An older client asks the nurse what they can do to live to a healthy old age. Which response by the nurse promotes healthy aging?

Question

1. "You should not receive influenza and pneumococcal vaccines."
2. "You should decrease nutritional intake of dairy products."
3. "You should avoid any weightlifting."
4. "You should use available preventive and screening services."

Answer 1

4. "You should use available preventive and screening services."

Explanation: 1. Americans can improve their chances for a healthy old age by simply taking advantage of recommended preventive health services and by making healthy lifestyle changes. Receiving important vaccinations can reduce risk for illness.
2. Decreasing nutritional intake of proteins (including dairy products) can lead to poor nutrition, which increases fatigue, weakness, and loss of muscle mass.
3. Exercise should not be limited because it is needed to increase capacity and ability to use oxygen to derive energy for work; decrease myocardial oxygen demands; alter lipid and carbohydrate metabolism; prevent cardiovascular disease; maintain or increase muscle tone and strength; and increase physical fitness.
4. Americans can improve their chances for a healthy old age by simply taking advantage of recommended preventive health services and by making healthy lifestyle changes. About 70% of the physical decline that occurs with aging is related to modifiable factors such as smoking, poor nutrition, physical inactivity, and failure to use preventive and screening services.