Special Supplement to Geriatric Nursing: Theory-Based Interventions for Research and Clinical Practice

Abstract

T he number of adults over age 65 is rapidly increasing in the United States, with an increase from 31 to 34 million between 1990 and 2000. With this increase, there is a pressing need for health promotion efforts that will engage older adults. A primary concern in the nursing care of older adults is the development and delivery of interventions that promote health, reduce risk of disability, and increase a healthy quality of life. Strong clinical management with quality outcomes is the hallmark of geriatric nursing practice, and interventions and management of treatment outcomes are best realized if practice is theory based. Translational research is focused on identifying and applying relevant and effective research theories, methods, and findings to inform practice and policy as a basis to improve health and well-being, especially in vulnerable populations. Such efforts have been emphasized by both researchers and clinicians and also reflected in the National Institutes of Health Roadmap. Nursing knowledge guiding translational research requires exploration of the causal, contributing, and contextual factors associated with healthpromoting behaviors. Leaders have called for relevant, theory-based research targeted to specific populations, acknowledging social and contex-