The concept of health promotion for elderly people holds promise for countries faced with limited resources and the unprecedented growth of their elderly populations. This article draws on the work of David Werner and on research in health education, community development, health promotion and gerontological health to discuss ten principles underlying the concept of geriatric health promotion. By stressing empowerment, the strengths and not merely the needs of aged people, community participation and the role of public policy, geriatric health promotion is seen as embracing the World Health Organization approach to health promotion as a broad, enabling process. Similarly, in its attention to functional health status, the needs of informal caregivers and the social as well as the health needs of elderly people, it complements and draws upon recent trends in the fields of geriatrics and gerontological health. The need for further development of the conceptual base of geriatric health promotion is stressed, as is the importance of surveying existing efforts in this area. Finally, the article underscores the need for developing a theoretical basis for action that would take account of the diversity of settings and conditions in which the model might be applied.
Discussion(0)
No comments yet. Be the first to comment.