthy lifestyle choices among the older is important in ensuring a longer life and minimized risk of disease. It takes the collaborative effort of the government, society and different stakeholders to achieve this. As earlier discussed, health and well being is a multidimensional concept that includes physical, mental and psychological wellness of the individual. The various models discussed in the have shown that healthy choices are a personal decisions that are affected by internal and external factors. It is therefore mandatory for society, the government and medical practitioners to provide the necessary support and guidance as they make their healthy choices. Recommendations Health authorities, government, the Ministry of Health, medical practitioners and other stakeholders should develop strategies that focus on improving the health of the elderly. They should use the existing groups such as church groups, Local Health Units and informal groups to create awareness concerning healthy lifestyle decisions. The media should be used often to create awareness concerning healthy practices. There should be an inclusive approach that allows the participation of society and family in promoting healthy decisions for the older population. 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