Aging is but a natural phenomenon that is experienced by every individual. However, it's the various and diverse experiences that make it different for everyone. Worldwide there was an estimated 590 million of elderly individuals 60 years old and above and by 2025, the estimated number is 1.1 billion senior citizens. In the Philippines, the estimated number of elderly individuals is 4,280,364 or 5.8 per cent of our population. Living in the Philippines, we are lucky for in our culture, we pay high regards and respect to our elderly. In fact, in the pre-colonial period, they are the ones leading the community and they are the main source of knowledge and decisions back then.
Health Assessment is a crucial tool in order to provide quality care to our clients, the elders at that for they are more prone to illnesses and health threats that we need to focus on. As we age, we undergo different changes in our body as well as our mental states. The normal activities people do when they were 20 years old will not be as easy when they reach 60 years old and above. These changes are referred to as physiologic changes in the body that consists of changes in the heart, lungs, brain, kidneys, muscles and the senses.
The tests provide relevant results because it is standardized and uses a uniform grading and scoring which will make assessment easier. Moreover, with the use of specific type of test to a specific area you want to assess, it would be easier to properly assess the patient. You will readily know areas of problems that we can focus on for proper implementation of nursing care.
Things to consider when doing a physical assessment of an elderly person are: language, physical conditions like altered hearing, privacy and therapeutic communication. Communication is important and the use of empathy rather than sympathy is more appropriate for their age group. Lastly, being sensitive and respectful should be practiced to achieve optimal and accurate results of the examination.