Promoting the Health of Older Adults and their Caregivers

Chronic Health Conditions in Older Adults

Over 10 million older adults in the United States have a disabling condition that affects their ability to live independently. The percentage of persons with disabilities increases sharply with age, with nearly 75% of those over the age of 80 having one or more severe disabilities. Among the most debilitating conditions are osteoarthritis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. Older adults are at risk for excess disability, or impairment of function beyond that directly attributable to disease, when social and physical support is inadequate.

Family Caregiving

The majority of older adults with disabling conditions are cared for by their family members. Over half of older adults with a cognitive or physical disorder receive help on a daily basis. On average families provide care for over 5 years. Many families provide care around the clock. The current economic value of family caregiving exceeds $195 billion per year.

Health Risks among Family Caregivers

Severe depression, anxiety, substance abuse, severe anger, and stress related to health problems including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and infectious diseases are highly common. Family caregivers who experience stressors that exceed their ability to cope are at increased risk for committing elder abuse.

What is the role of Geropsychology in caregiving issues?

Geropsychologists have been at the forefront in developing and delivering cost-effective health promotion programs that:

Help older adults and their families manage disease and prevent excess disability through programs that improve treatment adherence, stress management skills, and access to social support.

Increase family caregivers' knowledge of effective and safe caregiving strategies and improve their emotional coping skills in order to reduce or prevent stress-related problems and enhance their quality of life.

Provide safe and effective alternatives to medication when the use of medication is inappropriate due to side effects, the risk of drug interactions, or a lack of evidence of their effectiveness in treating the problem.

Increase the ability of families to safely care for their loved ones at home and avoid or delay costly institutionalization.

Presented by Jane E. Fisher, Ph.D., Dept. of Psychology, University of Nevada, Reno at the American Psychological Association Congressional Briefing, "Contributions of Geropsychology to an Aging America" March 14, 2002.

American Psychological Association, July 2003