The increasing size of the aging population is focusing the attention of health professionals on their special needs and problems. It's estimated the elderly occupy 60% of the hospital beds and consume 60% of all health services. These figures will increase as more people move into this growing population. Besides acute care, the nurse will need to pay attention to helping the elderly maintain their independence and optimum health status. The nurse can contribute to the quality of life by helping to maintain mobility and promote self care, by fostering intimacy and sexual adjustment, and by optimizing nutrition. Ways to provide nursing care to help meet these needs are the focus of this program. The purpose of this program is to provide nurses an understanding of how to meet the mobility, sexual and nutritional needs of older patients. | 
