...Healthy Aging in Later Life Olivia Meinzer There are several positive factors associated with aging. In the article Healthy Aging in Later Life, it discusses how these advantages include both psychological and mental development, along with social connections and academic motivation. Around the age of 65, people begin to prepare themselves for their lives to end. They do this by adapting to new roles and discover creative outlets for the time that they have left. At this point in life, people start to remanence about their life as an adult and give additional thought to life’s meaning. There are several factors that can influence adults to make plans for their future, such as memory and personal history from the past. Adults could also develop new thoughts by encountering with forms of younger generations and personal philosophies. One’s life is formed around the experiences they have had. Once a person gets older, having positive attitudes can help them gain special prospective and shape their lives. Older people participate in the unique process of evolution. As they get older, they have the ability to reflect and see the generations below them and how much things have changed such as knowledge, style, and ways of living life in general. By maintaining this ability, they can help to...
Words: 878 - Pages: 4
...Issues in Healthy Aging: The role of the Nurse Falls have become very common with older adults living in the community and long-term care facilities. The purpose of this paper is to research an issue, in this case falls, that impacts the healthy aging of older adults living in the community. This paper will discuss why this topic is important to healthy aging, what the nurse’s role is and what some interventions are to try and lower the rate and risk of falls that the older adult experiences. Falls can have a devastating effect on the older adult and it is important to do everything possible to try and make sure this does not happen. As one ages, his/her bones and muscles may begin to atrophy and his/her gait changes which can all increase his/her risk for a fall. It is important because having a fall and possibly an injury could completely change how an older adult lives his/her life. There are many statistics on how prevalent falls are in the society of today’s older adult. According to the Canadian Institute of Health Research (2005), “among older adults, falls are the leading cause of injury deaths and the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma” (as cited in Theris, Kathleen, Veronique and Lynn, 2012, p. 188). Also, according to Manitoba Health (2005), older adults, those over the age of 65, have a nine times greater chance of a fall injury than those who are not (as cited in Butler-Jones, 2009). According to Cumming (2000)...
Words: 2458 - Pages: 10
...Nutrition can be defined as the process of obtaining the food that is necessary for health and growth. Appropriate nutrition is one of the most important factors in a human's everyday lifestyle. Nutrition can be noted generally as having a consistent eating pattern, the correct amount of meals a day, as well as getting the recommended amount of energy and source of nourishment. However, healthy nutrition is often overlooked in certain age groups. When comparing college aged adults to older adults 25 and older there are many differences that come into effect. The amount of time, financial statuses, attitude, availability and how easy to obtain food lead to the many differences between the two groups. One study has shown that one of the most...
Words: 1755 - Pages: 8
...Aging maybe a difficult process for some people, but staying active may help this process. Remaining involved in sport and exercise as you age helps stay involved and enjoy life. Exercise helps relieve joint pain and keeps you up and moving. It relieves stress and can make you feel more involved and healthy. As you age it may be difficult to exercise as you used to but something as simple as walking the dog or cleaning the house may get you up and moving around. Although there are struggles to aging in the book “The social Geography of Healthy Aging” proves you can still be active and have fun while doing it. Staying active as you become older helps with the aging process and keeps a social life alive. Chapter four of “The Social Geography...
Words: 327 - Pages: 2
...Demographics The Aging Population Michele R. Morris HCS/490 July 17, 2011 Jennifer Pharr The Aging Population The aging population does not seem like anything other than people just receiving older. Referred to as the Baby Boomers this demographic of people are those ages 65 and older. People may think the demographics of our population have no affect on health care or our economy. This paper will include the information that proves our countries demographics do impact health care and the economy. For example, information was gathered about the target area, the aging population, and the general impact that demographic group has on the health care market. This information will also include how the aging population will increase the nation’s health care costs and prescription drug costs. This paper will include information about how a chronic disease wellness program may affect the cost for the aging population and how these issues can be addressed. Statistics Because of this proposed “baby boom” generation rapidly increasing, there has been an increased health care cost. The health care cost per person for people over age 65 is three to five times greater than that of people under the age of 65 (United states census bureau, 2003). This increased cost along with other factors such as long-term care and advancements in technology could increase health care cost even higher. More than 50 million of these Baby Boomers are sparking a demand for...
Words: 1958 - Pages: 8
...Demographic Paper HCS/490 February 17, 2014 Professor David Dye, MPA Introduction The world is facing a situation without precedent: We soon will have more older people than children and more people at extreme old age than ever before. As both the proportion of older people and the length of life increase throughout the world, key questions arise. Will population aging be accompanied by a longer period of good health, a sustained sense of well-being, and extended periods of social engagement and productivity, or will it be associated with more illness, disability, and dependency? How will aging affect health care and social costs? Are these futures inevitable, or can we act to establish a physical and social infrastructure that might foster better health and wellbeing in older age? By 2050, the U.S. Census predicts that 19.6 million American workers will be 65 years or older, roughly 19 percent of the total U.S. workforce. In fact, the number of individuals in the labor force who are 65 years or older is expected to grow by 75 percent while the number of individuals in the workforce who are 25 to 54 is only expected to grow by 2 percent. By 2016, one-third of the total U.S. workforce will be 50 years or older — a group that may number 115 million by 2020 (Heidkamp, Mabe, & DeGraaf, 2012). The Baby Boomers make up a significant portion of the U.S. population, and, as the Boomers age, the percentage of Americans over 65, those that utilize the bulk of health care...
Words: 1787 - Pages: 8
...happens to everyone. Nobody can prevent himself/herself from getting old. The aging process entails new challenges such as failing health, loss of memory, graying hair, and life transitions like retirement, family relationships, lost career, cessation of social activities and maintaining ones standard of living. Nowadays, our elder relatives are still supporting their sons and daughter in caring for their grandchildren. This kind of situation is commonly seen in our country. Our elderly supports not only in caring but also financially. They tend to divide their budget from their pension to help their relatives. Presently, globalization and modernization have tremendous impact on the family system. The exodus of working age adults to jobs abroad has established a pattern of the older persons assuming surrogate parental ones. To them is entrusted the responsibility of providing parental care over their grandchildren whose parents have left for more lucrative jobs overseas. This poses undue strain on the psychological and financial capacities of older persons. On the other hand, giver, the limited income of families, it is the needs of the elderly that are sacrificed over the needs of the younger children. This puts the situation of the elderly at a disadvantage. Instead of having their rest after retirement in work, most elders are still entrusted to give financial support to their family. Aging like...
Words: 9634 - Pages: 39
...Aging Gracefully Want a youthful and vibrant appearance for the rest of your life? Anti-Aging? Really? Trying to stay youthful, for as long as possible is the goal, or is it? Our society obsesses with youth. The media espouses Anti-Aging as way to combat the hands of time. Do potions and diet notions slow down and halt the aging process? We use Botox for facial laugh lines, and crow’s feet, etc. We get our faces literally cut up to look young. Anti-Aging is a fake. The name alone “anti” suggests negativity. Pro-Aging, on the other hand, is the new “Anti-Aging.” Pro-Aging is about celebrating who you are at any age! Self-acceptance is a beautiful thing. A happy and fit elderly person looks and acts entirely different than an un-fit...
Words: 320 - Pages: 2
...Analyzing the Psychology of Aging Jason Russ Analyzing the Psychology of Aging Not only is the country’s population growing, it is aging as well. Older adults are the fastest growing population on the charts right now. There is no point and time when a person overnight just becomes “old.” Obviously everyone knows we simply just age; it comes with getting older. This thing called “aging” happens to everyone at a different rate. In this particular essay I will briefly be discussing five parts of psychology aging, and cognitive functioning in the elderly. Psychology of Aging, Theories of Aging, the Physical Dimension, the Cognitive Dimension, and the Social Dimension. The psychology of aging focuses on the behavioral changes which occur during the normal aging process. Age differences in learning, memory, perceptual and intellectual abilities will be investigated. In addition, emphasis will be placed on the neural correlates and cognitive consequences of disorders of aging such as Alzheimers disease(Belsky, J.1999). Aging introduces a number of psychological and physical changes in the human body and engaged researchers in this field of study. The growing population in industrialized countries has become a serious issue in the 21st century. Life expectancy has increased significantly over the 20th century. For example, in 1900 a baby born in an industrialized country would usually live to between 47 and 55, while a baby born in the 21st century would be expected to...
Words: 2266 - Pages: 10
...Consequences of an Older Population SOC304 Social Gerontology Instructor Mandee Rowley April 16, 2012 With each passing day the age of the Baby Boomers will affect our lives on many social levels. This growing segment of our society will soon become the largest aspect of the American society carrying with it the majority of our aging population. The other age groups will be smaller, younger and yet will have to endure the cost of Healthcare for the Boomers that will be living longer requiring more resources than any of their predecessors. The Boomers will take with them into their Golden years a large grouping of income producers and leaving the balance of society to manage growing social costs. The political face of Medicaid, Medicare, Disability, and SSI will more than likely have several court battles ahead of them to ensure government cuts will not strip away the program essentials that will be needed by our aging populations. Healthcare Today we await the Supreme Courts Justices to make their ruling as to whether President Obama’s national health care plan (The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act) is unconstitutional. The issue at hand is a Governmental mandate that everyone must purchase health insurance. The concern is making this a government decree and not something each state has the oversight and implementation process in. The Affordable Care Act became law in March 2010. With its signing by President Obama came expanded coverage for young adults...
Words: 1747 - Pages: 7
...Healthy Aging Communicate and convey the news that “it’s never too late.” Older adults can gain considerably from practicing healthy lifestyles. Governmental body can boost this by, managing information campaigns, and address seniors by using broadcast or correspondence for community widespread communication. In addition display health-enhancing actions practiced by senior legislators; supporting the state’s Senior Olympic Games; and promoting and participating in Older Americans’ Month in May each year, to encouraging state and local entities to provide volunteer opportunities for older adults. Volunteerism is a proven component of good health and quality of life by providing funding to support community-based programs that are collaborations between health care and social service agencies. The most successful aging in place strategies recognize and build on integrated health and social services, provide incentives and guidance to local planning boards and other bodies to incorporate community and housing design features that help achieve “livable communities” for older adults. The way this is work is by increasing growth opportunities by ways of moving or transportation, increasing advancement, and regular entertainment. Such as including common design features in new home construction to increase accessibility, and safety for all household members, from kids to aging adults, and people with disabilities. Which includes promoting pedestrian safety and safe driving among older...
Words: 326 - Pages: 2
...Anthony Morris SOCW3103/Aging Instructor: Adelle Sanders, DPA, MSW Abstract The purpose of this paper is to explain the transportation needs of, and for the elderly as a social problem. I will attempt with the help of research to show how badly the elderly need help, I will research the transportation availability. for the elderly publicly and privately in my community. Looking at the demographics in the Fuller Park community, to show ridership, location of bus stop, show the accessibility for wheelchairs. To research my neighborhood, for shopping centers, Doctors offices, food pantry’s, grocery stores. Transportation is a major problem for the elderly, and the department’s senior services area Agency on Aging administrates a variety of programs designed to address the diverse needs and interests of the elderly. For those who are healthy and active, to those who are frail and homebound. Transportation Paper Addressing the needs of the elderly is becoming a Hugh social problem. Planning Transportation to Meet the Needs of an Aging Illinois: Chicago (February, 2015) communities throughout Illinois will need to make significant revisions to current transportation options, explore more varied housing greatly augment health and human services alternatives to meet the day-to-day needs of the increasing...
Words: 1343 - Pages: 6
...New Hope in the Fight Against Rare Aging Disorder Summary An interesting scientific article appeared in the Boston Globe on June 30, 2011 titled “New hope in the fight against rare aging disorder” (Johnson, 2011). As an employee of Harvard Medical School and the Coordinator of the Paul F. Glenn Laboratories of the Biological Mechanisms of Aging, I found the article to be both educational and promising. Working with the leading scientist in the aging field, Professor David Sinclair, this article expressed one particular disease of aging relating to progeria patients. Formerly known as “Hutchinson-Gilford” syndrome, the rapid aging process in children with progeria causes serious diseases associated with aging. These precious children with progeria are able to play, laugh and love like other healthy children but “look old, thin, and suffer cardiovascular problems and usually live on average to the age of 12” (Johnson, 2011). Children with progeria suffer many of the same problems afflicted by aging – hair loss, bone density and fatigue. The article stated that scientists in Boston were experimenting with an “old drug” to help progeria patients. Scientific Method The National Institute of Health and doctors at Children’s Hospital will begin clinical trials using cells from progeria patients in the laboratory. Scientists will introduce to these diseased cells an altered drug referred to as “rapamycin, a transplant rejection medication shown in a dramatic 2009 study to...
Words: 434 - Pages: 2
...The Aging Population The aging population is living longer than ever before and according to statistics this longevity and aging will continue to grow. The importance of providing the Fifty million aging Baby Boomers are sparking demand for products and environments that accommodate their changing physical and sensory capabilities. Today, one out of every 9 Americans is "old"—another former youth turns 50 every 8 seconds. Those age 65 and older now exceed 35 million, a number poised to explode. January 2011 ushered in the first of approximately 77 million Baby Boomers, born from 1946 through 1964 and are surging toward the gates of retirement (transgenerational). This growth will steadily increase and the population must be prepared to accommodate the aging population. According to the Bureau of Vital Statistics the aging population is the fastest growing population and will continue to increase. This dramatic growth in numbers and proportions, increased life expectancies, and energetic life styles, now enables us to live 20 to 25% of our lives in active retirement. Moreover, today's physically and intellectually active younger generations predict that tomorrow's elderly population will be better educated, healthier, culturally literate and, as individuals, more discerning consumers. Changes in Demographics Sustainable development means sustainable and healthy development of the whole human society on the basis of mutual coordination and common development...
Words: 1348 - Pages: 6
...The demographics of the aging population consist of persons age 65 and older. Moreover, the aging population represents 12.9 percent of the American population. Basically one out of eight Americans belongs to the aging population. The projected growth rate by 2030 of the aging population is 19 percent or 72.1 million people in the United States (Administration on Aging, 2011). The following paper will discuss the general impact that the changing population may have on the health care market, also how and why changes in the demographics of this population will affect health care, identify two health care related challenges to the aging population, explain the marketing needs or services for the aging population and address how individual patients, the community and society as a whole can address such challenges. Healthcare Challenges Demographics on aging clearly indicate that long-term care will remain a critical issue in our society. In 2020, the number of older Americans in need of long-term care service will jump to 12 million. The aging population is growing larger and living longer, a phenomenon felt around the world. As they face scarce health resources, nations must develop policies associated with the provision of care and the quality of the dying process. Never before in human history has our planet contained so many older people or such a large percentage of them. This has not always been the case, as late as 1930, America’s older population numbered less than...
Words: 1080 - Pages: 5
