Aging Population and Homelessness

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It is anticipated that the initial discussion post should be in the range of 250-300 words. Response posts to peers have no minimum word requirement but must demonstrate topic knowledge and scholarly engagement with peers. Substantive content is imperative for all posts. All discussion prompt elements for the topic must be addressed. Please proofread your response carefully for grammar and spelling. Do not upload any attachments unless specified in the instructions.

 

Select one of the following populations:

Aging Population
Homelessness
Migrant Workers
LGBTQIA+
Other Identified Vulnerable Populations from Your Reading
Then complete the following steps for your discussion post:

Identify which vulnerable population you have chosen to use for this post and describe what this vulnerable population looks like in your community
Discuss an identified public health issue based on your chosen population.
Discuss 3 ways public health nursing can intervene to address this problem. Utilize current literature to support the relevance of your interventions.

Sample Solution

The aging population is a significant and growing demographic in my community. Here in [City, State], over 15% of residents are aged 65 and over, according to [reference demographic data source]. This population includes active retirees, individuals with chronic health conditions, and those needing varying levels of assistance with daily living.

Public Health Issue: Social Isolation and Loneliness

One of the critical public health issues facing the aging population in my community is social isolation and loneliness. Social isolation refers to a lack of social connections, while loneliness is the subjective feeling of sadness or distress due to lack of companionship. These can have a significant impact on the health and well-being of older adults.

Studies like one published by Holt-Lunstad et al. (2015) in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found social isolation and loneliness to be associated with increased risk of mortality, cognitive decline, and depression.

Public Health Nursing Interventions:

Public health nurses can play a crucial role in addressing social isolation and loneliness among older adults through various interventions:

  1. Social Needs Assessments and Referrals: Public health nurses can conduct comprehensive assessments to identify older adults at risk for social isolation. This may involve screening tools and exploring factors like living arrangements, social support networks, and access to transportation. Based on the assessment, referrals can be made to appropriate resources such as senior centers, social groups, or volunteer programs that foster social connections (Wilmoth & Bean, 2020).
  2. Telehealth and Technology Support: Technology can be a powerful tool for combating social isolation. Public health nurses can provide education and support to help older adults utilize telehealth services for remote consultations with healthcare providers. Additionally, they can assist with learning how to use video conferencing tools to connect with family and friends (Haug et al., 2019).
  3. Community Outreach and Mental Health Support: Public health nurses can participate in community outreach programs that organize social events and activities specifically designed for older adults. They can also partner with mental health professionals to identify and address any underlying depression or anxiety that might be contributing to feelings of loneliness (NASW Task Force on Mental Health and Aging, 2016).

By implementing these interventions, public health nurses can connect older adults with essential resources and promote social engagement, ultimately contributing to their overall health and well-being.

 

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