Open AccessThe impact of chronic disease and disability on the elderly
Author(s) -
C. J. Eales
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
south african journal of physiotherapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.166
H-Index - 3
eISSN - 2410-8219
pISSN - 0379-6175
DOI - 10.4102/sajp.v55i3.567
Subject(s) - medicine , psychological intervention , disease , chronic disease , gerontology , life style , physical therapy , incidence (geometry) , health education , health care , intensive care medicine , psychiatry , public health , nursing , environmental health , physics , pathology , optics , economics , economic growth
Health care systems for elderly people should aim to delay the onset of illness, reducing the final period of infirmity and illness to the shortest possible time. The most effective way to achieve this is by health education and preventative medicine to maintain mobility and function. Changes in life style even in late life may result in improved health, effectively decreasing the incidence of chronic diseases associated with advancing age. This paper presents the problems experienced by elderly persons with chronic diseases and disabilities with indications for meaningful therapeutic interventions.