The Differences in the Quality of Life - Essay Example

The Quality of Life Running Head: THE QUALITY OF LIFE The Differences in the Quality of life Young-old, vs. mid-old, vs. old-old The Quality of Life 2 Introduction The times have changed. The death rates are on the decrease around the world, irrespective of social or economical status of the society. It has become all the more crucial to make sure the quality of life is improved for the old age people. There have been great deal of time and talent invested in this field to continually upgrade the lifestyle of the people as they age. Considering the range and depth of the topic, the multitude of projects that have been studied and the policies that have been implemented always paved way to further studies and development. The 2001 census proved that for the first time there were more people over 60 than under 16 (Dean 2003, p.1). While, the above mentioned statistics can be one of the greatest advantage of the over all improvement in the twentieth centaury, it puts forward immense challenges for the new generation. Background Based on the Relevant Literature The existing social and cultural trends make it beyond doubts that older people are mostly bound to stay confined between the four walls in most cases. In a methodological study by John baldock and Jan Hadlow has examined the process of aging from within. The results showed that the old age is indeed a time of ‘identity work’ in which people search for ways to sustain their self-images and to link their present existences to their previous lives (2002). Age-related reduction in muscle strength and power, cardiovascular function and neuromuscular response times, all contribute to the declining physical ability with age Activity and exercise improve health status, muscle strength, aerobic capacity, and reduce fracture risk as well as improving The Quality of Life 3 quality of life. Increasing habitual exercise can assist older people in maintaining functional performance (Rajeski W& Mihalko S 2001). Such type of a circumstantial environment is of at most important as the common themes concerning the quality of life, mentioned by participants as important, were concerns with regards to the conditions associated with health, family and home (Kenealy and Beaumont 2003). The quality of life changes along with the deference in the quality of diet as explained by Stephen Burk when he said that meals are not just about refueling, but can really improve someones quality of life (2005). The above mentioned studies have highlighted the variation between the qualities of lives in different age groups. The researchers have been successful in determining the relevance of belief to well-being in later life, and the need for secular welfare organizations to be more prepared to work with religious and other organizations in promoting spiritual well-being with the current generations of older people (Coleman, McKieman and Mills 2002). The quality of life was defined by the professionals in two different senses, firstly, as a measurable out come and then as Happiness evaluated by each individual (McKevitt and Wolfe 2002). Happiness can be related to the socializing nature and opportunities in later life, as researches have confirmed that that older people belonging to some minority ethnic groups are especially prone to the multiple risks associated with social exclusion (Scharf, Philipson et al 2001). This study is making a solid statement on how far the local infrastructure and community networking matters in improving the quality of life in the later years. The Quality of Life 4 The Aim of the Study Considering the above mentioned data, the aim of this study will be (a) to describe the changes in quality of life. The parameters will be the quality of life as experienced by the older people in different age group. The influences on quality of life in early old age in Higgs and Wiggins’ study was resulted in a theory which proved that no single factor is pre dominant (2003). (b) To determine the impact of gender differences in the quality of life in the old age. As the studies showed that women who have fulfilled the important social roles of care takers and parents look likely to continue to run the risk of being socially excluded in terms of financial resources in later life (Evandrou and Glaser 2002). (c) To identify the overriding similarities in the factors affecting the quality of life among the different age groups and genders of the elderly. As Butt and Moriarty found that the ‘study paints complex picture of older people’s expectations of support’ (2002). The study thus will take place on the three hypothesis based on the above questions. They are 1) the different age groups of young-old, mid-old and old-old have deferent parameters determining their quality of life in the later life. 2) Older males and Females have almost completely deferent expectations and styles of quality life. 3) There might be overriding similarities even differences in the experience of quality life among the elders of different age and gender. Research Design It will be qualitative study which would analyze both primary and secondary research data. The study would conduct in-depth qualitative interviews with the help of the questionnaire. The The Quality of Life 5 special aim of the study was mentioned earlier, with such emphasize on the local experience of understanding life a qualitative research methodology will be required (Ager and Strang 2004). Participants The participants on the study will be a cross-sectional sampling of 70 people. The will be divided into three groups with male and females in every group. Young-old will be the age group of 55-65, then the Mid-old will be 66-75 and the Old-old will be the age group of 76-86. the data collection will be from an interview based on 100 questions regarding their past month, more over, their feelings, health and social life. The data will be also analyzed with a word mouth analysis with experts in the field. Conclusion This study will enable the scholars to have an accurate understanding of the genuine comfort the elders seek in their later life. As a result the professionals and the policy makers will be able to depend on this project to improve and functionalize their efforts in a better way. The added years in their increased life span will be of more vigor and full of life. The Quality of Life 6 Reference: Ager, A and Strang, A. (2004) The expieriance of integration; aqualitative study of refuee Integration: Queen margret university collage Edinburgh Baldock, J. andHadlow, J (2002). Self talk versus needs talk An exploration of the priorities of House bound Older people; Quality of aging Butt, J. and Moriarty, J. Inequalities in quality of life among the older people from different Ethnic group; aging and society Dean, M (2003). Growing Older in the 21st century. An ESRCR research Program on Extending Quality Of Life. Evandrou, M. and Glaser, K (2002). Family work and quality of life: Changing economic And social Roles. Population trends 110 Higgs, P., Hyde, M., Wiggins, R. and Blane, D. (2003) ‘Researching quality of life in early old age: the importance of the sociological dimension’, Social Policy and Administration. Kenealy, P.M and Beaumont, J. (2002). Quality of life of healthy older people; Proceedings of The British psychological society. Rajeski W, Mihalko S (2001). Physical activity and quality of life in older adults. J Gerontol Med Sci 56A:23–36. Scharf,T., Philipson, C,. Kingston, P. and Smith, A.E. (2001) social exclusion and aging Education and aging, Stephen Burke (2005) Healthy Diet Vital for Elderly People; Health care news press archive Read More