The Impact of Viral Infections on The Aging Population

The Impact of Viral Infections on the Aging Population
Student's Name
University Affiliation
Professor's Name
Course Title
Due Date
Introduction
The aging population faces relatively unique health challenges. In aging, some changes occur in the body that predisposes a person to chronic viral diseases. One of these changes is the weakening of the immune system. Consequently, when infected with a chronic viral disease such as influenza, the elderly is more likely to have severe effects compared to other populations (Brüssow, 2018). In addition, it is also likely that most elderly persons have developed a preexisting health condition. In the modern day, chronic diseases of lifestyle are widespread, especially among adults and the elderly. These include hypertension and diabetes mellitus type II. The existence of another condition further compromises the immune system and complicates the situation making an elderly person at a high risk of developing chronic diseases. It is against this backdrop that this proposal paper attempts to address the issue of chronic viral illness among the elderly by identifying effective preventive, management, and treatment strategies for these conditions. Addressing chronic illnesses would help the elderly live a more fulfilling life and maximize positive health outcomes.
Table of Contents The Impact of Viral Infections on the Aging Population. 1 Introduction. 2 Executive Summary. 4 Project Description. 4 Deliverables and Milestones. 5 Budget 6 Conclusion. 7 References. 8
Executive Summary
This project focuses on chronic viral infections among the elderly with a particular emphasis on prevention, management, and treatment strategies. The project aims to investigate and come up with effective strategies for helping the elderly prevent, manage and treat these viral infections. The project aims to come up with these strategies by using a mixed-method approach to data collection and analysis. This method will include a comprehensive analysis of relevant data, qualitative interviews with appropriate stakeholders, and randomized controlled trials. After data has been collected, it will be analyzed, and relevant inferences obtained. The inferences can then guide optimal practice as well as guide policy development. The goal of the project is to ultimately ensure that the life of elderly persons becomes more productive/ fulfilling through the prevention, management, and treatment of chronic viral infections.
Project Description
Previous work on the topic of the impact of viral infections has revealed that chronic viral illnesses affect a significant population of older adults. Compared to other people groups, the elderly are at an increased risk for infections and long-term health problems (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020). The literature review identified some risk factors predisposing the elderly to chronic viral diseases. These factors include pre-existing health conditions, lifestyle choices, and a compromised immune system associated with old age. The review also revealed that there are some good preventive practices that the elderly can adopt. These include employing good hygiene, modifying lifestyle, and vaccinations. Evidence has revealed that outbreak of viral infection among the elderly would be disastrous (Fisman & Tuite, 2018)
The research problem in this area of concern is to come up with new test interventions that can manage, prevent and treat chronic viral infections among the elderly. The particular research question that the project aims to answer is: What are the most effective interventions for managing chronic viral diseases among the elderly, and how can these interventions be modified to meet the unique needs of older adults?
The best approach for tackling the research problem would be to use a mixed-method approach. The first thing would be to carry out a detailed and systematic review on the existing literature. The approach would also involve administering qualitative interviews with both the elderly and healthcare providers to get their views on the best approaches to deal with chronic viral infections among the elderly. The other method would be to carry out a randomized controlled trial to test the effectiveness of the approaches suggested.
Deliverables and Milestones
The following are the deliverables and milestones for the project, accompanied by the timelines. The project will involve three main milestones, each lasting for six months. In the first six months, there will be two main deliverables and milestones to accomplish. The first is a comprehensive and detailed literature review. The second will be the collection of data. As identified above, a mixed-method approach will be used in the process of collecting data.
The second portion of deliverables and milestones will take place in t...