Chapter 21: Older Adult Health in the Community

Older Adult Health in the Community moves beyond chronological age to explore the social context of aging, utilizing a social equity and justice lens to address the diverse needs of older populations including ethnocultural minorities, official language communities, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Community health nurses (CHNs) are highlighted as essential practitioners who navigate both public health and home health roles to support wellness and independence through the promotion of age-friendly communities and aging-in-place strategies. The text delves into critical clinical and social concerns such as fall prevention through mobility exercises, nutritional assessments that account for social isolation, and the management of polypharmacy through rigorous medication reconciliation. It also addresses sensitive topics like sexual health, the increasing rates of sexually transmitted infections in older adults, and the complex ethical responsibilities surrounding medical assistance in dying (MAiD). Mental health receives significant attention, specifically regarding the rising prevalence of dementia and the detrimental effects of social isolation and elder abuse. Furthermore, the chapter emphasizes the unique health disparities faced by Indigenous First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, as well as the barriers encountered by rural residents and new immigrants. Through empowerment, evidence-informed research like the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging, and active participation in public policy, CHNs are portrayed as leaders in building community capacity and addressing the root causes of health inequities for the aging population.