Preventive Care for Elderly People

A succinct, up-to-the-minute account of the benefit, risks and costs of preventive care measures for the elderly.

David C. Kennie (Author)

9780521430449, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 28 October 1993

336 pages
23.6 x 15.2 x 2.1 cm, 0.59 kg

"This book covers a large amount of material in a concise, well organized manner. The author critically evaluates preventive care in the elderly and is not just a cheerleader for prevention. He is not afraid to point out gaps in our knowledge or state where evidence of effectiveness is lacking...a good overview of the subject and an enjoyable read." Journal of the American Geriatrics Society

This book examines the concepts of preventive care and health promotion specifically in the context of the elderly. It adopts a broad concept of health and defines a number of goals around this theme. Thereafter it provides a succinct, up-to-the-minute critique of the worth, risks and costs of preventive care and health promotional strategies for older people. A broad range of such strategies are considered including cancer prevention, the prevention of non-cancer health problems and strategies aimed at enhancing functional status and strengthening the social support network. Principles for tailoring these strategies to the varied needs and wishes of elderly people are outlined. Likewise, practical measures are discussed for integrating these preventive strategies into the existing health care system. In particular, the role of screening, case-finding and targeting strategies in primary care are reviewed in detail. The book concludes with a wider look at the cost implications of preventive care for the purchasers of health and health care services.

1. An overall perspective
2. What is health in old age?
3. The goals of health promotion for elderly people
4. A task for everyone
5. Critique of strategies
6. Cancer prevention
7. The prevention of non-cancer health problems
8. Enhancing functional status
9. Strengthening support systems
10. Summary of problems and strategies
11. Tailoring strategies to individuals
12. Targetting, screening and surveillance in primary care
13. Practical aspects of implementation
14. The cost of preventive care and health promotion.

Subject Areas: Geriatric nursing [MQCL4]