Strategies in preventive care for older people

Abstract

The aim of preventive care traditionally refers to measures taken to prevent disease and injury. However, for vulnerable older people the aim to maintain independence and wellbeing seems to be appropriate. Although a 'gold standard' to stratify for vulnerability in the general older population is lacking, GPs share the same concept of vulnerability for somatic and psychological patient characteristics. However, within the vulnerable older population, there is no evidence (except for physical activity) that a collective screening approach, with a standardized intervention program, will be the most appropriate way to contribute to the maintenance of independence and wellbeing. Moreover, since te majority of vulnerable older people already receive medical care for their chronic disease(s), more benefit can be expected from improving the individual regular care than from a separate screening program. According to GPs, te main topic in the prevention of disease in the general older population is (apart from national programs) cardiovascular risk management. A collective approach, consisting of high risk stratification and treatment, appeared to be possible even at high age.