What is a primary goal of geriatric nursing?

Promoting autonomy and quality of life is at the core of geriatric nursing because this specialization is centered on enhancing the well-being of older adults. As individuals age, they often experience various physical, psychological, and social changes, making it essential for nursing care to prioritize the individuals' preferences, independence, and personal goals.

In geriatric nursing, the focus is on supporting older adults to maintain their dignity and make choices about their care, rather than solely attempting to cure diseases. This approach recognizes that while chronic diseases may not be fully reversible, effective management and support can significantly improve an older adult's daily functioning and satisfaction with life. Therefore, the goal is not just to prolong life but to ensure that the quality of that life is as high as possible, enabling older adults to engage meaningfully with their environment and loved ones.

This perspective inherently acknowledges the multifaceted nature of health in older adults, where physical, emotional, and social factors interplay to determine an individual's overall quality of life, thus aligning closely with the holistic approach advocated in geriatric nursing.