...Vulnerable Population: Elderly population NUR/440 July 11, 2011 Anavictoria Fortaleza Vulnerable Population and Self-Awareness Paper The Elderly Population According to Chesnay (2008) “vulnerable populations are those with greater than average risk of developing health problems by virtue of their marginalized sociocultural status, their limited access to economic resources or personal characteristics such as gender or age. Anyone can be vulnerable at any given point in time as a result of life circumstances or response to illness or events” (p 3-4). For the last few decades, society and government have put a great deal of concern and interest on the aging population. The number of elderly population in the United States is rapidly increasing. The US population under the age of 65 tripled during the 20th century. This number is to double by the middle of next century. Over 70 million American citizens will be considered elderly by 2030, or about 20% of the population will be senior citizen (Walsh, 2009). The growing numbers are attributed to aging “Baby Boomers” and increasing life expectancies. Disability and disease are more common in elderly population such as hip fractures, parkinson’s disease, malnutrition, cardivovascular disease and malignant cancer. More than 70% of the elderly population has been diagnosed with a chronic disease (Pishchita, 2007). According to CDC, arthritis is the leading cause of disability among individuals over 65 years of age and 47% of...
Words: 1056 - Pages: 5
...Elderly as a Vulnerable Population According To the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary (2002), vulnerability is the Ability to "Be Easily Physically, Emotionally, or mentally hurt, Influenced or attacked." “As one of the faster growing segments of the population, over 70 million American citizens will be considered elderly by 2030 (Centers for the Disease Control and Prevention , 2007).” The United States Census Bureau states that, the Population greater Than 65 years old is growing at a rapid pace and by the year 2050 will duplicate and will increase from 12 to 20 percent of the population. This same percentage will be considered vulnerable population. Currently 40 million of people in the United States are 65 years or older, according to the Census Bureau these numbers will be expected to double by 2050, longevity will increased and this will bring a new number of common diseases which, will make this group more vulnerable. At Any Given Time, anyone can become vulnerable, the composition of the population has changed demographically and the elderly population has increased in recent years because of the development of the science and technology, but with this increment of the elderly population the vulnerability increases as well, due to some factors that this vulnerable population is exposed to, such as increase of the needs, physical and mental limitations, and lack of financial resources. Chronic illnesses increase vulnerability in elderly patients because...
Words: 1527 - Pages: 7
...The Elderly as a Vulnerable Population Lauren M. Lorio NUR/440 April 9, 2012 Maria Mendez The Elderly as a Vulnerable Population Vulnerability is defined as susceptibility or increased risk for health problems (DeChesnay, 2008). A group of individuals are considered at higher risk for illness when their physical, emotional, psychological, or social health, is compromised (Aday, 2001). There are many leading causes for why a population is considered at higher risk; socioeconomic, age, gender, demographics, personal, and cultural backgrounds are some of the key factors (Aday, 2001; Sebation, 1996). Individuals can become vulnerable at any time because of change in life circumstances, placing them at higher risk. One group considered to be a vulnerable population is the elderly. In the article, “Patterns of Perceived Barriers to Medical Care in Older Adults: a Latent Class Analysis,” authors Joshua M. Thorpe, Carolyn T. Thorpe, Korey A. Kennelty, and Nancy Pandhi (2011), examine various levels concerning barriers to health care accessibility for the elderly population. The purpose of the study is to “…identify risk factors, potentially assisting healthcare organizations with targeting policies and interventions designed to improve access in the most vulnerable older adult populations” (Thorpe et al., 2011, p. 1). Categories of distinct classes of older adults were established in the article, placing Class one at the lowest level of risk for accessibility issues, and...
Words: 809 - Pages: 4
...Vulnerable population paper Vulnerable Populations in Current Events Paper Vulnerable Populations in Current Events Paper When I think of a vulnerable population, a few population groups come to mind, including mentally disabled, socioeconomically disadvantaged, those with physical limitations, children and the geriatric populations. During my assessment/admission interview of patients, I listen for clues that may indicate that they fall into a vulnerable category. I have had patients tell me that they have neglected to take care of their ailments because they cannot afford to take off a day from work, or they don’t have adequate insurance or any insurance coverage at all. The chosen article focuses on protecting vulnerable populations from pandemic influenza in the United States. According to the article, the vulnerable populations include those with underlying health conditions, pregnant women, children and persons with disabilities as well as correctional populations (to include staff and facilities). It is essential to protect these vulnerable populations in order to effectively slow or mitigate an influenza pandemic. The vulnerable population may have several barriers that prevent them from obtaining the much needed medical services. Such barriers include socioeconomic status, health beliefs, behaviors, and status; and access to health care over which an individual or family may have limited control (Hutchins, 2009, S246). Moral, ethical...
Words: 327 - Pages: 2
...Elderly Population and the Advocate’s Role In human services, an advocate is someone who supports their client in their decisions regarding life and gives the client a voice to make a change. Very often when dealing with the elderly population, the problem of neglect and elder abuse arises. These wrongdoings are frequently the actions of the people closest to the victim including family members (Adult Children and Spouses) and caregivers. Human Service Advocates Human service professionals work with and are advocates for the elderly population for various reasons because the population is enlarging rapidly. Advocates are supposed to work hand in hand with their clients and spread awareness regarding elder abuse and neglect. The problem arises when advocates do not protect or advise their clients from abuse, neglect, and discrimination. If neglect is suspected, the human service professional (advocate) is obligated to report any signs but that sometimes does not happen because the professional themselves are the culprits. For instance, a human service professional may work in an adult daycare facility where elderly adults go during the day while their main caregivers are working. While there the elderly client may endure physical and verbal abuse from the professionals that work at the facility. This is way too common and if the people who are supposed to be advocates for their elderly clients are actually the people who are abusing them, then the clients are not...
Words: 530 - Pages: 3
...The United States is experiencing a huge increase in the number of seniors, as well as increased levels of care and needed assistance. In 2010, seniors, age 65 and older, comprised approximately 13% of the U.S. population at 40.3 million. It is projected, that by 2050, that number will grow to 20.9%.1 Several factors are contributing to the increase in the elderly population, including that people are living longer and the baby boomer generation, one of the largest, is starting to enter into their 60’s. Although there is no age cut off or recommendation, there are guidelines on when to stop driving. People are now living an average of 7 to 10 years beyond their ability to drive safely.2 Despite having numerous transportation options, from public busses, trains, taxis, there exists a gap in the market for reliable and affordable transportation for the elderly population who can no longer drive, or chooses not to. Currently, the only widespread ride options are transport vans, which are expensive unless there is merited and documented need, such as for the severely dependent. Some senior living complexes offer shuttles to grocery stores, but there is a lack of dependable day to day transportation offerings. Therefore this population usually relies heavily on family members support, with an estimated 35% dependency rate.3 What we propose is a driving service specifically for seniors that provide affordable services, along with an arm to lean on as they go from door to door...
Words: 759 - Pages: 4
...excess can be attributed to these medical conditions. Some of the major oral health conditions of concern include tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancers. As the population begins to shift towards an increase in elderly patients, they are living longer and keeping their teeth longer as well, resulting in an increase in the need for treatment of gum disease and other dental services. These problems can also be a complication of certain medications used to treat systemic diseases. The purpose of this paper is to improve access and quality to oral health care for elderly population in Massachusetts who are residents in Long Term Care facilities. (Clemencia M. Vargas, 2001) The elderly are identified in the U.S. Surgeon General’s report on oral health as one of the most vulnerable populations with regard to poor dental care. In Massachusetts 13.3% of the state’s population are considered seniors, defined as being 65 years of age or older. There are more than 143,000 residents age 85 and older and that number is expected to grow 52% by the 2030. About 45,000 Massachusetts residents live in long term care facilities and there is no one-size-fits-all model of oral health care for this growing population. Many seniors are keeping their natural teeth, which increases the likelihood of dental and periodontal disease. Elderly without teeth still require regular examinations of soft tissue and adjustments of prostheses. All of this increases the need for restorative care which puts a greater...
Words: 2009 - Pages: 9
...center for professionals. Civic Engagement Promising Practices for Engaging Seniors in Community Service Consumer Direction- Mainstreaming Consumer Direction in the Aging Network Diffusion of Innovations Diffusion of Innovations Expert System . Evidence-based Programming DadaDadi Resource Center on Evidence-Based Prevention Programs for the Elderly Using the Evidence Base to Promote Healthy Aging Falls Prevention Falls Free Research Review Papers . Healthy Aging (General) Center for Healthy Aging's Publications Collaborative Care for Aging Well Healthy Aging - A Good Investment: Exemplary Programs for Senior Centers and Other Facilities Medicare Information Project Peripheral Arterial Disease Awareness Survey and Campaign Mental Health & Substance Abuse Get Connected! Linking Older Adults With Medication, Alcohol, and Mental Health Resources - A Toolkit Promoting Older Adult Health: Aging Network Partnerships to Address Medication, Alcohol, and Mental Health Problems National Surveys Data on the Elderly Growth of Elderly Population (60+) by Gender, India Year Total Population Males Females 1901 12.06 5.50 6.56 1911 13.17 6.18 6.99 1921 13.48 6.48 7.00 1931 14.21 6.94 7.27 1941 18.04 8.89 9.15 1951 19.61 9.67 9.94 1961 ...
Words: 2824 - Pages: 12
...Vulnerable Population and Self Awareness Doreen Carranza NUR/440 August 13, 2012 Vicki Clithero Vulnerable Population and Self Awareness Effective healthcare is dependent on understanding vulnerable individuals and populations with respect to biases and prejudices of healthcare providers. According to de Chesnay (2008), “Vulnerability is a general concept meaning susceptibility, and its specific connotation in terms of healthcare is at risk for health problems” (p. 3). Anyone can be vulnerable at different times in his or her life under specific circumstances. According to de Chesnay (2008), “Vulnerable populations are those at risk for poor physical, psychological, or social health. Anyone can be vulnerable at any given point in time as a result of life circumstances or response to illness or events” (p. 3). In order to render good healthcare, healthcare providers need to be aware of their own vulnerability. This paper will discuss the vulnerable population of the elderly; demographics of the elderly; personal awareness of the elderly including attitudes, biases, and stereotyping prior to studying the elderly; the impact of research on personal attitudes after gathering information, and how knowledge might affect the delivery of healthcare to the elderly. The amount of aging people in the United States continues to increase, in We the American Elderly (1993) it states that: From 1990 to 2020, the elderly population is projected to increase to 54 million persons...
Words: 1074 - Pages: 5
...Demographics – Impact of the Aging Population Your Name Here University of Phoenix HCS/490 Health Care Consumer – Trends and Marketing Demographics Demographics is the study of the population as it pertains to particular geographic areas concerning age, sex, race, income, disability, and a host of other determining factors. Demographics of a population can be obtained through various means, the of the most reliable is that obtained through the government census. As instructed in Article 1, section 2 of the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution requires a census of the population every 10 years. The purpose of this is to obtain a correct count of the population for determining the number of representatives for each state to seat in Congress. The government also uses the collected information and breaks the demographics down according to state, counties, cities and towns for a true picture of the population of these areas. With this being known, the government uses this information for the distribution of monies for the various demographic needs of the population. Each individual of every age, sex, race, income, and disability has different needs, and as a result affects each geographic location differently. The Demographics of Monroe County, Michigan Monroe County, Michigan has a population of 152,949 as of the 2008 population estimate (U.S. Census). This reflects an estimated population increase of 4.8% from the 2000 census...
Words: 1345 - Pages: 6
...well-known fact that the world, overall, has an ageing population. This is especially true when looking at the population of India. From 1950 to 2010, India’s population aged 60 and older has risen from 5% to 7.5% (Bloom, Mahal, Rosenberg, and Sevilla, 2010, p. 60). Considering India’s life expectancy for both men and women in 2014 was less than 70 years (Saharan, 2014, p. 261), the fact that the population aged 60 and over has increased by 2.5% in 60 years is extremely influential to the economy. There is little governmental support for these elderly citizens, which leaves the burden of supporting them financially to their younger family members. In many cases, elderly citizens no longer live with their families, or their families do not earn enough to financially support the elderly person’s needs, and therefore the elderly citizens, and often their families as well, slip into poverty. In order for India’s economy to continue growing, policies in India must be changed to account for the increasing life expectancy and the increased number of elderly citizens. Before we can examine the economy and the required policy changes, we must look at the population of India. In India, there is currently a falling fertility rate and an increasing life expectancy (Bloom et al., 2010, p. 61). This means that less children are being born, but people can expect to live longer. Looking at Figure 1, we can see that in 2010, the population was largest in the 0-14 age range for both genders....
Words: 1225 - Pages: 5
...lives of four elderly women living in Miami during the 1980s. As I am watching, I for the first time notice the four "elderly" women depicted in the show all defy the general concepts of ageing as well as ageing stereotypes. The female characters all are very healthy, fashionable, energetic, social, employed and have active love lives. This portrayal is a great contrast from the depiction of the grumpy, unhealthy, introverted and frail perceptions modern media and society associates with the elderly. This makes me wonder,...
Words: 1655 - Pages: 7
...storing, and converting of necessary information securely and safely via technological methods. An additional benefit is the cost savings associated with using technology. To establish an information technology network for human services, organizations must establish an information infrastructure that will support their day-to-day operations. Barriers – Elderly Population The first barrier is the elderly population. Because of the rising elderly population, providing the necessary services to this population can be challenging because the mental and physical abilities decline. The elderly population consisting of individuals born between the years 1946 and 1964, also known as baby boomers, are a consistently growing population requiring human services resources (U.S. Census Bureau, 2012). Because the elderly population continues to rise, human services providers must consider technological applications and how they can assist in providing easier and more accurate services. As individuals age, they lose some cognition and physical abilities. One other obstacle for human services with the elderly population is that the elderly may not have any experience with technological...
Words: 1263 - Pages: 6
...Vulnerable Populations-Part 1 Jane Doe University of Phoenix Nursing 531 June 25, 2012 Georgetta Baptist A vulnerable population is defined as “those at risk for poor physical, psychological, or social health” (de Chesney, 2012). There are many vulnerable populations and this paper will concentrate on the elderly. According to Walsh (2009), the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), states the elderly are considered anyone 65 years old or older. With the increased lifespan of elderly, there have become new demographics of young old (65-74), old (75-84), and oldest old (85 & over), and the frail old (anyone over 65 with physical or cognitive disabilities). The US census bureau estimated in 2011, the population of elderly persons 65 and over living in the U.S. to be 311,501,917. Between 2000 and 2010, the population 65 and over grew at a faster rate than any other population in the United States, 15.1% compared to 9.7% of the rest of the US population. Thirteen percent of the population is elderly; 55.2% are married, 32% live with family members, 51.7% are female, 48.3% are male, 60% are white, 17% are black, 18% are Hispanic, and 5% are other races. Education wise, 10.9% have less than a 9th grade , 10.3% have attended between 9th and 12th grade but did not receive a diploma, 36.4% are high school graduates, 20.6% have some college, and 22.5% have Bachelor’s degree or greater. It is estimated that elderly between the ages of 65-84 are doubling as the baby...
Words: 2120 - Pages: 9
...fastest population growths. According to statistics, the total fertility rate as at 2.1,2010, American women in the total population had reached 308 million, living in the world's third largest country in population status. As early as the 1940s, the United States began to enter the aging society; an aging population is now over 65 years that is 17.4% of the total population (McNicoll, 67). As the populaces grow older, an escalating share of the working force will be past the age 60 years. Older human resources have often been measured less productive than the younger population, raising the concern of whether the aged workforce will be as well a less prolific one. The American work force or personnel are growing older. As the baby boom cohort passes focal point age and approaching to retirement, a intensifying percentage of the working population will be older than age of 60 years. Process of population aging in China compared to the aging in U.S. population has the following characteristics: First, enter the old society for a long time; the U.S. list of countries into old age has lasted 70 years. Second, the slow development of an aging population in Western countries at the middle level. On the one hand due to higher fertility rates, 2005 U.S. total fertility rate was 2.0 , partly because the United States absorbs a large number of young immigrants , to some extent alleviated the U.S. population aging process. Third, large proportion of the elderly population is elderly. As...
Words: 1930 - Pages: 8
