Chapter 1 Intro
Chapter 1 Intro
Chapter 1 Intro
As people age, their lifestyle naturally evolves, shaped by both physical changes and shifts in priorities.
Older adults often face adjustments in mobility, health routines, social connections, and personal
interests, all of which play a significant role in their daily lives. These lifestyle changes can impact their
health and well-being in various ways. For instance, staying active through light exercise or hobbies can
help maintain physical health and improve mood. On the contrary, limited mobility or reduced social
engagement can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation or depression. Geriatric population is quietly
vulnerable; they have to face difficulties on their own and they might suffer from mental and physical
disabilities which threatens their independence. As period of existence they often find themselves
spending more time alone; maintaining strong social belonging is important for elderly to feel sense of
purpose and to avoid loneliness. Adopting and maintaining regular physical activities and a multifaceted
healthy lifestyle to prevent diseases, manage existing conditions, and improve overall quality of life.
According to the World Health Organization (2018), with the increasing number of older adults
worldwide, promoting health and well-being becomes a priority for aging well. Well-being and physical
and mental health are closely related, and this relation may become more vital at older ages as it may
contribute to aging well. The state of well-being is a multifaceted phenomenon that refers to an
individual’s subjective feelings, and exploring perspectives of older adults on aging well is developing to
be an important area of research. Enhancing physically active lifestyle, participation in social and leisure
activities, healthy eating habits, having a purpose in life, and being intellectually engaged are all
contributing factors to aging well. Vital factors are to be considered in developing strategic health and
rehabilitative plans for promoting aging well among older adults. Therefore, the aim of this study is to
explore perceptions and insights on aging well among older adult. As lifestyle of older adults are getting
worst and may have negative impact on their functioning, but by effective education programs and
interventions aimed at beneficial changes to all elderly individuals.
The interrelationship between lifestyle and health in the elderly is further complicated by social
determinants, including socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, and cultural influences. Many older
adults face barriers to adopting healthy lifestyles due to financial constraints, limited mobility, and lack
of social support. As they grow older they decreased functionality of the body, changed interests,
differed attitude, and changed lifestyle. According to WHO 2020, the aging of the global population is
the most important medical and social demographic problem worldwide. The World Health Organization
(WHO) has defined healthy aging as a process of maintaining functional ability to enable wellbeing in
older age. Greater national capacities and closer monitoring of the progress through age-disaggregated
data is needed to effectively implement the intended programs on healthy aging. Lifestyle assessment
has benefits, particularly to determine health status of citizens and to implement changes in healthcare.
Elderly engaging in physical activity can reduce risk and improve health and quality of life. Inactivity and
aging increase the risk of diseases. Exercise improves strength and flexibility of elderly, which also help
improve balance and coordination that can prevent them from risk. Understanding these barriers is
critical to designing effective interventions that not only promote healthier lifestyles but also address
the underlying social factors that contribute to health disparities among the elderly. Older adults are a
vulnerable group and face a series of problems that are preventable by changing their lifestyle, so it is
necessary to understand the healthy lifestyle and its related factors in older adults. Lifestyle is a
combination of choices, opportunities, and resources. A healthy lifestyle reduces the incidence and
effects of health problems, increases recovery, deals with stressors, and improves the quality of life. It is
better to follow a healthy lifestyle from the early stages of life, but it is never too late to create good
habits and change the lifestyle in old age.
The interrelationship between lifestyle and health in the elderly is further complicated by social
determinants, including socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, and cultural influences. Many older
adults face barriers to adopting healthy lifestyles due to financial constraints, limited mobility, and lack
of social support. Understanding these barriers is critical to designing effective interventions that not
only promote healthier lifestyles but also address the underlying social factors that contribute to health
disparities among the elderly. This phase of life also brings unique opportunities for personal growth,
reflection, and relationship-building. Many older adults embrace activities like volunteering, community
involvement, or spending time with family, which can add a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Understanding how lifestyle choices affect their quality of life can provide valuable insights into
supporting a healthier, more satisfying experience in later years. In summary, the growing effect of
lifestyle factors on elderly individuals determines much of their physical, emotional, and social well-
being. A balanced lifestyle that includes physical activity, social interaction, proper nutrition, and
cognitive engagement contributes to a sense of independence, reduces health risks, and improves
overall life satisfaction (Anderson & Brown, 2018). Thus, lifestyle choices are vital in shaping a fulfilling
and healthy experience for elderly individuals as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of
aging.