Does Social Environment Impact Health In Rural Geriatric Communities
Abstract
Background: Aging is an inevitable process one will experience in their lifetime (Harris, 1999). The growing pace of the aging population is much faster than in the past due to advances in medicine and technology (Harris, 1999). People worldwide are living longer. Every country in the world is experiencing a growth in the size and proportion of older persons identified as “elderly,” also known as the geriatric community (World Health Organization, 2022). In the United States of America, rural environments are experiencing a rapid increase in the number of older adults compared to urban areas.
It has been determined that as elderly individuals age, challenges exist with their health due to the aging process that affects their lifespan (Harris, 1999). Evidence suggests that maintaining good health involves constantly providing a supportive and physical environment (World Health Organization, 2022). However, physical and social environments that lack support can affect health—creating barriers that connect to adverse decisions and changes in health behaviors that can be determinantal to health.
Methods: This qualitative research project will examine and identify the relationship between health choices and the social environment for elderly individuals in a rural Georgia community. The project will analyze group interviews and surveys through a phenomenological approach to determine if the social environment impacts health and lifestyle choices.
Anticipated Results: The findings from this research will determine if there is a direct impact regarding the social environment and health choices, which would provide evidence that the social environment could be vital in promoting healthy lifestyle choices for elderly members living in rural communities.
Conclusion: The implementations from this research will create awareness and provide recommendations for implementing successful public health educational projects and programs to ensure the proper support and resources are available in the social environment to address the elderly population's health needs and promote healthy aging.
Keywords
Health Education and Promotion, Senior Citizens, Elderly, Aging, Geriatric Community, Environmental Barriers
Does Social Environment Impact Health In Rural Geriatric Communities
Background: Aging is an inevitable process one will experience in their lifetime (Harris, 1999). The growing pace of the aging population is much faster than in the past due to advances in medicine and technology (Harris, 1999). People worldwide are living longer. Every country in the world is experiencing a growth in the size and proportion of older persons identified as “elderly,” also known as the geriatric community (World Health Organization, 2022). In the United States of America, rural environments are experiencing a rapid increase in the number of older adults compared to urban areas.
It has been determined that as elderly individuals age, challenges exist with their health due to the aging process that affects their lifespan (Harris, 1999). Evidence suggests that maintaining good health involves constantly providing a supportive and physical environment (World Health Organization, 2022). However, physical and social environments that lack support can affect health—creating barriers that connect to adverse decisions and changes in health behaviors that can be determinantal to health.
Methods: This qualitative research project will examine and identify the relationship between health choices and the social environment for elderly individuals in a rural Georgia community. The project will analyze group interviews and surveys through a phenomenological approach to determine if the social environment impacts health and lifestyle choices.
Anticipated Results: The findings from this research will determine if there is a direct impact regarding the social environment and health choices, which would provide evidence that the social environment could be vital in promoting healthy lifestyle choices for elderly members living in rural communities.
Conclusion: The implementations from this research will create awareness and provide recommendations for implementing successful public health educational projects and programs to ensure the proper support and resources are available in the social environment to address the elderly population's health needs and promote healthy aging.
