A RESEARCH PAPER

ON

Preventive Medicine and Healthy Living

for Senior Citizens: United Kingdom
Perspective

STUDENT NAME:
STUDENT ID:
 Table of Contents
Title of the Project...........................................................................................................................3
1. Introduction..................................................................................................................................3
2. Background of the Study.............................................................................................................3
3. Rationale for the Research...........................................................................................................3
4. Research Questions......................................................................................................................3
5. Research Aims and Objectives....................................................................................................4
6. Research Methodology................................................................................................................4
6.1 Quantitative and qualitative strategy.....................................................................................4
6.2 Sources of Data......................................................................................................................4
6.3 Primary and Secondary Research Method.............................................................................5
6.4 Population and Sampling.......................................................................................................6
6.5 Analytical Tools.....................................................................................................................6
6.6 Advantages and Limitations of Research Method.................................................................6
6.7 Expected Outcomes...............................................................................................................7
7. Literature Review........................................................................................................................8
8. Findings and Analysis..................................................................................................................9
8.1 Questionnaires.......................................................................................................................9
8.2 Findings...............................................................................................................................10
8.3 Overview of the Findings....................................................................................................16
9. Conclusion, Evaluation and Recommendations........................................................................17
Conclusion.................................................................................................................................17
Evaluation..................................................................................................................................17
Recommendation.......................................................................................................................18
10. References................................................................................................................................19
11. Appendix..................................................................................................................................20
Title of the Project
Preventive Medicine and Healthy Living for Senior Citizens: United Kingdom Perspective.

1. Introduction
Recently, the awareness among the senior citizens have increased about their health issues. They
are more aware of healthy living and taking preventive medicines for disease. But there are some
factors creating hindrance to their healthy living. Some senior citizens face financial problem,
some face the difficulty of being isolated, some had a problem when they were young. These
several factors are creating a problem in their senior age. Several research studies already have
been conducted to identify the problems and create a solution for this problem in UK. In this
article, the demographics and health perspectives of the senior citizens have been discussed and
also the current trends in this concern. Suggestions for the necessary changes are also provided at
the later part of the article.

2. Background of the Study

The health of the senior citizens has been a topic of concern in recent times. The death rate
among the senior citizens of our country is far higher than the countries like US, China, Japan
and Singapore. UK is lagging behind from giving services to the elderly people and as a result
most senior citizens are choosing to go abroad for a better treatment. It shows the incapability of
our treatment and health care system as well as it creates economical backstep to our country.
The government and all the public-private health organizations have to focus on this issue and
try to provide better service to the elderly citizens of the society. Besides increasing the
opportunities for these portions of our people, they also need to be more aware for their own
health issue. Only then UK can catch up to the higher developed countries in terms of health
service providing. This research will focus on the current trend of preventive medicine usage and
healthy living for the senior citizens and what can be done for the betterment of the situation.

3. Rationale for the Research

This research has its proper reason for conducting. For a long time, UK has been lagging behind
for providing the best service to its citizens. The factors creating the factors are necessary and for
that purpose many researches have been done. One of the major factors is the low mark living of
the senior citizens of the state. Most seniors are not living a healthy life and don’t use preventive
medicine. It is hence a necessity to conduct a research paper on this regard. This article will
focus on the future aspects of the senior citizens life. Also, it is necessary to identify the future
barriers for proper health care. This is the rationale of this study.

4. Research Questions
The research questions are-
1. What is the future possible scenario of the health care condition for the senior citizens in
UK?
2. What are the potential hindrances to the progression of preventive care?
 3. How the medical facilities can advance for the elderly people in UK?

5. Research Aims and Objectives

The research has been conducted to achieve some aims and objectives. The aim of this study is to
explore the condition of the preventive medicine and the usage of it among the elderly citizens of
the society and also how their healthy life can be ensured. Besides this aim, there are also other
objectives for this study:
1. Explore and demonstrate on the current trend on the usage of preventive medicine among
the senior citizens of UK.
2. Find techniques and ways on how the senior citizens can lead a healthier life in future
time to come.
3. Analysis on how the trend can be improved
4. Discuss about the present barriers and future potential of progression on preventive care.

6. Research Methodology
6.1 Quantitative and qualitative strategy
There are mainly types of strategies when trying to conduct a research. These are: Qualitative
strategy and Quantitative strategy. The article introduces to both type of strategies.
Qualitative strategy refers to the theories and numerical data, information in that certain topic.
With this strategy, the data and information are provided and presented in a theoretical manner.
The strategy is best for doing any kind of short research. With this strategy, the researchers can
develop more in depth information in the problem and can develop better solution options.
Because of the theoretical information and techniques, trend and motives can easily be identified.
Quantitative research is more based on the number. This strategy of approach helps a researcher
to get quantity, numbers of variables in their research problem. So, the solution processed can
also be measured. This research method takes account a lot of accounting and statistical data.
Quantitative research is more useful for conducting in casual research. In doing this type of
research, the researcher has to use survey, many interviews and other secondary studies.
Justification of Strategy
The research needs both kind of strategies to achieve the best outcome and the most applicable
solution.

6.2 Sources of Data

Data finding is one of the most important part of any research. The researcher has to find
adequate amount of data to make the best publish. So, there are two ways to collect data: Primary
resource 2. Secondary resource
Primary Resource: Normally the information gathered from the respondent is considered to be
the primary information. These respondents and other equivalent sources are regarded as the
primary source of information. Example: results of a survey, answers from an interview, public
speech and presentation etc.
Secondary Resources: Secondary resources are easy to find and available to everyone. These
types of resources are the newspaper, journal, article, internet journals, literature review,
websites, blogs etc. Secondary resources keep the information that are found from analyzing any
primary resources.
Justification of Strategy
Our research requires both require primary resources and the help of secondary resources. We
will conduct survey and interview sessions that will help us to gain primary information. We will
use online web portals and analyze literature reviews to gain secondary information.

6.3 Primary and Secondary Research Method

The research method mostly depends on the information source from where the data and
information have been extracted. Primary sources primary information and secondary sources
provide with secondary information. Primary research method depends on the primary source
whereas the secondary research method depends on the secondary source. However, the result
may differ based on the method used in a research. So, the ideal option for researchers is to
follow the both methods.
Primary Research Method
Interview: It is the one on one conversation between the interviewer and the respondent. The
respondent is asked some questions and the interviewer scripts the answers.
Questionnaire
Some specific questions are set based on the research and questions are asked to a specific
sample. The answers are recorded.
Observation
Observation is also another key process for gathering primary data. The activities of the
respondent are carefully monitored.
Secondary Research Method
Internet and Web Portals
Internet is vast with information and almost every information can be found by just clicking in
the mouse. The researcher can easily find the adequate information he needs by searching from
the web portals.
Articles and publications
Different articles are published in different medias. Researchers can gather valuable information
from the research paper of other authors.
Justification of Strategy
For this research paper, we are going to use both methods. Questionnaires are made for gathering
information from the sample population and interviews are also done to get adequate data.
Secondary method in helpful for gaining the results of the previous publishers. The researcher
can use these data and findings.

6.4 Population and Sampling

Population refers to the whole number of individuals who are directly and indirectly related to
the topic of our research. We have to work on a sample of that portion. The members of the
sample are the respondent of our research. They are the answerer of our survey project and also
the ones we talked in a face to dace interview.
However, selection of sampling has to be precise. It has to be done in such a way that every
group of respondents can be a part of our research project.
Justification of Strategy
The sample of our research paper are the workers and managers in different health care
organizations, many senior citizens across the UK. There will a total of 100 answerer for our
sample.

6.5 Analytical Tools

After collecting all the data and information we need, we have to use analytical methods for our
projects. These are the different mathematical and statistical tools. There are many tools. For
example, regression and correlation analysis, graphs and charts, scatter diagram etc. The tools
help the researcher to come to a conclusion and can show all the information in one single
picture.
Justification of the tool methods
This research will use help of various statistical tools like: survey tools and other numerical
tools. The article of this research will be done by using MS Excel and MS Office.

6.6 Advantages and Limitations of Research Method

This research is mainly a primary data-based research which means it will be conducted by the
data and information found from the actual respondents if survey and interviews. The main
advantage of this method is that, there is no fear of backdated data and information. The project
can be completed in the present perspective. And also, this method provides with more reliable
data than secondary data and resources. Both qualitative and quantitative methods are used in the
primary approach. So, the research can be done considering all 360 degrees.
But there are some problems and drawbacks regarding this research method. Sometimes, the
respondents cannot provide with reliable data. Sometimes they may go biased and give answers
that may turn the result of the research completely upside down. Some respondents may try to
answer the questions not thinking properly and making by himself completely. Again, the survey
process can take a lot of time.
6.7 Expected Outcomes
The research project is titled as “Preventive Medicine and Healthy Living for Senior Citizens:
United Kingdom Perspective”. From this research paper we would like to find out the current
heathy living status of the senior citizens of the UK. We want to find out and demonstrate the
current trend followed by the elderly parts of our population. And we also want to come to a
conclusion on what the future waits for us in this field. Finding the current stress in this sector
and way to mitigating these factors is also another expected outcome of this project.
7. Literature Review
For finding the adequate amount of information from different theory papers and journals, an
online search for finding databases was completed. The thesis papers and literatures were found
from sources like: Google Scholar, Psych Info, CINAH, ERIC & Mass Media Index. The
keywords for search were ‘Preventive Medicine’, ‘Healthy Living’, ‘Senior Citizen’ & ‘UK’.
The establishments of papers were limited from year 2005 to 2015.
Hay, Labree, Luo, Clark, Carlson (2017) have mentioned in their research paper is that
independent living adult and elderly members are more efficient for buying preventing medicines
and carry on a healthy living. Because of the economic condition in UK, people of the elder
generation try to save more than actually taking care of their own health. The preventive
medicines and the routine of healthy living can be costly and this factor discourages the
individuals to carry healthier lifestyle.
Sugiyama, Thompson, Alves in 2009, mentioned in their journal paper about the cultural effect
on this regard. The culture and the environment do not motivate the senior citizens to lead a
heathier life and take preventive medicine for many diseases. The practice is not available across
UK. Their suggestion is that the practice has to be available in the locality. They have to be
motivated to a healthier lifestyle. Health care organizations have to be available in every locality
so that the senior citizens can go there for better service.
Rose (2018) in her book mentioned that many strategies can be followed for enhancing the usage
of preventive medicines among the senior citizens of the society. Her insights help to create a
relationship between health care importance and the senior elderly citizens. Jekel (2017) in his
book mentioned there can be further consequence if proper health practice cannot be ensured
among the citizens. His biostatistical data proves that the unhealthy lifestyle will be carried
among the younger generations of our society if they are not introduced to the necessity of
preventive medicine and healthy lifestyle.
Sackett in his book of ‘The arrogance of preventive medicine’ (2012) stated the importance and
necessity of preventive medicine and how it can even save a generation. Many diseases can be
spread if not properly taken vaccine at the right time. The epidemic can spread across the
boarders to whole wide world. There are already living examples of it. Many flue diseases, water
diseases can spread everywhere. Only preventive medicine can take care of this monstrous
situation.
Konstantinidis (2014) stated in his journal the practical way a senior citizen can lead a healthier
lifestyle. He focused on the necessity of proper diet and proper exercise. Walking and meditation
is his main focus. The journal states that 30 minutes of walking and 30 minutes of meditation can
keep a senior citizen strong both mentally and physically. The practice can keep his heart
function normal and BPM in the level 70-100. An elderly person should also focus on eating
more vegetables and keep distance from excessive protein, fat and junk foods.
8. Findings and Analysis
8.1 Questionnaires

Questionnaires Respondents Scope of Analysis

1. What are the factors that create Senior Citizens To find out the
hindrances to healthier living of senior hindrances.
Public
citizens?
2. Do you consider that the price of Senior Citizens To identify the economic
preventive medicine is high according to problem in pricing.
Public
the economy?
3. Do senior citizens need special health Senior Citizens To analyze the special
care organization for themselves? care for senior citizens
Public
Health organizations
4. What are the extra opportunities they Health Organization To analyze the special
need? care for senior citizens
5. What do you think of ‘Healthy Senior Citizens To identify the
Lifestyle’? perspective of the senior
citizens about healthy
lifestyle
6. What is your view to Preventive Senior Citizens To identify the
Medicines? perspective of the senior
citizens about preventive
medicine
7. Do you think senior citizens of the Senior Citizens To identify the factors
society are not motivated to come to health
Health Organizations
centers?
8. What can be solution to this problem? Senior Citizens To identify the
perspective of the senior
Health Organizations
citizens and from HSCs.
9. Should government be more aware and Senior Citizens To identify the roles of
take actions? the government.
Public
Health Organizations
8.2 Findings
1. What are the factors that create hindrances to healthier living of senior citizens?
Reasons Respondents Percentage
1. Economic Barrier 25 25%
2. Unawareness 55 55%
3. No health care 20 20%
organization in the
locality

Hindrance Factors
60

50

40

30

20

10

0
Economic Barrier Unawareness No health care organizations

The respondents were public individuals and mainly the senior citizens. 25% people think that
economy is the main barrier for heathy living of the citizens, 20% gave the reason of not having
enough health care organizations in the locality. But mostly think that senior citizens are
unaware of leading a healthy life. They tend to lead the rest of life by just relaxing and doing no
sort of work. 50% respondents gave the blame to unawareness among the elderly citizens.
2. Do you consider that the price of preventive medicine is high according to the economy?

Answer Respondents Percentage

Yes 70 70%
No 30 30%

Do you consider that the price of preventive medicine is

high according to the economy?
80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0
Yes No

70% respondents think that price of preventive medicines is too high. Many of the medicines are
imported to country that adds TAX value and transportation cost. This process increases the
price of the medicines. Local manufacturers should be more productive in making the medicines
within the country.
3. Do senior citizens need special health care organization for themselves?

Answer Respondents Percentage

Yes 80 80%
No 20 20%

Do senior citizens need special health care

organization for themselves?
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Yes No

Senior citizens think that they do not get special treatments and correct behaviors from the health
organizations. 80% of the respondents think that they need more support from the member of
staff and the doctors.
4. What are the extra opportunities they need?

Opportunities Respondents Percentage

Low cost offers 15 15%
Special support from 20 20%
staff
Health care organization 10 10%
in locality
Above all 55 55%
 Extra Opportunities
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
s
er St
aff lac
e all
ff p ve
tO m t
bo
Co
s fro ien A
w or
t v en
Lo pp con
Su at
ic al ons
e ti
Sp zia
an
rg
r eo
Ca
h
ealt
H

We have seen the barriers and the extra care the senior citizens need. Low cost offer of
preventive medicine, Special support from the staff and adequate number of organizations are
needed. But most think that all of the options are necessary.
5. What do you think of ‘Healthy Lifestyle’?
A healthy lifestyle that allows maintaining good health. We have asked the senior citizens what
they think about healthy lifestyle. Their answers included having a healthy body and a good
heart. For that they said that they need to exercise regularly and have a healthy diet. Their
conceptions match with the actual definition of healthy lifestyle. But the problem is that senior
citizens want to lead a relaxed life in their age. Relaxation and too much wrong diet do not allow
them to keep that health.
6. What is your view to Preventive Medicines?
Most elder citizens do not have a clear idea about the preventive medicines. Preventive
medicines are the tablets or syrups that help the consumer to keep away the diseases and many
other disabilities. Some medicines are made to keep a good body shape and keep all the vital
elements of a body. Elderly people are unaware of these medicines. Many of them believe that
the diseases will go automatically which is not the true case most of the times. They need to be
aware of preventive medicines.
7. Do you think senior citizens of the society are not motivated to come to health centers?

Answers Respondents Percentage

Yes 70 70%

No 30 30%

Do you think senior citizens of the society are not

motivated to come to health centers?

Yes
No

This question was asked to health organizations and senior citizens. 70% of them agree that the
elder members are not motivated to come and take service from the health centers. 30% of them
do not encourage the opinion though.

8. What can be solution to this problem?

Potential Solution Respondents Percentage
Economic Support 30 30%
Special Care 35 35%
Awareness Programs 35 35%
 What can be solution to this problem?

Economic Support
Special Care
Awareness Program

We have seen that 70% elderly people think that they are not motivated. So, they were asked
what can be solution for this. 30% responded that they can take service if provided with health
allowance, 35% responded that they need proper service from the staff. 35% of the respondents
think that awareness programs should be arranged to teach the senior citizens about the
importance of preventive medicine and healthy life style.
9. Should government be more aware and take actions?
Answers Respondents Percentage

Yes 90 90%

No 10 10%
 Should government be more aware and take actions?

Yes
No

Almost all, 90% think that government should be aware and take action to improve the situation
of health care trend among the senior citizens of UK.

8.3 Overview of the Findings

This research conducted surveys and interviews from 100 respondents. They were asked about
the important questions set in the questionnaire.

From the findings we see that, Tesco is aware of providing equal rights and opportunities to their
employees. We have also seen that they consider diversification within their workplace.
However, diversification can be made by recruiting employees from different caste and creed
and from different nationalities. But Tesco does not take such actions. Rather they focus on
recruiting the best mind for their organization. This ensures that Tesco can maintain their
organizational performance. But the employees and other members of staff need to be more
aware of their rights and know about equality and diversity within an organizaaion.

economic barrier, unawares among the senior citizens and inadequate services of the health care
organizations are the main hindrances of healthy lifestyle among the part of the society.
Unawareness is the big issue here and they need to be taught about the importance of it. Also, the
majority part of the UK think that the preventive medicines are of too much price and can’t
afford it. Economical condition is a playing factor here. Economy of UK is not supported for the
healthy lifestyle of senior citizens. Also, they think that they should have special health care
organizations because most of the hospitals and clinics don’t have special treatment for the
senior citizens. And in the special organizations, they should have the offer to buy preventive
medicine at an affordable rate, should be treated well by the staff. Only then they can be
motivated for taking care of their health. Which 70% senior citizens think they are not in for it.
Economic support can encourage them here. Health pensions can be provided to these people.
Government should be aware of this fact and provide incentives to the elderly citizens of UK.

9. Conclusion, Evaluation and Recommendations

Conclusion
Senior citizens are a big part and parcel of our country. Setting up the practice of good lifestyle
can create a trend among the young generation in the future. So, it is beyond words how
necessary it is to create awareness among them. In this research, we have discussed about the
hindrances and the problems regarding this issue. Unawareness is the one of the most important
issue here and they need to be taught about the importance of it. Training session can be arranged
for them. Also, the majority part of the UK think that the preventive medicines are of too much
price and can’t afford it. Economical condition is a playing factor here. Economy of UK is not
supported for the healthy lifestyle of senior citizens. This requires a long-time solution. Money
inflation needs to be in control for the solution. Another concern is that, they should have special
health care organizations because most of the hospitals and clinics don’t have special treatment
for the senior citizens. The organizations need to provide training to their staff members. And in
the special organizations, they should have the offer to buy preventive medicine at an affordable
rate, should be treated well by the staff. Only then they can be motivated for taking care of their
health. With these steps, future trend will set for betterment of upcoming generations.

Evaluation
The project has been done taking a lot of factors in consideration. Questionnaires were
developed to find the best and reliable answers from the respondents. But however, no research
paper is ever 100% correct. Some of the respondents may get biased when answering the
questions. Some people were not interested to help in the project. It was possible that some
useful information could have been developed from there. Some individuals even have no clue
about the research topic. Also, the research team is not experienced to conduct any primary
research. So, there can be some lacking from the team. The cost of the project is also another
issue. Limited budget stopped the research to go further more. Validity of the information can
change in near future. So, this research paper may not be relevant from 5 years now. But this
report is relevant to the present and data was carefully processed to find out the best solution and
come up with useful recommendation.

Recommendation
 Economic barriers should be taken care of by the government. The government can
provide with medical allowance to the senior citizens
 Awareness programs should be arranged targeting the senior citizens by every health care
organizations.
 Health care organizations should be established in a place of convenience.
 Local medicine companies and pharmaceuticals should be more functional for developing
preventive medicines. Local medicines can cut the import cost making the medicine
much more affordable for the senior citizens.
 Every staff members of heath care organizations should be trained on how to behave with
senior citizens and how to provide services for them.
 Motivating publications could be provided to each individual
10. References
Hay, J., LaBree, L., Luo, R., Clark, F., Carlson, M., Mandel, D., Zemke, R., Jackson, J. and
Azen, S.P., (2012). Cost‐effectiveness of preventive occupational therapy for independent‐living
older adults. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 50(8), pp.1381-1388.

Sugiyama, T., Thompson, C.W. and Alves, S., (2009). Associations between neighborhood open
space attributes and quality of life for older people in Britain. Environment and behavior, 41(1),
pp.3-21.

Rose, G.A., Khaw, K.T. and Marmot, M., (2018). Rose's strategy of preventive medicine: the
complete original text. Oxford University Press, USA.

Jekel, J.F., Katz, D.L., Elmore, J.G. and Wild, D., (2017). Epidemiology, biostatistics and
preventive medicine. Elsevier Health Sciences.

Sackett, D.L., (2012). The arrogance of preventive medicine. Cmaj, 167(4), pp.363-364.

Leavell, H.R. and Clark, E.G., (2008). Preventive Medicine for the Doctor in his Community. An
Epidemiologic Approach. Preventive Medicine for the Doctor in his Community. An
Epidemiologic Approach.
Konstantinidis, E.I., Billis, A.S., Mouzakidis, C.A., Zilidou, V.I., Antoniou, P.E. and Bamidis,
P.D., (2014). Design, implementation, and wide pilot deployment of FitForAll: an easy to use
exergaming platform improving physical fitness and life quality of senior citizens. IEEE journal
of biomedical and health informatics, 20(1), pp.189-200.

Creek, J. and Lougher, L., (2011). Occupational therapy and mental health. Elsevier Health
Sciences.

Eldridge, S. and Kerry, S., (2012). A practical guide to cluster randomised trials in health
services research (Vol. 120). John Wiley & Sons.

11. Appendix