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Essay "Paper on Maintenance of a Healthy Body Image and a Positive Self-Perception" - grade 75

paper on Maintenance of a Healthy Body Image and a Positive Self-Perception

Course

Health Aging (Nurs 1016)

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Memorial University of Newfoundland

Academic year: 2014/2015

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Memorial University of Newfoundland

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1 Maintenance of a Healthy Body Image and a Positive Nursing 1016: Healthy Aging 2 Table of Contents Introduction 3 Body Image and in Later Life 3 Strategies 6 Implications 9 Conclusion 9 References 11 4 the positive. As nurses, we hope to transition the older adult from a negative body image to a positive body image. We want them to celebrate and appreciate their natural body shape and feel proud and accepting of their unique body. We want them to feel comfortable and confident. Using nursing research, we understand that men and women are both susceptible to cultural pressure to maintain a youthful appearance but the way in which the problem presents itself, varies greatly between genders. The physical decline and onset of conditions a bigger role than changes in appearance in older negative feelings about their (Clarke, 2011) This appears to be because they are greatly affected in losing their independence and strength as this links to their masculine identity. Many older women tend to be dissatisfied with their appearances. They feel a strong and internal pressure to attend to their appearances, particularly in relation to their (Clarke, 2011) Perhaps the reason for this feeling is to avoid disapproval from their family, friends and the public whom they interact with on a daily basis. In a study, it was reported that when asked what a number one concern was, the of the participants discussed their weight as a source of Older women often spoke about past and ongoing efforts to alter or maintain their weight through restrictive harmful diets. (Tiggemann, 2003) This suggests that as women reach the older stages of life, they start to replace exercise with less strenuous activities and programs replacing them with seen on products and diets which are more harmful than helpful. It is more likely to watch a television commercial as an older adult than to research ways to live a healthy lifestyle. Current national television programs take advantage of the vulnerability of the older adult with fad diets that, the program allege, will help you lose extreme amounts of body fat in a short period of time with minimal effort. An example of this is the popular American television show, Doctor Oz. On the show, Doctor Oz. presents many weight loss cures 5 that have been based off homeopathic and unproven methodologies. A study published in the British Medical Journal on the effectiveness of his suggested medical practices found that of his recommendations had no scientific backing or rationale. The study showed that of the consisted of no supporting scientific evidence, while the remaining went directly against scientific evidence. (Korownyk, 2014) As nurses we know that keeping up a healthy body takes work and time. We need to assist and educate the older adult in reaching what they see satisfactory so they can create a positive body image. Another important aspect in creating and maintaining mental wellness in the older adult is a positive Media statements like aging spots and reinforce expectations of aging and portray a narrow view of successful (Van Norman, 2012) These types of comments may make the older adult find it difficult to believe in their ability to retain health and vitality. Apart from body image, this is where is crucial. not that older adults believe that their bodies are not adequate, that they always have the confidence to attempt to improve their health. Based off the literature, we have concluded that they often perceive themselves as frail older adults who have already gone through the intense work of their youth. They believe they now deserve a period of relaxation the easy chair as a reward for a hard (Van Norman, 2012) Men especially have reinforced negative feelings about physical activity. In the past, physical activity was just considered leisure activities and sports. They perceive work around the house to be considered a physical activity, despite it actually being able to give you a full workout you need as an older adult. When trying to discuss this with an older adult, they would say, they have so much time and energy to do something active, they should be doing something (Van Norman, 2012). This means that older adults may not realize that productive activities like mowing the lawn and walking the dog are aspects of physical activity that can maintain wellness 7 are less strenuous than others, such as walking. Evidently, physical activity is important for all older people not just healthy older adults (Touhy et al., 2012). Walking is a low impact exercise that older adults can take part in, even those who are not healthy. These walks do not have to be long. Walking around their neighbourhood or down the hallway in their home can make a difference. Older adults who still have mobility can also partake in exercise gardening. Gardening can be a good form of exercise because they are able to work at their own pace. Gardening allows many movements such as bending down, lifting bags or flowerpots, and pushing a lawn mower. Group exercise is another way for seniors to remain activity. Many communities have weekly bowling nights and also water aerobics. Water aerobics can improve joint strength and it can also be therapeutic for their muscles. Participating in groups is a fun way to exercise and also allows for socialization. Most adults do not exercise aiming to exercise three times a week the older adult can improve their overall fitness. Obtaining an adequate amount of sleep is another way older adults can maintain their health. Many older adults have poor sleeping habits and are not getting enough sleep. This can be improved making a bedtime routine. Promotion of ideal sleep habits is important, especially when the older adult is residing in a health care setting. Sleep can be improved caffeine, nicotine, and diuretics, especially late in the (Touhy et al., 2012). Avoiding long naps in the daytime, watching television or using other electronics before bed can also increase the amount of sleep one gets. and sleep are restorative, recuperative, and necessary for the preservation of (Touhy et al., 2012) therefore, crucial to promote. It has been found that, nutrition means that all of the essential nutrients, carbohydrates, fat, protein, vitamins, minerals, and water are adequately supplied and used to maintain optimal health and well (Touhy et al., 2012). This is important for the older adult because a well balanced diet helps boost their immune system, maintains brain function, and 8 supplies the body with energy. dietary intake of calcium and vitamin D are needed to maintain bone health and prevent (Garcia Johnson, 2003). Older adults can acquire calcium drinking milk and consuming other dairy products. Vitamin D can be gained drinking orange juice and also taking supplements. avoiding the traditional Newfoundland meals known to have high sodium intake and excessive fat, older adults can their risk of developing diet related chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, heart disease, hypertension, obesity, and some (Garcia Johnson, 2003). Engaging in cognitive activities for the older adult helps keep their mind alert and active. In the textbook it states, stimulation and attention to brain health is just as important as physical yet it is an aspect of health that is often forgotten. Examples of cognitive activities are puzzles, card games, computer games, as well as reading. challenging their minds with such activities, older adults can prevent memory loss and delay dementia. Thus, enhancing their health status. Based on literature, we have found that often times, elders feel lonely and depressed as they age due to lack of socializing. Socializing improves happiness and also allows the older adult to feel connected with their community. The older adult can engage in socializing attending weekly mass at their church. Many communities offer senior clubs where activities are planned such as games of bingo, bridge, and darts. Older adults who associate themselves with these clubs feel a sense of belongingness and it also gives them something to look forward to which improves their outlook on life. The older adult will be able to maintain their health implementing the mentioned strategies in their lives. 10 encourages them to become more physically active. This in turn, leads to amplified feelings of self worth, happiness, and an overall positive Older adults who feel positively about themselves are more likely to interact with others and become involved with their community. Therefore, enhancing longevity goals for the older adult. Encouragement and support from healthcare professionals is critical for the older adult to maintain a healthy body image and a positive as nurses, it is important that we acknowledge the needs of older patients, encouraging society to do the same through education and advocacy. 11 References Clarke, L. (2011). Aging and the Body: A Review. Canadian Journal on Aging, 30(3), Retrieved January 29, 2015, from Project Muse. Alicia C. Garcia PhD, RD, CFE C. Shanthi Johnson PhD, PDt (2003) Development of Educational Modules for the Promotion of Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Among Immigrant Older Adults, Journal of Nutrition For the Elderly, 22:3, doi: Korownyk, C. (2014). Televised medical talk they recommend and the evidence to support their recommendations: A prospective observational study. Retrieved February 6, 2015, from Seguin, R., Eldridge, G., Lynch, W., Paul, L. (2013). Strength Training Improves Body Image and Physical Activity Behaviors Among Midlife and Older Rural Women. Retrieved January 31, 2015, from Tiggemann, M. (2003, January 1). Body image across the adult life span: Stability and change. Retrieved February 11, 2015, from Touhy, T., Jett, K., Boscart, V., McCleary, L. (2012). Ebersole and Gerontological Nursing Healthy Aging (1st ed.). Toronto, ON: Elsevier Canada. Van Norman, K. (2012). Psychosocial barriers must be considered when designing wellness programs for older adults. Retrieved February 6, 2015, from

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