The aim of the following essay is to explore how nurses can ensure that
older people are treated with respect and dignity whist being cared for in
hospital or the community. The essay will seek to gain an understanding
of the biopsychosocial influences associated with dignity which affect the
older person.
Age concern describe dignity to mean that everyone is treated and
receives the care that meets their needs which enables them to live their
life how they want (age concern 2008). it is important that health care
professionals are aware of the ethical and non-ethical values necessary for
each patient to feel his or her dignity is fully respected
The ageing process effect a multidimensional process of physical,
psychological, and social change.. Some dimensions of ageing grow and
expand over time, while others decline. Reaction time, for example, may
slow with age, while knowledge of world events and wisdom may
expand. Research has shown that even late in life the potential exists for
physical, mental, and social growth and development. Ageing is an
important part of all human societies reflecting the biological changes
that occur, but also reflecting cultural and societal conventions. Religion
is often an important factor used by the elderly in coping with the
demands of later life, and appears more often than other forms of coping
later in life.
Ageism can be described as the expression of negative attitudes and
behaviours towards the aged (Bephage 2000).
The population of the United Kingdom is ageing. Over the last 25 years
the percentage of the population aged 65 and over increased from 15 per
cent in 1983 to 16 per cent in 2008, an increase of 1.5 million people for
this age group (office for national statistics 2009).
Which such a large and