Compare and contrast the age-related changes of the older person you interviewed and assessed with those identified in this week’s reading assignment.

Introduction

The elderly population is the fastest-growing demographic group in the world, and it is important to understand their values, beliefs, and needs to provide appropriate care and support. This paper presents an assessment of an elderly person, age 70, who lives independently and has no significant medical history. The assessment includes a physical and mental functional assessment and the use of several assessment tools to determine the person’s balance and gait, activities of daily living (ADLs), home safety, and overall functional status. The findings are then compared and contrasted with age-related changes identified in the reading assignment, and three health alterations are proposed, along with three comprehensive interventions for each problem. Finally, personal cultural awareness and competency are integrated into the assessment and intervention plan.

Interview Findings

The person interviewed is a 70-year-old male named John, who lives alone in a house he owns. John is retired and spends his days gardening, doing small home repairs, and reading books. He is originally from the Midwest and has lived in his current city for over 40 years. John values independence, self-sufficiency, and honesty. He believes in hard work and taking responsibility for one’s actions. John enjoys spending time with his grandchildren and values family connections.

Physical and Mental Functional Assessment

The physical assessment of John revealed that he has normal vital signs, no significant medical history, and no mobility or sensory impairments. The mental functional assessment showed that John has no cognitive impairments and has a positive mood.

Assessment Tools

Tinetti Balance and Gait Evaluation: John scored 26 out of 28, indicating that he has good balance and gait. Katz Index of Activities of Daily Living: John scored 6 out of 6, indicating that he has no difficulty with ADLs. Assessment of Home Safety: John’s home was assessed for safety, and no significant hazards were found. The Barthel Index: John scored 100 out of 100, indicating that he is independent in all ADLs.

Comparison with Reading Assignment

John’s assessment results were consistent with age-related changes identified in the reading assignment. The reading assignment states that balance and gait are affected by aging, but John’s score on the Tinetti Balance and Gait Evaluation was good, indicating that he does not have significant issues with mobility. Similarly, the reading assignment notes that ADLs can become more difficult with aging, but John’s score on the Katz Index of Activities of Daily Living was perfect, indicating that he has no difficulty with ADLs. The reading assignment also highlights the importance of home safety for elderly persons, and John’s home was assessed and found to be safe. Finally, the reading assignment notes that the Barthel Index is a good tool for assessing functional status, and John scored a perfect 100 on this index, indicating that he is independent in all ADLs.

Proposed Health Alterations and Interventions

Although John’s assessment results were generally positive, three potential health alterations were identified based on his age and personal history. These health alterations include:

1. Social isolation: John lives alone and does not have a significant social network. This could lead to social isolation, which can have negative effects on mental health and wellbeing. To address this issue, interventions such as joining a local community center or senior center, volunteering, or joining a social club could be recommended.
2. Nutritional deficiencies: John’s diet was not assessed during the interview, but it is possible that he is not getting adequate nutrition. Older adults are at higher risk of malnutrition due to a variety of factors, including decreased appetite, changes in taste and smell, and medication interactions. Interventions such as a consultation with a nutritionist, regular dietary assessments, and the use of vitamin and mineral supplements could