Helping Elderly - Essay Example

Abstract. The case study under consideration shows that there is a persistent rise in life expectancy rates in U.S. society, encompassing both men and women and all ethnic groups. This trend is accompanied by a steep decline in mortality rates. Thus, it can be inferred that, in the near future, an increasing proportion of the population will be comprised of the elderly. In this context, it is essential to emphasize the importance of the study of aging and to identify and promote the factors which contribute to optimal aging. This will enable society to ensure the well-being of the elderly and address any problems confronted by an increasingly aged population. Case Study on Helping the Elderly. Our Case Study deals with the continuing rise in life expectancy in the U.S. over the past decades. This persistent trend is definitively established by the data presented in the 2002 study by the Center for Disease Control and Preventions’ National Center for Health Statistics, in the report, ‘Deaths: Preliminary Data for 2002.’ The findings unequivocally show a “new high” in life expectancy at birth of 77.4 years. This marked increase in life expectancy is evident right across the board, covering men and women and all ethnic groups, reaching an average of about 74 – 84 years. At the same time, there is a corresponding decline in mortality rates in all groups, except American Indians and non-Hispanic white females, whose rates remain stable. Death rates show a decrease in cases of heart disease, stroke, accidents, HIV/AIDS and cancer, as also a steep decline in cases of homicide. Conversely, mortality rates exhibit a rise in cases of influenza and pneumonia, high B.P. and septicemia, with the sharpest rise being seen in the case of Alzheimers (5.8%). Neonatal death rates show a slight increase, mainly related to birth disorders. The implications of these results are crystal clear: the continuing rise in rates of life expectancy, along with the corresponding decline in mortality rates, will inevitably alter the demographics of U.S. society and lead to an indisputable rise in the proportion of the population which belongs to the group of senior citizens. As we head towards the reality of an increasingly aged population, with its’ attendant problems and implications, the study of gerontology takes on imperative significance. Gerontology may be defined as “the study of the phenomena of the aging process from maturity into old age as well as the study of the elderly as a special population” (Schaie and Willis, 2002). Obviously, it is the scientific study of aging which will best equip us to deal with its’ attendant problems. Demolishing unfounded negative stereotypes regarding the aged, is a step in the right direction, as these myths undermine old peoples’ beliefs in themselves and adversely influence the interaction of younger people with a group which is arbitrarily depicted as “forgetful, uninteresting and incompetent” (Schaie and Willis, 2002. Pg.18). Another pernicious effect of this type of negative stereotyping is to make the aged withdraw from society and overlook medical treatment for physical disorders. It also contributes to ‘ageism’: discrimination against a person solely on the grounds of old age. An approach which would contribute to a more complete understanding of elderly peoples’ capabilities and positions is one which does not rank them on considerations of chronological age alone, but differentiates between biological age, which is dependent on the physical condition of the body; social age, which reflects the position occupied by the person in society; psychological age, which is an indicator of behavior, attitudes and skills. In order to facilitate a better understanding of the elderly, differentiating the group into three categories is useful: the ‘young-old’ (65-75), the ‘old-old’ (75-85) and the ‘very-old’ or ‘oldest-old’ (over 85). This makes it easy to study and address the particular needs of each group. Erikson’s psychoanalytic theory is relevant in addressing the concerns of old age. He defines old age as a period in which there is a conflict between ego identity and the natural despair which comes from the recollection of past failings. When the conflict is resolved, the result is the wisdom of old age and a balanced mind set which can offset the inevitable loneliness of this period. Psychological studies also clarify that the sense of well-being in the aged is related to good interpersonal relationships and confidence in personal development. Robert Havighurst has listed six developmental tasks, which when successfully confronted, lead to a fulfilling old age: Adjusting to declining physical capabilities, adjusting to retirement and lower income, adjusting to the death of a spouse, developing positive peer group interactions, adopting new roles and establishing living conditions that specifically address one’s physical needs. A factor which directly impacts on emotional well being in old age is the fear of physical and financial dependency and the fear of loneliness. Insecurity stemming from fear of poverty, physical infirmity and senility is very common. An area of concern here is the trend towards budget cuts by the government in health care for the aged. Physical dependency is usually met by family members. The emerging discipline of ‘gerotechnology’ is devoted to the development of devices and techniques, such as spectacles, that counter physical dependency on others. The Older American Act of 1965, offers a plethora of social service support to the elderly, such as food, leisure activities, legal assistance and nursing care. However, many old people are unaware of its’ existence and provisions. A heartening trend is the proposal to redesign cars to be elderly-friendly, so that old people can retain their mobility. Retirement communities, public housing tailored to meet the needs of the elderly and nursing homes meet the living requirements of the elderly. In the case of the latter, the lack of qualified service providers is an issue that needs to be addressed immediately. The encouragement of independence, within the limits possible, has been found to be beneficial to well-being in the elderly. Creativity can flourish in old age, as evidenced by the achievement of artists (Picasso), musicians (Beethoven), politicians (Churchill), writers (Goethe) and scientists (Comstock). Accumulated knowledge, adapting to new technology, such as computers, good health and a supportive environment contribute to a productive old age. A concept which emerges as a potentially significant contributor towards enhancing the quality of life in the elderly, is that of “optimal aging.” According to the theory of Selection, Optimization and Compensation, people who age better are selective in their adaptive efforts, compensate for the physical and mental losses of old age and make the maximum use of all available environmental support. Societal support plays a major role. Optimal aging rests on the foundation of “lifestyles that maintain a healthy body and a healthy mind through good habits of nutrition, exercise and involvement in interesting activities that challenge the mind” (Schaie and Willis, 2002. Pg.106). Development of stress reduction skills and leisure activities, new interpersonal relationships and a positive self-concept (which shows a positive correlation to education levels), are contributory factors to optimal aging. In the context of our case study, which asserts a growing increase in the aged population of the U.S., it is clear that the need of the hour is the identification and study of factors that contribute to a better quality of life for the elderly. Based on this approach, certain points emerge from our study of Adult Development and Aging (Schaie and Willis, 2002). Factors which encourage physical, financial and emotional independence in the elderly must be strengthened. Government health care budgets and social services will unavoidably be required to rise to meet the rising proportion of citizens who will need them and these must include quality, long-term nursing facilities. The case study data shows the necessity for an impetus to gerotechnological research. Above all, as the study of optimal aging shows, the seeds of a fulfilling old age are sowed in the personal habits of childhood and adulthood. Only when a social system, which is supportive and appreciative of the elderly, takes root in our society can every U.S. citizen look forward in the hope and confidence that ‘the best is yet to come.’ References. Schaie, K.W. and Willis, S.L. (2002). Adult Development and Aging. 5th edition. Read More