engleski

Program of primary, secondary and tertiary prevention for the elderly

The aging process is very individual and normal physiological phenomenon.This indicates that the elderly are a heterogeneous group that requires individual gerontological approach. The basis for the implementation of the program of healthy aging represent their own decisions about positive health behaviors, that are made at a younger age and interact with an effective health programs of preventive health measures. As part of evaluation of the implementation of the preventive program for the elderly is important to define negative health behaviour of the elderly and determine the risk factors of pathological ageing. Primary prevention for the elderly ensures not only prevention of death in early old age but also preservation of functional ability in deep old age through health promotion in old age. The implementation of secondary prevention in health care of the elderly people results in timely diagnosis of disease which can stop its further development and help in its treatment, nursing care and rehabilitation. Tertiary prevention includes different health procedures that prevent physical and mental decline in a diseased old individ-ual and develops the remaining functional capacity. The Program of Healthcare Measures of Prevention for the Elderly is primarily carried out through active primary health care institutions within local, regional and national gerontological centres of the Institute of Public Health. Implementation of preventive programs for the elderly can avert the development of a number of preventable diseases ; for instance, diabetes mellitus, obesity, hypertension, cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases, cancers (breast, ovaries, prostate, lungs), osteoporosis/fractures, incontinence, mental disorders, respiratory diseases (esp. influenza and pneumonia). In Croatia, the program promotes a healthy active aging, consisting of the "Guide for active healthy aging“.

active healthy aging ; gerontology ; family medicine ; positive health behaviour ; Program of health promotion for the elderly ; primary prevention ; secondary prevention ; tertiary prevention ; negative health behaviour ; Program of basic preventive health care measures for elderly

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