Premium Essay

The American Perspective on Aging and Health

In: Other Topics

Submitted By tladybug67
Words 334
Pages 2
The American Perspective on Aging and Health

The older we get, The American society glorifies the younger and fears the old age. There’s a saying; “We waste energy on the young, but the old are the wiser, been there and have done everything the young is doing.” When an older American gets to a certain age they are encouraged or expected to “retire to a new phase of their life. (npc 2012) We try and save for a nice retirement plan because retirement is a reward to ourselves for the years we’ve dedicated to hard work. But the young’s philosophy thinks the older workers can’t produce of be productive/useful employees. The older generation has relinquished their reins to be the role model or leaders for their families. Majority of the older population will let their family members and health care physicians resume responsibility for their own health care, living conditions, and let them be treated like children. There are other older Americans that don’t want their bodies or life to deteriorate. Some of the will fight the wrinkles, their health, and the weight by paying for cosmetic surgery, taking supplements, and excessively physical fitness training program. Then there are the other older Americans that adapt very well to the aging game by going to the Nursing Home, Assistant Living, or having a help come to their home to take care of them. Majority of the older Americans find themselves sitting around and making excuses to stay active and health. Because they’re reaching a certain age and closer to the end they don’t have the drive to try new things or challenge each other to exercise and eat properly. The lack of physical training, social involvement, and mental stimulation leads to the older American generation to lose their ability to use their mind and bodies. The older they get the more negative the elderly and/or

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Module 1: Social Gerontology - Overview/Learning Outcomes/ Key Terms

...demographic concerns related to aging and introduces the role of the person-environment perspective to study issues relevant to aging. Due to an increasing interest in understanding the process of aging and the changing demographics of the world, including the United States, gerontology is a growing field. More and more people in the U.S. are living beyond age 65 or even 85, with these "oldest old" as the fastest growing age group among Americans. The population of older adults in the U.S. is also becoming more ethnically diverse, although elders of color generally have a lower life expectancy due to health and economic disparities. The growth of the older population has raised questions as to whether our nation is prepared to meet the health care and social service needs of this group and their families. Given the growth in the number of older adults, society needs to address the public policy issues related to aging, including assessing the appropriateness of current policy and exploring innovative policy to meet the changing needs of older adults. Researching policy and social issues related to aging poses some challenges to gerontologists. The important question centers on being able to distinguish age differences from cohort differences. Improvements in gerontological research, such as the use of longitudinal studies and sequential designs, have been made, but more exploration is needed. LEARNING OUTCOMES You should be able to: Define aging, gerontology, social gerontology...

Words: 2071 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Medical Care for an Aging Population

...Medical Care for an Aging Population Medical Care for an Aging Population Aging – an inevitable event all people face. No matter race, ethnicity, or gender, aging affects all individuals in ways as unique as one’s personality. As the Baby-Boomer generation reaches retirement age, the need for expanding national geriatric medical services has become an urgent matter. Even with an increase in a healthier population of seniors in today’s world, many elderly people often have multiple chronic illnesses, ranging from high blood pressure to such serious diagnosis’s as kidney failure; and both major and minor (or easily treatable diseases) can be expensive to treat. The Unites States, like many other counties of the world, is in a health care crisis. Also like other countries, the U.S. government has stepped to the plate to try to find a solution to be sure not only the aging population’s medical needs are met but also all other citizens of the country. Health Care Reform and health care costs are a current hot topic for the U.S., and many ideas, solutions, and opinions exists on the issue. To further evaluate and gain alternative perspective, three articles (each with a different perspective on the subject) have been reviewed and summarized to help reach a better understanding of what the aging population and rising health care costs they will accrue means to the financial state of the Unites States. Article one is an article related to the increasing demand for medical...

Words: 1421 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Vietnam Veterans Interventions

...When most Americans hear the term PTSD the think of the young soldier who has just come home from the horrors of war. Few think of what happens to these veterans as they age and become elderly men and women. Over the past 30 years treatment options and protocols for posttraumatic stress disorder have become more formalized and reliant on evidence. Many of these established PTSD protocol driven interventions were originally developed to help Vietnam veterans while they were younger men and women. The problem is that these Vietnam veterans are now in their late sixties and early seventies and there is no current established therapy for treating aging war veterans. The purpose of conducting this study is to focus on the aging war veterans and...

Words: 270 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Ageism and the Elderly

... November 20, 2009 Professor Travis Yelton In my opinion of ageism and the elderly there are minor debates that the combined age of the American people is rising, plus the people of aged Americans is one of the major developing demographic groups over the course of the previous two decades, growing admittance to medical care, rising excellence of care, and health developments in general have led to a extensive life distance and later revolt personal and career growth in the over 65 demographic assimilations. To a greater extent, seniors are effectivemaintain their jobs into their 70s and yet their 80s, and the feasibility of the labor force is not longer reliant on reviews of age. Simultaneously, arguments have been waged concerning the effectiveness of an aged personnel and the value of the elderly in the era of high technology. Aging emphasize the involvement of the aging or elder individual in social activities and engagement in society. The social conflict perspective criticizes these approaches because they don't take into account the effect of social structures, social stratification, and class on patterns of aging. Individuals from the upper classes have better health and vigor and less likely to be dependent in later years than are individuals from the lower classes. Affluent persons have greater or even better access to healthcare, consistent access to food and medication...

Words: 1982 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Eary and Middle Adluthood

...family, and grandchildren, and maintaining health in preparation for the final years of the lifespan. Although genetics play a significant role in the quality of life during these final years, individuals who modify destructive lifestyles and embark on healthier options will experience an improvement in their health and sense of wellbeing (Berger, 2008). During this stage of adulthood, older adults remain socially active and independent rather than subjecting themselves to isolation and withdrawal (Berger, 2008). As more aging adults continue to live healthy, socially active lives and maintain important family roles, it is important to refrain from stereotypical thought and the negativity of ageism, which can contribute to their premature decline. With technology and high quality medical care, aging adults continue to be a valuable resource for younger generations. Healthy habits and daily routines are essential for promoting health and wellness into late adulthood. Smoking, excessive drinking, lack of exercise, and overeating cost many individuals their ability to maintain an active and independent lifestyle as they age (Berger, 2008). Exercise and a healthy diet avert many common diseases and increases energy in the elderly. Changing daily habits, even late in life can help diminish some of the effects of aging (Berger, 2008). According to Berger (2008), almost all diseases and chronic conditions normally associated with aging are powerfully influenced by one's daily...

Words: 1416 - Pages: 6

Free Essay

Stress and Coping in Eldrly

...NUMBER 4 > VIEWING HTML W/LINKS Peer-Reviewed Research Article Effects of stress on health and aging: Two paradoxes Authors Carolyn Aldwin, Oregon State University Loriena A. Yancura, University of Hawai'i Publication Information California Agriculture 64(4):183-188. DOI: 10.3733/ca.v064n04p183. October-December 2010. Author Affiliations C.M. Aldwin is Professor, Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, Oregon State University, Manoa. L.A. Yancura is Associate Professor, Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Hawai'i, Manoa. Abstract Although older adults are thought to experience more stress and to be more vulnerable to its adverse effects, they often report less stress than younger adults and sometimes show more resilience. Paradoxically, while stress sometimes has long-term positive effects on well-being, studies differ as to whether this increases or decreases with age. We conclude that older individuals have learned to appraise and cope differently with stress. This protects them in spite of their increased physiological vulnerability and may also increase the possibility of stress-related growth and optimal aging. Full Text [View Enlargement] As people age their health trajectories tend to diverge, with some developing multiple chronic conditions and others maintaining good health; stress may play a role in this aspect of aging. Over the past century, remarkable changes have occurred in the life expectancy and...

Words: 4752 - Pages: 20

Free Essay

Aging Demographics

...Aging Demographics for Alaska HCA 490 University of Phoenix Aging Demographics for Alaska Established in 1959, Alaska became the 49th and largest state in America. Throughout the past 53 years, Alaska has developed ever changing demographics in regards to the population of age, health, race, gender, education, and employment. From top employers in Alaska such as Providence Health and Services all the way to the male female ratio, the aging generation is integrated in all demographics and is the one demographic that is not limited to other demographics. The aging population affects all races, genders, health, education, and employment. Aging Demographic Demographics are the result of statistics from data retrieved over a certain population that provide information on age, gender, race, education, employment, and income. The demographic range stretches from the categories of global, national, state, county, city, to town jurisdiction. The aging demographic in Alaska is categorized as state. Demographics can stay the same for decades and can change very rapidly. With this constant there are a number of concerns that arise along with this change. There is a large concern regarding the prices in health care based on the nation’s economy and the imminent change of national demographics. The state demographics within Alaska are impacted by this through the costs of health care and now more so than ever with the change of local demographics of...

Words: 1370 - Pages: 6

Free Essay

Case Study: Aging in the Workplace

...proactively developing programs and policies to help retain and attract highly qualified older employees. Introduction According to a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report issued in 2006, the number of workers over age 55 is projected to increase significantly over the next 20 years with this demographic group projected to comprise as much as one-fifth of the nation’s workforce by 2015 (Government Accountability Department, 2006). The unprecedented aging of the world’s population and the strong correlation between aging and disability challenges employers. Observe the listed demographic changes in the workforce, any challenges and concerns employers have with an aging workforce, and some benefits of an older workforce. Find select academic and other related literature on employer strategies to prepare for an aging workforce and examples of successful retention initiatives. Concerns Regarding the Aging Workforce Employers have raised concerns on the workforce demographics and the challenges regarding the aging workforce. Some of the employers’ challenges include increased healthcare and disability, age discrimination, career development and advancements and the lack of...

Words: 2732 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

The Impact on Aging

...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...

Words: 1504 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Theory of Successful Aging

...Theory of Successful Aging (Flood, 2005) was developed to addresses a nursing theory for care of the older adult regarding to the lack of nursing theory that offers clearly delineated guidelines for care of aging. Flood’s(2002) unique definition of successful aging among other explanations includes mental, physical, and spiritual elements of the aging person and emphasizing the individual's self appraisal. She used existing knowledge derived deductively from the Roy adaptation model, one of the most widely accepted nursing theory model, and integrated these ideas with Tornstam's sociological theory of gerotranscendence and literature related to the concept of successful aging to comprise the foundation of the theory (Flood, 2005). The author adequately explains the specific nursing actions that constitute these attributes. Clarity: The attributes of the theory and the model (Flood, 2005) clearly defines the major concepts relevant to successful aging. Flood provides examples of person with cancer that would exemplify the attribute although the physical health is not stated in the assumptions. In addition, there are no ambiguous statements, nor abstract or complex language employed. Nurses can readily understand the language used in the theory. Moreover, guidelines for interventions to help not only for nurses but caregivers to care for elders are provided for a completely understanding. Consistency: Flood’s views of aging and definitions of successful aging addresses the definitions’...

Words: 1641 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Future of Aging

...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...

Words: 3435 - Pages: 14

Free Essay

Social Gerontology

...Written Assignment #3 1. Explain Erikson's psychosocial model and Levinson's theory as they relate to adulthood. What is successful aging? Erikson is a theorist who focused his work on the psychosocial development of individuals throughout their life. He found interest in social change, cultural diversity and psychological crises through life (Berger, 2008, p. 36). According to his model, Erikson believed that individuals go through eight specific stages of development that help one achieve their ego identity (Hooyman, N. R. & Kiyak, H. A., 2011). In each of these stages, an individual has a major task that is to be accomplished as well as a conflict that requires being resolved. Each of these conflicts is a foundation for the successive stages of this model; therefore, the outcome of the crisis presented infers how the individual will advance to the next stage. Erickson’s concept explained how during development individuals proceed through these various stages as they grow and become more capable of dealing with issues and relate with society overall. The stages of Erikson’s psychosocial model are as follows: Stage I is basic trust vs. mistrust. The goal of this stage is to establish a basic trust of the world via trust of parent(s). Stage II is autonomy vs. shame and doubt. Here the individual is to establish a sense of autonomy and self from the parent and to establish self-control vs. doubt of one’s abilities. Stage III is initiative vs. guilt. Individuals are...

Words: 2437 - Pages: 10

Premium Essay

Bshs 342 Uop Tutorial, Bshs 342 Uop Homework

...BSHS 342 Complete Course Click Below URL to Purchase Homework http://www.homeworkbasket.com/BSHS-342/BSHS-342-Complete-Course BSHS 342 Week 1 DQ 1 BSHS 342 Week 1 DQ 2 BSHS 342 Week 1 Individual Assignment Quiz on Philosophies and Theoretical Perspectives BSHS 342 Week 2 DQ 1 BSHS 342 Week 2 DQ 2 BSHS 342 Week 2 Individual Assignment Observation Journal BSHS 342 Week 2 Learning Team Assignment Hot Topic Paper Methods of Delivery BSHS 342 Week 3 DQ 1 BSHS 342 Week 3 DQ 2 BSHS 342 Week 3 Individual Assignment Rite of Passage Paper BSHS 342 Week 3 Learning Team Assignment Observation Journal Age 10 – 17 BSHS 342 Week 4 DQ 1 BSHS 342 Week 4 DQ 2 BSHS 342 Week 4 Individual Changes in Adulthood Personal Perspectives or Paper BSHS 342 Week 4 Learning Team Assignment Slowing the Biological Clock BSHS 342 Week 4 Observation Journal Age Adult Middle Adult BSHS 342 Week 5 DQ 1 BSHS 342 Week 5 DQ 2 BSHS 342 Week 5 Learning Team Assignment Research Paper on Issues Affecting the Aging BSHS 342 Week 5 Observation Journal Age Late Adulthood For More Homework Goto http://www.homeworkbasket.com BSHS 342 Week 2 Learning Team Assignment Hot Topic Paper Methods Of Delivery Click Below URL to Purchase Homework http://www.homeworkbasket.com/BSHS-342/BSHS-342-Week-2-Learning-Team-Assignment-Hot-Topic-Paper-Methods-of-Delivery Select a topic as a team for your Hot Topic paper and presentation. • Birth control and abortion • Methods of delivery ...

Words: 1027 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Term Paper

...America’s Aging Population Sarah Akin Emerging Healthcare Issues 21st Century HMCD 326 Abstract America’s aging population is increasing at a significant rate because of all the medical innovations and information that we have received on preventative methods. With that comes the financial burden of how are we going to pay for this? Who is going to provide the resources to care for our elderly population? Research and the reform of Medicare have been taken into consideration, because of this aging population. As a prediction was indicated over a decade ago with the abundance of physicians, has become a well decreased number. America’s population is aging and change is among us. The change on the way medicine is practiced is slowly changing as a result the amount of physicians going into general/family health practices is decreasing. A new/old way of medicine is at an increase and is predicted to become the future of medicine. Allopathic and Osteopathic medicine are those medical practices on the rise. The future of medicine depends on the demand of practice. Dr. Thomas Nasca, CEO of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, stated, “We estimate that we will see domestic production of medical school graduates functionally surpass our current total number of GME postgraduate year-one pipeline positions [posts that lead to initial specialty certification] by 2015 or sooner, and this does not include some 10,000 non–U.S.-citizen international medical graduates...

Words: 788 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Psychosocial Aspects of Aging

...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...

Words: 2252 - Pages: 10