Older adults' perceptions of obesity and health in Ireland and the United States

¶ … protect the human rights of the different participants, the research ethics committee was informed in Ireland. Inside the U.S., the Institutional Review Board was included as a part of the process. The research design was focused on utilizing the quantitative approach. This is when a specific sample of 70 older adults inside both countries was selected. (Willis, 2011)

During this process, they were asked a series of questions about obesity and understanding the lasting effects. They also had their BMI analyzed to determine if they were overweight or obese. The data collection methods were to conduct different interviews from respondents' answers to numerous questions. At the same time, they were weighed and each respondent was placed into a specific category. This was based upon the results from these measurements (i.e. normal, overweight or obese). (Willis, 2011)

To recruit subjects, everyone was allowed to participate voluntarily and informed how the information was to be utilized. These variables provided researchers with specific insights about the different perceptions. As a result, there was adequate contact between them and participants. (Willis, 2011)

Results

The data analysis showed that there were contrasting views about individual health and the way they impacted respondents. For the U.S., 25% of participants were not engaged in some form of physical activities. While there was a total of 54% who did moderate exercise at select intervals. As far as Ireland was concerned, these numbers were lower with 18% inactive and 38% involved in some type of exercise. (Willis, 2011)

In both sample populations, the most common health problems that were reported include: arthritis and diabetes. These ailments did not affect individual perceptions about their underlying levels of health with the majority of respondent believing they were in fair condition. These factors were determined using different forms of regression analysis of the raw numbers reported from the population sample. (Willis, 2011)

Discussion

The interpretation of the findings demonstrated that most people are older are happy with their weight. This is despite the fact that they know they are obese and do not care if there is an increase in the possibility of them contracting different conditions. These implications are showing how health care professionals must play a more active role in educating patients about these issues and the importance of effectively managing their weight. (Willis, 2011)

The implications are that these problems will continue to become worse if they are left unaddressed. To deal with these challenges, it is recommended that a new approach must be taken by nurses. This means that they must take the initiative and let everyone know how this will hurt their quality of life and underlying levels of health over the long-term. The only way that this can be achieved, is through having discussions about these problems and helping patients to realize the significance of managing their weight. (Willis, 2011)

Global Issues

The larger issues are showing how the report is well organized and the information is presented in a way that makes sense. The researchers' credibility and qualifications are enhancing the quality of the study by illustrating how various perspectives are taken in understanding the problem. This means that the findings will help to corroborate and build upon the conclusions from other studies in this area. The results are trustworthy and they provide meaningful insights. This helps improve the way these techniques can be utilized inside the field of nursing. (Willis, 2011)

Qualitative

Results

The data analysis methods provided a clear way of understanding the scope of these problems impacting older adults. This helped researchers to see how the family doctor can affect their ability to deal with critical issues. The findings are showing how there are numerous areas which is most important to the patient. These include: physical activity, health, stress, mental health, alcohol / tobacco usage, personal hygiene, health screening, the use of prescription medication and social activities. As a result, everyone logically connected to each other through demonstrating how these challenges are impacting older adults and their perceptions of the physician. (Marcinowiz, 2013)

Discussion

The interpretations of these findings are showing how the perceptions of the family doctor will have an impact on if patients are following various activities. This offers specific insights that will help to determine the best way to encourage effective health promotion strategies in this segment of the population. These areas are showing how nurses must work to create positive perceptions. That will enhance compliance in these areas. (Marcinowiz, 2013)

Global Issues

The presentation clearly provides a logical pattern to follow. However, limiting down to one respondent (who is a representation of everyone) could limit these findings. If researchers had taken the different responses and combined them, it would have offered better insights. The credibility of actuaries was illustrated, through their experience in working with these issues and the impact they are having on everyone. As a result, the data is showing how there are specific views in understanding different factors. That will affect an older patient's ability to follow the advice of their family doctor. (Marcinowiz, 2013)