Importance of physical activity, nutrition, and social support for optimal aging.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this article was to provide the clinical nurse specialist (CNS), practicing in settings across the healthcare delivery continuum, with information about physical activity, nutrition, and social support that is essential for optimal aging.


BACKGROUND
Lifestyle choices older adults make concerning physical activity, diet, and social support greatly impact how well they age, their quality of life, and their well-being.


METHODS
This article focuses on 3 key factors essential to successful aging: physical activity, nutrition, and social support. It provides information and assessment and intervention strategy tools that can be used by CNSs to promote optimal aging for older clients.


CONCLUSIONS
This article provides the CNS with resources (literature, assessment tools, and tools for intervention strategies) to promote optimal aging and wellness. CNSs can assist their clients in various settings to age more slowly, delay and prevent certain age-related diseases, and promote more healthful, productive longevity by guiding health-promotion and wellness activities for their older clients.
Wabash Valley Hospital Inc, 2900 North River Road, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA.
Joyce L
JL
McReynolds
Eileen K
EK
Rossen
D000368:Aged; D015444:Exercise; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D009720:Nurse Clinicians; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D012944:Social Support