...Fear of Aging and Dying in America Hollis Phelps Liberty Developmental Psychology PSYCH 210 Dr. Shaw July 21, 2014 Fear of Aging and Dying in America Abstract The fear of aging and death is nothing new. Anthropologists, philosophers, sociologists, and psychologists are in agreement that since the beginning of mankind’s history, fear is the universal response to death. In America, the reaction is far greater striking chords of terror so horrific and becoming innately ingrained in the fabric of society to affect most every segment. This paper will look at this fear and determine the affects it has had on present day America’s behaviors toward and beliefs about the aging population and correlate it to the society’s fear of death. Everyone has heard the expression that “time flies by like the blink of an eye.” Humans have been attempting for centuries to make sense of and accept the concept of time. The great Albert Einstein, the most prolific physicist of the 20th century, in his Theory of Relativity proved that time was relative. In other words, time and it’s accepted concept of constant, continual progression at a fixed rate was incorrect or not an absolute. Einstein convinced himself and many others that the past, present, and future were only an illusion (Schwartz, 2003). However, to the majority of the world’s population, time is not a theory. It is something that propels us into old age and beyond. The subject of time has inspired many artists to attempt stopping...
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...diverse, so its’ workforce. With these changes, expecting to continue for many years, it is imperative for any organization’s success to value the difference of today’s multicultural society, respect the uniqueness of eachother and to maintain an environment in which everyone is being treated with dignity. To achieve this, one need to recognize the U. S. workforce demographics and most importantly, understand the impact of a diverse workforce in the business world. Companies are being faced with various challenges and benefits resulting from a workplace with different demographic attributes; Demographic traits like aging. According to the bureau of labor statistics, 55years to 64years old individuals represent 60% of the workforce and 65years, older individuals represent 17.7% of the workforce (bureau of labor statistics, 2013). These statistics show that, the U. S. aging workforce that represent both a challenge and opportunities for industries. 1. What changes in employment relationships are likely to occur as the population ages? Researchers have shown that with age come positive workplace behaviors. For instance, older employees are likely to demonstrate exemplary ways such as volunteering, a higher respect for safety rules, lower work injuries and lower counterproductive behaviors. They are also likely to show strong commitment and work ethic at work. Nevertheless, the relentless fight to changes and struggle to adapt to new customs represents adverse effects that are...
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...Health Care Reform Project Angela Thomas HCS/440 December 16, 2913 Caryn Callahan The Aging Population in America The current growth in the number of older adults in the United States are reaching unprecedented numbers in the nation’s history with an expectation of reaching nearly 89 million people by age 65 or older by year 2050. The rapid U.S. growth can be attributed to two realities: Americans are living longer than in previous decades; the twentieth century ushered in effective public health strategies and advances in medical treatment contributing to a dramatic increase in average life expectancy. The post -World War II “baby boomer” generation. The leading edge of the baby boom generation reached age 65 in 2011, and every other day roughly 10,000 people will celebrate their 65th birthday. So, by 2030 the last baby boomer will celebrate their 65th birthday leaving a population of 72 million older Americans (CDC, 2013). This population has wide-ranging implications for virtually every facet of American society. At each point in the lifespan of baby boomers, the United States has felt and been changed by the impact of their numbers and needs—from booming sales in commercial baby food in the late 1940s, to construction of new schools during the 1950s, to the housing construction boom of the 1970s and 1980s. The 30-year gain in life expectancy within the span of a century had never before been achieved. Diseases that once claimed lives have been eradicated while...
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...Aging Veterans Freda R. Pelrean Soc 100 Introduction to Sociology August 28, 2012 Strayer University Professor Janice Chaparro Abstract The research on the aging veterans in population is among the largest. The United States have laws, and rules, and regulations. There are many older that have no family to take care of them. They totally depend on agency or organizations to help take care of them. The care that they receive is not what they deserved. Some veterans gave all to help protect the United States. We as a nation we still need to appreciate the veterans for what they have given to this nation as a whole. In the study of population graying society use a term that comes from a Greek word “geron” that means old person. Aging Veterans The investigation about the aging veterans is a something that needs to look at careful. There are many problems that the older generations have to deal with. In the United States many of the aging veterans deal with health or mental issues. They also suffer from chronic disabilities like arthritis, and heart problems. Some veterans also have problems with sensorimotor coordination. Some veterans have to train all over again on how to walk, talk, and how to arrange object. The little things like how to dress, and how to feed themselves. In chapter 15 (Macionis, 2010) it focuses on the Transitions and Challenges of Aging. Most veterans spend a lot of time reflecting on the past....
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...Demographic Paper HCS /490 Demographic Paper This paper will expound upon the demographics of the aging population, data that is gathered of the said population and describe the general impact that the changing demographics may have on the health care market. Why and how will the changes in the aging population affect healthcare. In addition, identify two key health care related challenges for the aging population such as increase in health care costs, increases in prescription drugs costs, or the need for in home medical care. How a chronic disease wellness program may affect the cost of the aging population. What can the demographics tell you about the marketing needs of services needed for the aging population, finally how can a patient; the community and society as a whole address the challenges of the aging population. After gathering data about the aging population, it is understandable that it is similar to the statistics of the human population such as birth, deaths, infant mortality, and life expectancy rates. According to Kotler, Shalowitz, & Stevens (2008), people seek health care services for a number of reasons, such as illnesses, accidents, preventions and incurring injuries in one form or another. In addition, most people seek health care services because of the influence of merchants, mainly pharmaceutical companies that encourage patients to seek care for a diversity of known diseases and symptoms. This encouragement may come from public service announcements...
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...Impact Nursing Ageism is a kind of unfairness that affects discrimination on people based upon their age. Sexism and racism are related to ageism include being adverse customs concerning people of various ages Cherry, K. (n.d.). Aging unavoidably includes increased need for health-care assistance at any level also at any position for almost all grown Americans. A summary of the current status of older- healthcare rings with hard info. For example, based on the ILC’s 2006 statement on ageism in America, 90% of elderly Americans nevermore get regular screening examinations for prostate or colon cancer, bone density, or glaucoma—every disease state can advance with age. Sixty percent of elder grown-ups do not get regular preventive health assistance,...
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...Dealing with America’s Fear of Aging and Death Margaret Kimble Developmental Psychology 210 Liberty University Abstract Mankind has tried to cheat aging and death by freezing their remains, cosmetic surgery or marrying outside their generation hoping to stay young. However, these attempts are futile and Americans cannot hold back the clock or trick death. The clock is ticking and when it stops I will die and so will you no one knows when. Although there is a great deal of research on aging and death, no one has discovered how to halt the inevitable. It is a scientific and biblical fact that human beings will age and die. All life ends in death. This paper will cover some of the issues regarding, fear of death, and fear of aging. It will also explore if Americans fear death and aging because we have no control over it or we don’t understand it. Fear of aging can be attributed the fear of our health failing; losing our memory, independence and the energy for living our lives to the fullest (Berger, 2001). Fear of death can be attributed to not being able to speak to someone who is still experiencing it. Many fear growing older because of the onslaught of mental deterioration such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease; which are attributed to old age. (Philipchalk, 1994). Fear of aging and death is caused by America’s negative concept; it is the natural progression of life. In Strongman’s research he found that a dominant aspect of aging is death (Strongman, 2006)...
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...Aging Population in Health Care The aging society will place additional pressure on the nation’s publically-funded health care. The aging demographic has changed over the years and between 2000 and 2050 there is a projected 135% increase in this population (Wiener &Tilly, 2014). This increase in populations may cause a major impact on the delivery of health care because of the shift in concentration from single interventions to correct single problems to chronic diseases such as Alzheimer’s, heart disease, and osteoporosis (Wiener &Tilly, 2014). Throughout the years, the average life expectancy rose from 47 years in 1900 to 78 years in this day, with a projection of 84.5 years in 2050 (US News, 2014). This demographic changes the ratio of adults that are 65 and older. Also, there is a declining birth rate as more couples are choosing to have smaller families. This decline will result in a lower population of people under the age of65 and there are fewer workers to contribute to taxes that support seniors since they are less productive and also consume more (US News, 2014). More people are living longer and by 2030, 1 in 5 Americans will be over the age of 65. This massive change will put pressure and demands on the health care system. In the future more Americans that are 65 or older will have some type of chronic condition and will end up adding more to the health care costs in the future. Eventually, this will lead into a physician shortage because...
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...Aging of America and The Preventive Measures we take Christopher J. Murray Professor Adler HCM 625 Selected Learning Activity for December 2012 { Salem International University, Healthcare Management Program } Abstract Between now and 2030, the number of Americans age 55 and older will almost double. To put the demographic numbers into perspective, we will see 60 million to 107.6 million; a 10 percent increase as the Baby Boomers will reach their retirement age. Within that same time period, the number of Americans over 65 will more than double, with an increase in population of 34 million to 70 million; an almost eight percent increase (Administration of Aging). The average life expectancy has increased almost 20 years for females and 16 years for males, in part due to the advancements of our educational system and healthcare. We, as Healthcare Managers, must plan accurately because of this current trend of extended longevity. Fail to prepare, prepare to fail. What do these words mean for our country? It is imperative that we, as Americans, prepare for the future in all aspects due to such a large population. We will see drastic increases in aging, income, and the need for a practical plan by every American because of the statistics that have been listed. The proof is in the pudding by showing the statistics given by the Administration of Aging; we see increases in all age brackets...
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...Running head: DEATH AND AGING: FEARING THE PROCESS 1 Death and Aging: Fearing the Process Aimmie Jenkins Liberty University DEATH AND AGING: FEARING THE PROCESS 2 Abstract The purpose of this study is to outline the fears, if any, that people have in regards to death and aging. Through theoretical research, aspects are explored to determine if people fear death or just the manner in which they will die, and if people fear aging or the effects of aging. Does the lack of faith in a higher power correlate with the fear of dying? Do people fear dying, the manner of death, or the unknown? Does one fear wrinkles, declining agility, and memory loss, or aging itself? Steps will be outlined for those that may fear death, to calm and educate them on death and aging. DEATH AND AGING: FEARING THE PROCESS 3 It is often said that as a culture, America has Gerascophobia, or the fear of aging. Fear that causes so much anxiety, which motivates some to seek anti-aging surgery and procedures. America is so consumed with looking young. In fact, in 2012, America spent over 11 Billion dollars on plastic surgery, alone. Wanting to look young is nothing new. The search for some magical ‘Fountain of Youth’ has been going on for centuries. Men...
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...GROWING OLDER IN AMERICA The United States more than ever, is experiencing a dramatic increase in the number of people who live to old age. An increase in seniors is attributed to advances in science, technology and medicine leading to reductions in infant and maternal mortality, infectious and parasitic diseases, occupational safety measures and improvements in nutrition and education. This occurrence is creating challenges for Americans of all ages as they deal with Social Security, health care, housing, employment and other national issues that are important to an aging population. The number of Americans living over the age of 65 has dramatically increased in the past years. People are beginning to live well past retirement and later stages of their lives because they have remained healthy and productive. Given the fact that America is aging, it is important to have resources available for American’s who will soon dip into retirement funds and Medicare. A good question to ask as America becomes populated by more and more elderly is, “How can the unique needs and desires of each person be appropriately assessed and addressed in a rapidly changing health care environment?” In 2011 “baby boomers” began to turn 65 which accounted for 14 percent of the U.S. population, that percentage will increase to 20 by the year 2030 (APA). The average life expectancy for men is now 73 years and for women it is 80 years. These baby boomers will have a significant impact on American society...
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...Impact of Aging in Place Shirley Jackson ABSTRACT The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of aging in place. As Americans age we are faced with the decision of aging in place or moving into a senior community. Studies have proven that seniors prefer to stay in the comforts of their own homes. The National Association Home Builders is promoting accessible home modifications that will enable seniors to age in place. By working directly with organizations like the Senior Housing Council, Remodelers Council, and Research Center they are better able to service the needs of the aging in place communities The NAHB feels that Americans should have the option to maintain their dignity and independence comfortably in their own home, minor aging-in-place modifications make the difference in the lives of people with disabilities and senior’s one study found… (NAHB, 2008). Studies have shown that the population of elderly has increased dramatically therefore the growth of the elderly population has created a need for aging in place villages and communities. ACCESSIBLE HOME MODIFICATIONS The NAHB is working with members of the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association and Aging in Place Council to inform seniors about aging in place...
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...Disease Trends and the Delivery of Health Care Services Paper Johnny Williams III Hca/240 September 29, 2013 Jessica Grippo Johnny Williams III HCA/240 Week Eight September 29, 2013 Jessica Grippo Aging What the current age composition of the U.S. population looks like. Today the age composition is made up of about 12.9% of the American population. This means that there are 1 and every 8 persons in America that are elderly. Americans are living longer than that of the past with the baby boomers being a generation that have been able to celebrate seeing their 60th Birthday. The current age composition of the U.S. population will increase drastically in the next 20 years is that the will be such an increase that it will no longer be the 1 to every 8. It has been projected the by year of 2030 the population of elderly is going to increase and then will be 1 to every 5. It was also projected that people will be able to enjoy at least part of their life expectancy into retirement. The big change in the demographics is that there has been a decrease in the mortality rates. With the decrease of mortality rate people this is allowing us to have an older generation. Along with that there is another factor that also contributes to the growing aging population. This is due the lower fertility rate. The environmental factors in the older population also have a factor with the increase of life expectancy. The older population is more active than that of past times...
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...Chelsea McKoy Psychosocial Aspects of Aging PM 738 Long Island University Table of Contents Introduction 3 Background 4 Cultural Background 5 Health Status 6 Community Programs and Resources 7 Psychosocial Well Being 8 Conclusion 9 References 10 Introduction Since the beginning of the 20th century, life expectancy has increased in the developed world more than in all of recorded history prior to 1900. The elderly population in the United States is growing. Today, over 35 million persons are 65 years of age or older, accounting for about 13 percent of the population. According to the Administration on Aging (AOA) (2014) in the year 2030, their numbers will more than double resulting in one in every five Americans being over 65. As scientists and doctors find new ways to cure illnesses, more people are living longer lives. In fact, the fastest-growing age group in the U.S. is the 85 years and older group. This group now represents about 40 percent of the elderly population (AOA, 2014). The process of aging for elders 65 years and older often involves a number of progressive physiological changes. Within the context of these changes, and often related to them, prominent issues of psychological and social adjustment emerge. Such issues include coping with declines in physical and functional abilities, changing social relationships and roles, and dealing...
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...Care Medical Care for an Aging Population Countries around the world are encountering a growing number of the elder demographic. The aging population has created situations that the world’s economy and health care that have never encountered. The elders leaving the workforce and entering retirement has created new challenges in an already fragile global economy and health care system, and it is uncertain what the impact will in America. Questions rose about how the aging population will affect the economy. Will these changes bring new opportunities for the aging population because of the healthier life style and longer life expectancies currently seen today? Will physically and mentally healthier seniors be able to manage longer working years? Alternatively, will it result in a shortage of worker in the workforce leaving an overwhelming burden on the younger population? This paper summarizes three articles that attempt to bring to light the various challenges the nation is encountering in its preparation to care for the aging population. Additionally it will provide the readers with some recommendations on strategies both the American industries and government can use to prepare for the loss of a large percentage of the workforce who will start retiring in the next decade. The burden of geriatric health issues While countries across the globe are scrambling to make the necessary preparation to accommodate medical care for the aging population, the United States...
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