Free Essay

Aging Population

In: Other Topics

Submitted By tommiegary
Words 1348
Pages 6
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 of population, society, economy, resources and environment and under the guarantee of resources and with a benign environment. Its purpose is not only to satisfy demands of contemporary population, but also not to pose threats to development of later generations. Sustainable development is centered with human being and regards the overall development of human being or the society as its target of development. Thus, a good population environment is required in order to implement the strategy of sustainable development. “A good population environment will promote coordinated development and sustainable development of population and economy, society, environment and resources. Human resources of the elderly, especially talent resources, have high value and advantages. Advantages of talent resources of the elderly are m2nly reflected in two aspects. On one hand, they have incomparable experiences and skills and accumulae1d cultural tradition. In order to realize sustainable development, a society has to inherit the excell1ent achievements of its traditional culture and carry forward and innovate these achievements (Hongmei, W. 2010). Key Related Health Issues The rise in costs of prescription medicines affects all sectors of the health care industry, including private insurers, public programs, and patients. Spending on prescription drugs continues to be an important health care concern, particularly in light of rising pharmaceutical costs, the aging population, and increased use of costly specialty drugs. The aging population is living longer but with more health care related issues; therefore the cost of prescription drugs is a major factor in the in caring for their health and finance. Prescription drugs are a vital component of efforts to maintain or improve health. Advances in new product and technology increases in utilization the number of people using prescribed medicines and the numbers of prescriptions per user have contributed to increases in overall prescription drugs spending. The rising cost of prescription drugs affects everyone, but especially high prescription drug users, uninsured individuals, and health plans. Almost half of the cost of prescription drugs is paid out-of pocket. Concerns about cost lead some consumers to take less than the dosage suggested therefore putting their health at risk. The importance of the aging population having their medications and proper dosage will help to sustain their health and receive the proper dosage of their medication. By most standards, the health of the elderly has improved over the past 30 years. Mortality has declined, disability is less prevalent at the oldest ages, and disease in old age is less likely to mean death or loss of physical or mental functions. However, the improved ability to treat diseases and chronic conditions has increased the prevalence of most diseases in the elderly population (Jacobsen, Lee, & Mather 2011). Wellness Programs for the Aging The Administration on Aging Health, Prevention, and Wellness Programs provide seniors with the tools to maintain their health, reduce their risk of developing chronic diseases, and manage their health to live as independently as possible. One of the most important programs AOA based disease program for the aging is the Diabetes Self-Management Training Initiative’s goal is to increase the capacity of the Aging Services Network to supply diabetes self-management training programs for seniors with diabetes, including Medicare beneficiaries, to assist them in managing their diabetes (aoa). Programs that are in selected and mandated for our aging population can only increase their life and make enhance their lives. A healthcare service geared to the aging is an advantage and should be a service. The importance of serving the aging population will continue to increase as the aging continue to live longer and more productive lives, services that can provide assistance and guidance to healthcare issues will become a vital and essential part of their lives. Marketing We are approaching a unique moment in our nation’s history, when one in three Americans will be over the age of 50, with an estimated 75 million Americans between the age of 50 and 65 and another 40 million 65 and older. As a result, the ability to understand and communicate with this vast target audience will be a pathway to long-term success for healthcare marketers, in times of economic challenge and beyond. Along with free media, this has the advantage of credibility over most forms of advertising, reaching out to the community is another way to market your healthcare system, hospital or practice in challenging times. When done correctly, the resulting goodwill simply cannot be measured in dollars.
Community outreach programs can involve traditional options like health fairs, but more traction can be gained by working with local print and broadcast media on some kind of program that benefits the community, especially one that encourages patients to participate. Marketing must be geared toward the aging populations and one way to do that can be focus groups, group presentations, and e-marketing. According to almost 60 million Americans over age 50 are now spending an average of 18 hours per week on the Internet. What began for many as an exercise in e-mailing is now a full-blown pursuit of products and services that can improve their lives, with an estimated 74 percent of those searches focusing on their own community. The world of marketing and reaching the aging population will be a new challenge for healthcare and healthcare products, proper strategies will be important to reach the aging population (Marsh 2010). Challenges The aging population is while population aging represents, in one sense, a success story for mankind massive survival to old ages has become possible; it also poses profound challenges to public institutions that must adapt to a changing age structure. The first challenge is associated with dramatic increase in the older retired population relative to the shrinking population of working ages, which creates social and political pressures on social support systems. Conclusion Cuts in benefits, tax increases, massive borrowing, lower cost-of-living adjustments, later retirement ages, or a combination of these elements are now discussed as the possible painful policies, which may become necessary in order to sustain the pay-as-you-go public retirement programs such as Medicare and Social Security. The changes in demographic population are constantly occurring and the future of the aging is dependent on how society will address and adapt to their needs.

References

Retrieved from: http://transgenerational.org/aging/demographics.htm#ixzz1UV4GC9g0

Hongmei, W. (2010). Research on Aging of Population and the Sustainable Development. Asian Social Science, 6(12), 206-210. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

JACOBSEN, L. A., KENT, M., LEE, M., & MATHER, M. (2011). AMERICA'S AGING POPULATION. 66(1), 1-18. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Retrieved from: http://www.aoa.gov/AoARoot/AoA_Programs/HPW/index.aspx

Marsh, D. (2010). Marketing to the mature marketplace. Six pathways to success in challenging times. Marketing Health Services, 30(1), 12-17. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Aging Population

...“To a large extent, current research and development and government policies have helped to ease the aging process.” Discuss this statement in relation to your particular field of study or interest (e.g. economics, science, medicine, social policy, architecture, psychology, technological inventions). “Population ageing is both a triumph and a challenge” (Lim, 2008). With the advances in economics and medical development as well as better health systems, Singaporeans now are having longer life expectancy than they used to have in the past. Current research has shown that Singapore is one of the fastest ageing populations among Asia. However, the drop in birth rates over the past years has resulted in a smaller ratio of younger Singaporeans. Chan (2000) states that as there are fewer people to take care of the elderly, taking care of the elderly will rest on the government’s shoulder and this will has implications on the economy, financial security, living arrangement as well as health care system within the country (Chan, 2000). With researches done on the ageing population and the social policies, in terms of economy, living arrangement and health care system, implemented, these can help to ease the ageing process. In order to maintain financial security so that the problem of ageing population will not affect the economy, the government has come out with a few policies. As Singaporeans now live longer, they will thus have to work longer. The government promotes lifelong employability...

Words: 785 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Aging Population

...Aging Population Discuss findings related to geriatric syndromes and trends evident in the aging population. According to Rodgers, Geriatric Syndromes are groups of specific signs and symptoms that occur more often in the elderly and can impact patient mortality and morbidity. Normal aging changes, multiple co-morbidities, and adverse effects of therapeutic interventions contribute to the development of Geriatric Syndromes (Rodgers, 2008, p. 323). Geriatric Syndrome includes sleep disorders, eating disorders, incontinence, confusion, falls, and skin breakdown. Mental disparities such as depression, delirium, dementia and pain are also symptom that accompanies aging (Rodgers, 2008, p. 323). Discuss cultural diversity and the impact of diversity on life transitions. The aging baby boomers generation will contain a greater racial and ethical mix than any other previous generation. This is in direct correlation with increasing immigration from primarily nonwhite countries and a lower fertility rate among Caucasians. The U.S. Census bureau predicts that nonwhite populations will account for approximately 39% of the U.S. population by 2050 (Chop, 2006). Life expectancy for nonwhite Americans is less than it is for whites. African American men and women currently live on average 6-5 years less, respectively, than their white counterparts. However, if a black person of either gender lives to age 65; his or her life expectancy is much closer to whites than it was at birth...

Words: 955 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Aging Population

...Submit This Case Study Assignment to Our Lecturer Dr Zahidul Islam Date of submission: 14th March 2013 Introduction: Trends in Human Resource Management (HRM) are changing. One of the factors that concern the HRM area is the workforce demographics. In 1980s, baby boomers enter the workforce and started to operate in the job market. This boosts influence not only the organization, but also a country’s economy. Today, most countries in the world are facing population ageing due to the fact that now those baby boomers are approaching their golden age. In Wikipedia, population ageing is defined as a phenomenon that occurs when the median age of a country or region rises due to rising life expectancy and/or declining of birth rates. These occurs because of several factors such as reduction in the mortality and fertility rates, increased in life expectancy, migration of foreigners to a country and most of the time because demographically the population shifted towards aged population. This phenomenon will not only bring major implications to the social, economy and financial but also affect the HR function in a country(in general) and in an organisation (in specific). Global Ageing: Global Ageing has created some anxiety and concern to some countries and below states some of the proclamation picked as follows: China – “…In 2010, there were 110 million people 65 and above in China; by 2030, the number will increase by more than 100 million, according...

Words: 1173 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Impacts of an Aging Population

...The impacts of an aging population on a country An aging population is where the population of a country is of a high elderly dependence. There are three main ways to split the ways they are sorted and these are Social, the ways in which the elderly population affect the people around them, political, the ways in which the elderly population affect the politics of a country, and finally, economic, the ways in which the elderly population affect the wealth of the country. Social impacts can be negative or advantageous, an advantage would be the fact that in a study on volunteering 35% of people aged 75 or over regularly give up their free time to help others. This is beneficial as it helps many people, this also links to the fact that they look after grandchildren and other elderly relatives such as husbands/wives or sisters and brothers. However, a disadvantage would be that they are also dependent on their family for support; this can put pressure on the families. A recent study showed that 600,000 disabled older people in England receive care from adult children; this number is expected to rise by 90% to 1.3 million in 2041. Elderly populations tend to group up, for example in Eastbourne where the majority of the population is elderly. This means services provided there will be less suitable for younger adults, which causes them to move away, further increasing the ratio of young-old people. Political impacts are mostly positive however, for example, crime rates are expected...

Words: 1421 - Pages: 6

Free Essay

The Aging Population of Healthcare

...The Aging Population Of Healthcare Douglas Ritson University of Phoenix William Obert June 14, 2015 The aging population will have a huge impact on the health care system, not only through economics but more so on the healthcare system. The healthcare system will need new doctors practicing a different kind of medicine to treat the medical needs of the aging population. The new aging population is living longer and the cause of death for the majority will be from different types of diseases. The baby boomers do not want to become a burden on their families for their healthcare needs. Because of this it will cause a demand for more physicians and different kinds of healthcare facilities to care for the aging population. “By 2030, one in five Americans will be over age 65, and the healthcare system is just beginning to feel the burden. “ “Not only are there more seniors, but they are also living linger. Within the last century, life expectancy has increased by nearly 30 years. For men born in the 1900 life expectancy was general till age 48, but by 2000 life expectancy for me jumped to 74” years old. For women life expectancy back in the 1900 was till age 51, but life expectancy for women jumped to 74 in year 2000, and by 2050 the average women will live till the age of 86. (Matthews, 2013) Since the life expectancy is longer, the cost of healthcare will raise and the retired individuals will need to plan for these expenses before their retirement. One option is...

Words: 510 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Essay On Aging Population

...EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE OF ADHERENCE OF HOME EXERCISE PROGRAM (HEP) PRESCRIBED FOR GERIATRIC IN REHABILITATION SETTING. INTRODUCTION: Many countries in the world are facing a global phenomenon known as the- aging population. An aging population happens when there is an increase in the median age due to surge in the “life expectancy and/or declining fertility rates” in a country (1). According to the report by the United Nation in the Population division, this occurrence though thought to be predominantly in the developed countries, is spreading to the developing countries as well (1). One of the associated problem that comes with an expanding aging population is the rising economic burden on the healthcare sector. Loss of independence and decline in functional status in the older person had been cited as one of the major factors on the healthcare financial uptake (2). If we could find ways to stop or minimize this, then it could reduce the economic healthcare...

Words: 1683 - Pages: 7

Free Essay

Medical Care for an Aging Population

...Medical Care for an Aging Population HCS/440 Economics: The Financing of Healthcare University of Phoenix Online Medical Care for an Aging Population There are many issues that face the health care system for the aging population such as the strain on major funding programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and social security by not having enough funding to cover the growing baby boomer population as they reach retirement age. Social security is the largest federal spending program and Medicare is the fastest growing program and with less working adults than those 65 and older, these programs face issues that could be solved in several ways including raising the retirement age beyond 65, Raising the taxable wage limits for social security and Medicare, and building more long term care and memory care facilities. With an increase in the aging population medical care may be difficult to afford as the increased use of services puts a strain on funding programs requiring changes on how we fund these programs and who will qualify. Raising Retirement Age There are many issues that face the health care system for the aging population such as the strain on major funding programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and social security by not having enough funding to cover the growing baby boomer population as they reach retirement age. Raising the retirement age beyond age 65 is a proposed solution to increase the funding for the program. Life expectancy continues to grow and we are living...

Words: 863 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Demographics: the Aging Population

...Demographics: The Aging Population Angela Lewis HCS/490 December 12, 2011 Eric Longino Demographics: The Aging Population The number of senior citizens in the United States is rapidly increasing. It has been reported that aging Americans are living healthier, longer lives while enjoying greater wealth than ever before. There are diverse decisions that must be made that will support the well-being and health of the aging population as the Baby Boomers continue to grow larger. The growth of the aging population in the United States over the next 50 years is projected to have an exceptional impact on the United States health care system. The greatest challenge to the United States will be to provide affordable, appropriate, and adequate health care. According to Hales (2009-2010) in 2003 there were nearly 36 million people who were age 65 and over and accounted for about 12% of the total population in the United States. It has also been stated by Hales (2009) that “This number is anticipated to grow to 87 million by 2050, or about 25% of the total United State population” (558). A Majority of this increase will transpire by 2030 as the last of the baby boomers reach age 65 (Jacobsen, Kent, & Mather, 2011). However, providing health care for the increasing aging population will be costly, require an adequate health care workforce, and compete with other challenges such as in-home medical care and affordable prescription drugs. The increase in the number of aging Americans...

Words: 1627 - Pages: 7

Free Essay

Aging Population in Canada

...Aging population in Canada Student Name Course/Number Date Instructor Name Introduction Living arrangements in Canada are characterized by factors such as economical stability, marital status, family structure and size, health status, as well as cultural customs such as affinity patterns, the worth placed on living alone or with relatives, social services and social support and the physical characteristics of accommodation stock and local commune. From a strategy perspective, the specific mixes of the living arrangements also give clues to the requirement for formal services. While work has been carried out on how earnings, age and gender shape living arrangements or Canadian seniors, comparatively, according to. (Uhlenberg, 2009) little research has explored how language ability, ethnicity and migration status further arbitrate living arrangements. Ethnicity and migration are further explored by focussing on living arrangements of Chinese-Canada seniors (Cheal, 2002). Statistics for Canadians aged and the aged from 1996 individual poll, public use Micro data File (PUMF) (n=159,361), General Social Survey Cycle 11 (GSS11) (n=12,759) and National Population Health Survey (NPHS) (n=13,363), were used in the analysis. Logistics regressions using PUMF and GSS11 statistics proposes that while personal earnings and features of refugees play significant roles in encouraging living independently amongst older Canadians, their effects do not invalidate the role of culture...

Words: 373 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Demographics – Impact of the Aging Population

...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...

Words: 1345 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Demographic Paper/ Aging Population

...Demographic Paper/Aging Population Aging Population The purpose of this summary is to provide information on the effects of changes in population demographics on the needs and services of the aging population. This summary will include the impact the aging population will have on the health care market as well as some ways in which the aging population affect health care in relation to cost. The summary hopes to provide some insight to the need for more health care professionals to care for the aging population. He summary will provide an answer to the question, what is the aging population’s effect on a chronic disease wellness program. The summary will conclude with the aging population’s effects on an individual, community, national, and global level. Aging Population in the United States According to Maestas and Zissimopoulos, “population aging is not a looming crisis of the future, it is already here” (Page 1, Para 1, 2011).When life expectancy rises and fertility declines the results are an aging population. Another issue of population aging is an increase of individuals surviving to live to an older age outgrowing the number of young people or health care professional’s ability to take care of these older people. The impact of the aging population on the future standard of living may depend on how long people continue to work. Age-related health care declines and the reluctance of employers to hire and retain older workers is a serious cause for concern. Age...

Words: 1174 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Aging Population in Modern Workforce

...Aging Population in Modern Workforce Southern New Hampshire University September 13, 2014 Abstract This paper refers to the changes current workforce relationships have to go through, due to the constant aging of their employees and population in general. I will discuss the changes that are most likely to occur, how the aging of the workforce affects managers and companies, what policies eliminate age discrimination, the importance of diversity in workforce, and what actions companies can take into consideration in order to maintain a well-balanced, diverse and satisfied workforce. Aging Population in Modern Workforce Changes in Workforce: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow Companies and workers have been around for centuries, and the labor force has had a gradually but significantly change. It wasn’t until the 1940, after World War II, when the workforce started to change; 28% of American women was in the workforce (United States Department of Labor, n.d), and the number of workers per retiree was 45/1 (ncpa.org, 2012). Now, the women workforce comprises 57.7 % (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2013) of the USA workforce and the seniors (65 +) consist of a 25% of the USA workforce (Gallup Economy, 2014). Over the next 5 to 10 years, we are expecting to experience an increasing rate of the senior population in the workforce. “This group is expected to be nearly 40 million in 2018, an increase of 43%. As a result, this age cohort will compose nearly a quarter of the labor force...

Words: 949 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Solution for Medical Care for and Aging Population

...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

Free Essay

The Aging Population

...The Aging Populations Worldwide is leading to an Unprecedented Increase in Cancer Cases and Fatalities Carolyn Peyton Professor Toye Sociology 100 9/11/14 The aging populations worldwide are leading to an unprecedented increase in cancer cases and fatalities. Cancer is a term used for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and are able to invade other tissues. Cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph system. Cancer is not just one disease but many diseases. There are more than 100 different types of cancer. Most cancer is named for the organ or type of cell in which they start – for example, Cancer that begins in the colon is called Colon Cancer: cancers that begin in melanocytes of the skin are called melanoma. Categories of cancer are: * Carcinoma – cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. There are a number of subtypes of Carcinoma, including adenocarcinoma basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and transitional cell carcinoma. * Sarcoma – cancer that begins in bones, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissues * Leukemia – cancer that starts in blood-forming tissues such as the bone marrow and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. * Lymphoma and Myeloma – cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. * Central Nervous System Cancers – are cancers that begin...

Words: 772 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Aging Population

...The Impact of the Aging Population on the Health Workforce in the United States: Summary of Key Findings March 2006 This study was funded by the National Center for Health Workforce Analysis Bureau of Health Professions Health Resources and Services Administration Prepared by Center for Health Workforce Studies School of Public Health, University at Albany 7 University Place Rensselaer, NY 12144-3458 Impact of the Aging Population on the Health Workforce in the United States The expected growth of the older adult population1 in the U.S. over the next 50 years will have an unprecedented impact on the U.S. health care system, especially in terms of supply of and demand for health care workers. The supply of health care workers may decrease as they age and large numbers retire and/or reduce their working hours. At the same time, older adults consume a disproportionately large share of American health care services, so demand for health services will grow. The aging of the population will also affect the nature of the skills and services the health care workforce must be equipped to provide, and the settings in which this care is provided. The so-called “baby boom” generation (people born between 1946 and 1964) is already having an effect on the health care system and it is expected to grow as the century progresses. The number of Americans age 65 and older (35 million in 2000) will rise by more than 19 million to 54 million by 2020. From 2000 to 2050, the number of...

Words: 5535 - Pages: 23