Page 178 - Petelin, Ana. 2021. Ed. Zdravje starostnikov / Health of the Elderly. Proceedings. Koper: University of Primorska Press.
P. 178
avje starostnikov | health of the elderly 176 Keywords: healthy aging, intergenerational cooperation, food habits,
covid-19 illness
Introduction
Slovenia is one of many countries with a rapidly aging population. In view of
these demographic changes, some reforms are needed at the national level. To
ensure the quality of life of aging citizens, remedies and solutions in the form
of intergenerational cooperation and solidarity in a close community are need-
ed (Hozjan, 2010).
As the human lifespan lengthens, the need to maintain and preserve the
quality of life and independence of our elderly increases (Mihor et al., 2018).
As a result of the aging process, older people need help and a variety of
services, either in a formal setting (institutional care, volunteer work, home
care) or informally (relatives, neighbours, friends...) (Marjan Cugmas et al.,
2021).
Chronic diseases are a major problem in old age (Cijan and Cijan, 2003).
The interconnectedness of chronic diseases in elderly patients can lead to fre-
quent hospitalizations, where treatment is prolonged and the recovery process
worsens (Poredoš, 2004).
Intergenerational collaboration can have a major positive impact on peo-
ple’s well-being and health. For older people, engaging in such activities leads
to minimizing potential problems as they generally improve mood, reduce iso-
lation, strengthen their social network, sense of belonging and sense of impor-
tance to society (Macuh, 2019).
A healthy lifestyle is based on a balanced and planned diet and the right
amount of physical activity, which in turn can lead to a longer and healthier
life. The energy requirement of an elderly person is reduced due to slower ba-
sal metabolic rate and less physical activity, also the functions of internal or-
gans are reduced, endocrine system and immune system are less efficient and
all these factors can also lead to inadequate absorption of nutrients in the body
(Pregelj et al., 2011). The immune system of a person depends on age, diet, me-
tabolism and genetics (Rotovnik Kozjek, 2020).
Active and healthy aging is a process that promotes and strengthens the
capabilities of health, safety, and inclusion in society with the long-term goal of
improving the health and well-being of older people (Kenda, 2018).
A society’s longevity strategy is based on the concept of active aging, i.e.
people living active, healthy, independent and safe intergenerational lives in all
areas of life, including older people (Bednaš and Kajzer, 2017).
Methods
The survey was conducted from March to April 2021 and included 60 inde-
pendent elderly people (70% women and 30% men) from Eastern Slovenia. In
covid-19 illness
Introduction
Slovenia is one of many countries with a rapidly aging population. In view of
these demographic changes, some reforms are needed at the national level. To
ensure the quality of life of aging citizens, remedies and solutions in the form
of intergenerational cooperation and solidarity in a close community are need-
ed (Hozjan, 2010).
As the human lifespan lengthens, the need to maintain and preserve the
quality of life and independence of our elderly increases (Mihor et al., 2018).
As a result of the aging process, older people need help and a variety of
services, either in a formal setting (institutional care, volunteer work, home
care) or informally (relatives, neighbours, friends...) (Marjan Cugmas et al.,
2021).
Chronic diseases are a major problem in old age (Cijan and Cijan, 2003).
The interconnectedness of chronic diseases in elderly patients can lead to fre-
quent hospitalizations, where treatment is prolonged and the recovery process
worsens (Poredoš, 2004).
Intergenerational collaboration can have a major positive impact on peo-
ple’s well-being and health. For older people, engaging in such activities leads
to minimizing potential problems as they generally improve mood, reduce iso-
lation, strengthen their social network, sense of belonging and sense of impor-
tance to society (Macuh, 2019).
A healthy lifestyle is based on a balanced and planned diet and the right
amount of physical activity, which in turn can lead to a longer and healthier
life. The energy requirement of an elderly person is reduced due to slower ba-
sal metabolic rate and less physical activity, also the functions of internal or-
gans are reduced, endocrine system and immune system are less efficient and
all these factors can also lead to inadequate absorption of nutrients in the body
(Pregelj et al., 2011). The immune system of a person depends on age, diet, me-
tabolism and genetics (Rotovnik Kozjek, 2020).
Active and healthy aging is a process that promotes and strengthens the
capabilities of health, safety, and inclusion in society with the long-term goal of
improving the health and well-being of older people (Kenda, 2018).
A society’s longevity strategy is based on the concept of active aging, i.e.
people living active, healthy, independent and safe intergenerational lives in all
areas of life, including older people (Bednaš and Kajzer, 2017).
Methods
The survey was conducted from March to April 2021 and included 60 inde-
pendent elderly people (70% women and 30% men) from Eastern Slovenia. In
