Common Chronic Health Conditions Associated With Aging

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About the Course
This course is designed to assist healthcare professionals in encouraging, teaching, and guiding older adults with chronic conditions to practice healthy lifestyles. This course explores common chronic conditions associated with aging, and discusses how healthcare professionals can help older adults manage these conditions and enhance health. Included is a look at the emotional effects of coping with loss, disability, and chronic conditions. Depression and bereavement are described, along with the stages of grief and methods of distinguishing among them. Because the incidence of cancer increases with age, preventive cancer screening and prevention guidelines for older adults are presented. Prevention, treatment of, and coping with such common problems as hearing loss, hypertension, and incontinence are also discussed. Because stroke, arthritis, and osteoporosis all have the potential to negatively affect functional status, these conditions are also reviewed to help promote healthy aging. 

Learning Objectives
  • Describe the emotional effects of coping with age-related physiological changes.
  • Identify common chronic conditions associated with the aging process.
  • Review the most effective ways to help older adult patients prevent common chronic conditions associated with aging.
About the Author
Fayron Epps, PhD, RN,
has been a registered nurse for 16 years. She recently completed her postdoctoral fellowship with the National Hartford Center of Gerontological Nursing Excellence. She is currently employed as an Assistant Professor at Georgia State University. Additionally, Dr. Epps serves as adjunct faculty with the Louisiana State University Life Course and Aging Center. She is an active member with numerous professional organizations, including the Gerontological Society of America, National Gerontological Nurses Association, and International Dementia Scholars Collaborative. Most recently she has been elected to the Board of Directors for Louisiana Enhancing Aging with Dignity through Empowerment and Respect (LEADER).

Dr. Epps’ career goal as a nurse scholar is to promote health across the life span by increasing the quality of life for family caregivers and recognizing the multidimensional complexities of supporting older adults through nursing research, education, and service. Her program of research involves evidence-based practices for promoting quality of life for persons with dementia and their family caregivers. Dr. Epps has presented her research at local, regional, and national conferences. In addition, she has published in the Journal of Religion, Spirituality & Aging, Geriatric Nursing, Journal of Gerontological Nursing, Research in Gerontological Nursing, and Journal of Research Practice.

How to Receive Credit
  • Read the entire course online or in print which requires a 3-hour commitment of time.
  • Depending on your state requirements you will be asked to complete:
  • An affirmation that you have completed the educational activity.
  • A mandatory test (a passing score of 75 percent is required). Test questions link content to learning objectives as a method to enhance individualized learning and material retention.
  • Provide required personal information and payment information.
  • Complete the mandatory Self-Assessment and Course Evaluation.
  • Print your Certificate of Completion.
Disclosures
Resolution of Conflict of Interest

Colibri Healthcare, LLC implemented mechanisms prior to the planning and implementation of the continuing education activity, to identify and resolve conflicts of interest for all individuals in a position to control content of the course activity.

Sponsorship/Commercial Support and Non-Endorsement
It is the policy of Colibri Healthcare, LLC not to accept commercial support. Furthermore, commercial interests are prohibited from distributing or providing access to this activity to learners.

Disclaimer
The information provided in this activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition.

©2019: All Rights Reserved. Materials may not be reproduced without the expressed written permission or consent of Colibri Healthcare, LLC. The materials presented in this course are meant to provide the consumer with general information on the topics covered. The information provided was prepared by professionals with practical knowledge of the areas covered. It is not meant to provide medical, legal, or professional advice. Colibri Healthcare, LLC recommends that you consult a medical, legal, or professional services expert licensed in your state. Colibri Healthcare, LLC has made all reasonable efforts to ensure that all content provided in this course is accurate and up to date at the time of printing, but does not represent or warrant that it will apply to your situation nor circumstances and assumes no liability from reliance on these materials. Quotes are collected from customer feedback surveys. The models are intended to be representative and not actual customers.