Patricia Hora

Abstract

The number and percent of the population over the age of 60 in the United States is increasing. The majority of these people (96%) are functioning in their own homes (Shanas, 1965). Physical health is important to the enjoyment and utilization of the added years of life. Therefore it seems important to find ways to meet the older citizen before the time of illness and help him/her to develop health goals and plans that will facilitate an optimal level of functioning and improve the quality of life.

The purpose of this study was to describe a method of intervening at a developmental milestone (retirement) with the intention of assisting the retiree to prepare a personal health plan which would encourage health maintenance and an optimal level of functioning.

The convenience sample was composed of 28 men and women sixty years and older who had retired from employment within the previous six months. Nineteen were in white collar or professional positions. Nine could be classified as unskilled workers.

A tool was designed specifically for this study which would determine the current health planning of retirees. A health plan was assumed to consist of two major elements:

  1. a written medical, dental and emergency record and
  2. stated health goals in the areas of physical needs, diet and life style.

An appointment was made to meet each retiree in his/her own home. At this time the simple screening measures (blood pressure, apical/radial pulse, height and weight evaluation, vision screening, hearing screening, and urine testing) were performed. The health practices questionnaire was filled out by the retiree. A structured guide for interviewing was used by the nurse for other information[.](sic) These procedures provided the basis for health education, counseling, recommendations and referrals to appropriate resources. All findings were discussed with the retiree and with spouse if present. A packet of health literature including, resources was given each person and discussed as appropriate. A follow-up visit was scheduled in two weeks, when a post-test on health plans was given. Previously stated health goals were discussed to determine what action, if any, had been taken.

The most common omissions in health plans were: the telephone number of an ambulance service or a hospital, existence of a will, and a record of important documents. Only 36 percent had all their medical, dental and emergency numbers in one location. The greatest improvement in health planning was getting all information in writing in one place.

In the area of health goals, referrals were needed for hearing evaluation, blood pressure check and pap test. Most counseling was done in the area of self breast examination, exercise and weight loss.

The health plan scores, both pre and post, were examined in a paired t test. The health goals were totaled pre and post-intervention and the totals were also examined in a paired t test. The level of significance chosen for both tests was α=.05. Both results showed p =< .001. While these statistics do not prove that nursing intervention was the cause of the improved scores in both health plans and health goals, they do lend credence to the hypothesis that Community Health Nurse intervention near the time of retirement may facilitate the development of a health plan by the retiree.

LLU Discipline

Nursing

Department

Nursing

School

Graduate School

First Advisor

Ruth M. White

Second Advisor

Astrid King

Third Advisor

James F. Dyer

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Degree Level

M.S.

Year Degree Awarded

1977

Date (Title Page)

5-1977

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Aged -- education; Health Education; Public Health Nursing; Retirement

Type

Thesis

Page Count

vi; 74

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

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