Research & Review: Journal of Geriatric Nursing and Health Sciences

Healthy Ageing and Person-Centered Nursing Care: Promoting Functional Independence and Quality of Life

I. Clement — 2026-09-29

Maintaining functional ability, physical health, emotional well-being, social participation, and dignity during later life are all important aspects of the multifaceted process of healthy aging. Healthcare systems must give priority to care approaches that go beyond disease management and accommodate the unique requirements, preferences, values, and life objectives of older people as the number of older adults worldwide continues to rise. By acknowledging older individuals as active partners in decisions about their daily lives and health, person-centered nursing care offers a comprehensive framework for accomplishing these goals. The relationship between person-centered nursing care and healthy aging is examined in this article, with a focus on enhancing quality of life and functional independence. It addresses the significance of thorough geriatric evaluation, customized care planning, health promotion, dietary assistance, exercise, and drug safety. Nursing treatments that promote mobility, self-care, daily living activities, social interaction, and collaborative decision-making can support older individuals in preserving their independence and minimizing avoidable reliance. Essential elements of this strategy include effective communication, respect for individual choices, cultural sensitivity, and cooperation with multidisciplinary teams and families. The article also emphasizes how nurses may support caregivers, recognize functional decline, coordinate community-based services, and promote age-friendly hospital settings. Healthy aging programs can be strengthened by education, evidence-based practice, and proper governmental support, even when obstacles including multimorbidity, insufficient resources, ageism, caregiver burden, and fragmented services may impede the delivery of person-centered care. Incorporating person-centered ideas into geriatric nursing practice fosters meaningful living, involvement, dignity, and resilience.

Voices of Ageing: A Cross-Sectional Assessment of Mental Health among Older Adults Attending an Outpatient Department

Selvaraj. P — 2026-09-30

Introduction: Mental health is an important component of healthy ageing, as older adults may experience psychological difficulties associated with chronic illness, functional limitations, social changes and other age-related challenges. Early identification of psychological distress can facilitate timely supportive care. The present study assessed the level of psychological distress among older adults attending an outpatient department in selected hospitals in Salem, Tamil Nadu.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive survey design was adopted among 60 older adults aged 60 years and above attending selected outpatient departments in Salem during July 2026. Participants were selected using convenience sampling. Data were collected using a socio-demographic questionnaire and the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). The GHQ-12 was administered using the authorised version and scored using the Likert method (0–1–2–3), with total scores ranging from 0 to 36. Higher scores indicated greater psychological distress. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants, and confidentiality and privacy were maintained.

Results: Among the 60 participants, 32 (53.3%) experienced moderate psychological distress, 16 (26.7%) experienced high psychological distress, and 12 (20.0%) reported no psychological distress. Thus, 80.0% of the participants demonstrated some degree of psychological distress based on the study classification.

Conclusion: Psychological distress was common among older adults attending outpatient services, with the majority experiencing moderate psychological distress. Routine screening for psychological distress using brief validated instruments such as the GHQ-12 may support early identification of older adults requiring further assessment and appropriate psychosocial or clinical interventions. Integrating mental health assessment into routine geriatric outpatient care may contribute to more comprehensive and person-centred health care.

Management Challenges in an Elderly Patient with Goodpasture's Syndrome and Multiple Comorbidities: A Case Report

Mithu Joy — 2026-10-13

Background: Goodpasture's syndrome, also referred to as anti-glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) disease, is a rare autoimmune small-vessel disease characterized predominantly by rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis, with or without pulmonary haemorrhage. Although the disease can occur at any age, older patients may present with advanced renal impairment, multiple comorbidities, and complex diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

Case Presentation: A 75-year-old woman with Goodpasture's syndrome and stage 5 chronic kidney disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, chronic anaemia, recurrent infections, pleural effusions, and a right radial artery pseudoaneurysm requiring long-term maintenance haemodialysis, plasmapheresis, blood transfusions, erythropoietin therapy, and multidisciplinary care was admitted to the hospital. Despite intensive treatment, the patient experienced recurrent fluid overload, persistent anaemia, hypoalbuminaemia, recurrent infections, and progressive functional decline.

Conclusion: This case highlights the complexity of managing Goodpasture's syndrome in an elderly patient with multiple comorbidities. Early diagnosis, individualized dialysis strategies, careful nursing assessment, nutritional support, and coordinated multidisciplinary management are essential to minimize complications and optimize patient outcomes.