There are more than 49 million adults over the age of 65, according to the National Institute on Aging, and the number is expected to increase and so are diseases as more baby boomers reach retirement age throughout the next few years.
As such, "While these diseases are rarely inevitable, it is probable that as the number of older Americans increases, so too will the number of people with age-related diseases," a report from the NIA reads. "A significant increase in the number of individuals with serious chronic conditions will have profound social and economic effects on the nation."
With the increase in an aging population, curbing ageism and improving care for patients is vital, Candace Harrington, PhD, DNP, APRN, gerontology nurse practitioner professor at the University of Louisville in Kentucky, told UofL News.
She noted that preventing health disparities for older adults is something that will require an "all-hands-on-deck approach" from healthcare workers.
Here are five ways Dr. Harrington says nurses can work to combat ageism and disparities for aging patients:
- Make sure nursing education includes detailed training on caring for older adults, both in facilities and within communities at large.
- Nursing professionals should begin their approach to care for older adults by "identifying the problems in care provision or care delivery," Dr. Harrington said.
- Call for legislation that supports nurse practitioners being allowed to practice the full scope of their training to support increasing care needs.
- Continue population-based community research related to aging adults, which will allow healthcare providers to give care with context.
- Embrace the power of technology. Currently, Dr. Harrington said she and a team of colleagues are working with artificial intelligence to improve patient outcomes for those with Alzheimer's disease.
Read Dr. Harrington's full interview with UofL News.