Subject(s)
Accidental Falls/prevention & control , Geriatric Nursing/methods , Health Promotion/organization & administration , Accident Prevention , Accidental Falls/statistics & numerical data , Activities of Daily Living , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Geriatric Assessment , Humans , Male , Nurse's Role , Postural Balance/physiology , Program Evaluation , Safety Management/organization & administrationABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To review the intersection of immunosenescence and neutropenia, focusing on innate immunity, and implications for research and practice for neutropenic older adults with cancer. DATA SOURCES: Research studies, journal articles, and web sites. CONCLUSION: Immunosenescence, age-related changes within the immune system renders older adults more vulnerable to infection. This vulnerability is magnified by cancer and its treatment. Unfortunately, there has been little consideration of immunosenescence as it relates to supportive care for this population. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Studies detailing the impact of immunosenescence on neutropenia and outcomes for neutropenic older adults are necessary to advance clinical research and practice.
