Features evidence-based, practical, and effective strategies for creating and maintaining optimal quality of life for older adults

This globally focused resource integrates sound research evidence, real-life case scenarios, and effective, practical strategies to address a key health care initiative of the 21st century: optimal quality of life for older adults. Distinguished by its broad outlook, the book includes contributions from an international cadre of widely published scholars and is designed for easy integration into traditional nursing education curricula. The book explores the experiences of older adults at home, in assisted living, and in nursing home environments, examining their complex and wide-ranging health, spiritual, and emotional needs.

The book is organized into two sections that address quality of life issues. Section I broadly addresses quality of life issues across the full range of care environments, while Section II addresses some of the more specific issues and health conditions that have an impact on the quality of life of older adults. A detailed and multidimensional case study opens each chapter, including subjective and objective data focusing on the quality-of-life domain being addressed. Articulation and definition of each quality-of-life issue are presented along with information on the incidence and prevalence of the problem. Several cases addressing issues older adults encounter in preventing and managing acute and chronic disease serve as a clinical resource guide, with an emphasis on clinical reasoning. Each chapter features a comprehensive, synthesized literature review, delivering the best evidence in the field and offering effective strategies for managing care issues. Generalist and advanced practice nursing roles in promoting quality of life, along with relevant cultural considerations, are covered in detail. Each chapter concludes with tips and strategies for the promotion of quality of life among older adults, accompanied by a list of critical thinking questions. Content is organized to be compatible with the Adult-Gero Nurse Practitioner Certification Test Plan.

Key Features:

Addresses key quality-of-life education and practice initiatives advanced by leading gerontology organizations worldwideIncludes detailed, multifaceted case studies reflecting extensive, current evidence-based literatureDescribes practical, cost-effective strategies aimed at maintaining healthDisseminates the universally applicable perspectives of international scholars of global agingProvides content compatible with the Adult-Gero Nurse Practitioner Certification Test Plan

Meredith Wallace Kazer