Open AccessObesity in Older Adults
Author(s) -
Ann Mabe Newman
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
online journal of issues in nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.457
H-Index - 41
ISSN - 1091-3734
DOI - 10.3912/ojin.vol14no1man03
Subject(s) - obesity , gerontology , medicine , age groups , psychological intervention , older people , demography , psychiatry , sociology
The prevalence of obesity in the United States is increasing in all age groups. During the past 30 years, the proportion of older adults who are obese has doubled. In this article the author describes the prevalence and causes of obesity among older adults as well as the consequences of obesity in older adults. Recommendations for interventions to address obesity are also provided. Differences between the two groups of older adults, those 50 to 65 years of age, and those over 65 years of age, will be addressed. The goal of the article is to raise nurses’ awareness of the challenges of obesity in older adults