...Why do we have a negative attitude towards old age and what do people do in order not to look old? Steve Olela BA/03004/09 Maseno University Abstract This paper examines why there is very high stereotyping and discrimination against the aged. It also looks into how the aged try not to look old so that they do not get to be discriminated against. It is common to find people making assumptions and having negative attitude towards the aged. Why we have a negative attitude towards old age The society has discriminatory perception against the old especially the youth or young for example in the 2013 Kenya elections, the young contesting for political seats refered to the old as “analogue” and deserve to go and relax at home while referring to themselves as the “digital” . ‘People have a negative attitude towards the old because the old people are associated with health issues and death’ (Hall and Baley, 2008) and so there is the fear of old age and therefore viewed negatively. It is perceived that the old people require regular checkups and fear of death due to the many health problems they experience (Arnold-Cathalifaud, 2008). Working with older patients is not typically viewed as desirable because the young view them as stubborn and have traits the young would want to always avoid. The old people are also associated with the negative body image. Physical attributions and appearances is a factor or a reason why people develop negative attitudes towards the old age. ‘It is...
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...Assignment 2: Aging John Doe SOC 100: Introduction to Sociology Professor Beth Stewart May 3, 2013 For years, life expectancy has grown in nations across the globe. With ever changing technology and improving quality of life, people generally have the luxury of a longer life. That said, there things that need to be considered such as financial support for the elderly, retirement age, assisted living and self-sufficiency. At some point, living long changes from a luxury to a burden. There are social issues regarding the way that elderly are viewed in society. In many cases, this may lead to people trying to fight aging or to take better care of themselves so that they age gracefully. There are differences in the life expectancies of different countries as well as differences in how the elderly are viewed and respected in different cultures. In 1950, the life expectancy for girls born in India was 36 years while girls born in the US had a life expectancy of 72 years (Lubben, J. & Rodriguez, J.,2011). Another interesting statistic is that in 1900, only 21 percent of people had a living grandparent and in the year 2000, that number grew to 76 percent (Lubben, J. & Rodriguez, J.,2011). As life expectancy grows, the effected generations need to consider how they will support themselves. They need to consider how much money they need to have saved in order to live after retirement. Additionally, the retirement age has gone up as life expectancy has gone...
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...Running head: WEEK 5 FINAL ASSIGNMENT: PSYCHOLOGY OF AGING 1 Psychology of Aging Mildred T. Murphy PSY 317: Cognitive Functioning in the Elderly Professor Rhonda Travland Ashford University August 26, 2013 Running head: WEEK 5 FINAL ASSIGNMENT: PSYCHOLOGY OF AGING 2 Abstract Aging in the United States raises challenges in terms of belonging, especially for older people. The interrelationship between aging and a sense of belonging is complicated because the aging process itself is influenced by many factors, including biological, sociological, psychological, economical, and attitudinal factors. Each of these factors has a unique impact on aging. Exacerbating these factors are society’s negative stereotypes and myths, discrimination, biases, prejudices, and negative attitudes toward the older people, which are cumulatively identified as ageism for the purposes of this paper. Thinking about the dimensions of aging for older people gives rise to a number of questions. For example, what are our cultural attitudes and traditions towards aging? How do these attitudes and traditions inform our private thoughts and public policies towards aging? This paper will focus on the mysteries that control human lifespan which are yet to be unraveled. Running head: WEEK 5 FINAL ASSIGNMENT: PSYCHOLOGY OF AGING 3 Part I-Intro to the Psychology of Aging Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior, and is unique...
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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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...Among many developed countries around the world, Canada’s population is aging and it will continue to increase with a huge contribution of baby boom generation. In 2010, we had about 14% of Canadian seniors (those age 65 and older) and by 2036, this percentage will increase to about 25% (Canadian Institute for Health Information, 2011). We do not live only in an aging world but in a society in which older people are healthier and more active as compared to past aging population. The effects of population aging permeate all spheres of social life; work, the family, politics, economy, housing and health care. However, there lies a strong belief that the aging of Canadian population will certainly lead to an increase in the cost of providing the current level of health care in Canada because health care costs are much higher for seniors, and this financial burden will be more acute in some provinces due to provincial differences in the age structure and population health (Health Canada, 2006). This paper will discuss the various aspects of aging of population that can result as a threat to the Canadian health care system in terms of cost and health care facility usage by the elderly. Also, the social and demographic structures of aging that limits the living rights of aging population will also be mentioned. Ageism is a social Construction: “Old” age or becoming a senior does not happen overnight when a person turns 65. Rather, the meaning of being old is socially constructed...
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...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...
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...Aging Journal Karen Sharee Steward PSY/205 October 12, 2015 Dr. Rollo Jones Fear of Aging Everyone always has a fear of something in their life and my fear is aging (growing old). There are a number of reasons why I am so uneasy about getting older. The first reason would be the loss of my independence. I have always been a very independent individual, and I have always done things on my own. No one has ever had to step in and take over for me. One day there is going to come a time where I will not be able to do things on my own. Like for instance, it will be harder for me to run errands, go to the grocery store, and etc. Losing my independence is something that I am not ready for. Another reason why I fear of getting older is that your health starts to decline. As a person grows older, their health starts to deteriorate. For example, seniors start to have heart problems, having a stroke, a heart attack, or they could get emphysema. Another health problem that is common among seniors are having vision problems. They could end up with glaucoma, cataracts, or presbyopia. These are all common problems that seniors deal with as they get older. Furthermore, getting older means having strangers in your home taking care of you. There was a time in my life where I was able to care for myself. Now there will be nurses and caretakers coming in my house looking after me. People ask themselves “why me?” How did I go from be being able body to being helpless at the blink of an eye...
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...ageing workforce can either help or harm a company’s operations. First, companies are beginning to face challenges as the workforce begins to age because technological advances can be difficult for the experienced workers to learn. Although the experienced worker, or Baby Boomer, has done a particular job a certain way for many years both effectively and efficiently, companies implement new technology to remain current. The Baby Boomer population did not grow up with computers or much of today’s technology; however, they are willing to learn. Teaching new technology takes time which can take away from productivity. Human Resources must be able to manage the ebbs and flows that come with training. (http://smallbusiness.chron.com/impact-aging-workers-hr-department-60913.html) Next, tensions can arise as younger more tech savvy employees enter the workforce. Oftentimes the work ethic of the older professional is different than that of the younger professional. Older professionals may feel that younger professionals who insist upon a work-life balance are not as committed to the company as they are. Younger professionals may feel that they have the skill to do a job quicker or more efficiently than an older professional. Human Resources and management must know how to maintain the dignity and respect of the older worker while ensuring that the younger worker is respected as well. Finally, as the older professionals...
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...“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...
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...FACULTY OF BUSINESS ECONOMICS AND POLICY STUDIES UNIVERSITI BRUNEI DARUSSALAM BB-5112 Human Resource Management Global Ageing Crisis- The Challenges in an Organisation Prepared by: Jacelyn Lee Sze Wei 11M0009 Hj Shril Hj Matsawali 11M0030 Mohd Samardi Samat 12M1432 Siti Afshah Abu Bakar 12M1417 Yvonne Yeo Chui Ping 11M0032 With Due Respect We the Group Members 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...
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...Running head: Theories of Aging Theories of Aging Nate Aungkuldee Milwaukee School of Engineering –School of Nursing Abstract Gerontological nursing may be viewed as the nursing management for older population. Knowledge of nursing care and competency of caring for elderly become more important as the result of increasing population of old age people in the past decade and expecting in ongoing increasing in the next twenty years. There are many theories of aging that describe and explain aging process and how the individuals respond to changes that occur with aging. By understanding a normal process of aging, the quality of nursing care for this population may be enhanced. The purpose of this paper is to present and explore some of the theories of aging and apply the theory into nursing practice that cooperated with evidence base research studies to implement the plan of care for an older adult. Two main theories of aging: Biological theories and Psychological theories are the focused theories that being discussed in this paper. According to many current resources the aging population in the U.S. is now rapidly growing. There were 4% of people age 65 and older or about 3 million people in 1900 (McGuire & Mefford, 2007). This old age population increased to 36.8 million people in 2005 with the increase of 3.2 million or 9.4% from 1995 (Mauk, 2010). As of today a newborn child is expected to live at least...
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...Health Issues in Aging The Aging Musculoskeletal System January 19, 2014 The human musculoskeletal system is the organ system that gives humans the ability to physically move, by using the muscles and skeletal system which, as the name implies consists of the muscular system and the human skeleton. Bones are connected to each other at the joints by ligaments or cartilage and skeletal muscle is attached to bones, usually by tendons. With advancing age, all tissues and organs suffer many changes in the normal way it functions and the muscles normally suffer the most damage. Research indicates that the aging of the musculoskeletal system starts usually after age 30 but it may start a little early or later in different individuals depending upon their genetic makeup ,dietary and environmental factors as well aslifestyle choices. Commonly Observed Changes Some of the most commonly observed changes in the anatomy and physiology of musculoskeletal system with aging are: a decrease in the total amount of muscle fibers due to the depressed productive capacity of cells to produce proteins. In addition, the size of muscles cells, fibers and tissue; this is also knownas generalized muscular atrophy. There is total loss of muscle bulk, power and strength of all major muscle groups like deltoids, biceps, triceps, hamstrings, and other major muscles. One can also expect wasting or wear and tear of the protective cartilage of joints that normally acts as a shock-absorber and gliding...
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...The Growing Need To Care For The Aging The longer people live, the larger the population of people over a certain age is going to be. While this may sound obvious, consider the fact that we're living about 10 years longer than we were, in general, not too long ago. That means there are more and more people in this demographic; this, despite the fact that the healthcare industry isn't matching the rate of growth with their number of workers. People getting up there in years are also raising the expectations for quality of life, determined to stave-off assisted living as long as possible and demanding more options, less pain and greater accessibility in day-to-day living. Combined, all these factors are pushing the caregiver industry to new...
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...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...
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...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...
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