There are three main risk factors that contribute to vulnerability in older adults: health status; cognitive ability; and, social network.

What are vulnerable seniors?

It tracked the social and psychological impacts of COVID-19 on more than 2,000 Canadians 18 years of age and older – with an emphasis on vulnerable seniors, defined as 65 years or older who are living alone and in fair or poor health.

Why are the elderly a vulnerable population in healthcare?

Although life expectancy is increasing and disability is currently decreasing in the elder population as a whole, socioeconomic and environmental resources are lacking for many elders. This lack of resources added to physiologic decline places elders at increased risk for health problems.

What are the risks for elderly?

Risk factors for older people

• an increase in physical health problems/conditions e.g. heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease.
• chronic pain.
• side-effects from medications.
• losses: relationships, independence, work and income, self-worth, mobility and flexibility.
• social isolation.

Is the elderly population vulnerable?

Likewise, senior citizens are considered a vulnerable population, even if an individual elderly person is physically able to care for herself and is in full possession of her mental capacity.

What makes a vulnerable population?

Vulnerable populations include the economically disadvantaged, racial and ethnic minorities, the uninsured, low-income children, the elderly, the homeless, those with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and those with other chronic health conditions, including severe mental illness.

What is the primary cause of vulnerability?

Poverty is a primary cause of vulnerability. Vulnerable populations are groups (aggregates) with an increased risk to develop adverse health outcomes.

Why are the elderly more vulnerable to abuse?

Risk factors Individual level characteristics which increase the risk of becoming a victim of abuse include functional dependence/disability, poor physical health, cognitive impairment, poor mental health and low income.

What factors affect the aging process?

The most notable exogenous factors influencing degree of aging were sun exposure and smoking. Other possibly contributory lifestyle factors include alcohol consumption, stress, diet, exercise, disease, and medication.

What are some risks that elderly people face during hospitalizations?

The most commonly identified risk factors for developing the hazards of hospitalization are sleep disturbance, sensory impairment, immobility and falls, incontinence, polypharmacy, depression, pressure ulcers, infection, malnutrition, and delirium (Table 1).

What are some of the risk factors that can increase an older person’s likelihood of experiencing a mental health issue?

This may be due to:

• illness.
• frailty and loss of independence.
• grief and loss.
• financial stress.
• changing living arrangements.
• increasing social isolation.

What makes a population at risk or vulnerable?

Vulnerable populations include patients who are racial or ethnic minorities, children, elderly, socioeconomically disadvantaged, underinsured or those with certain medical conditions. Members of vulnerable populations often have health conditions that are exacerbated by unnecessarily inadequate healthcare.

What age group is considered vulnerable?

Both the very young and the very old are likely to be medically vulnerable. Adults over age 65 are more likely to encounter diseases related to aging, such as Alzheimer’s disease, or more advanced chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

What is a vulnerable community?

Vulnerable populations are groups and communities at a higher risk for poor health as a result of the barriers they experience to social, economic, political and environmental resources, as well as limitations due to illness or disability.