Growing Aging Population
LONGEVITY OF SOCIETY
Student’s name
Course
Date
Growing Aging Population
Static of Showing Society Aging The past 50 years have recorded an increase in the number of older people. It is estimated that this number will be more than triple in the next 50 years. This is since, the older population grows faster in practically all the regions, in the world than the total population, and that the difference in the rate of growths is increasing1. In 2009, there were 39.6 million people of 65 years and above. 12.9% of these people were from the united states that are almost one person in eight Americans. By 2030, the number of the older population will rise to 72.1 million; more than double the number in 2000. In 2000, …show more content…
there were 12.4% of People aged 65 and above. However, the number is anticipated to rise from 2030 to make 19% of the population.
Example of Japanese Lady
The oldest woman in the world as per 2014 is Japan’s Misao Okawa, who celebrated her 116th birthday recently. Miso is a descendent of the Kimono merchants in Osaka city western Japan. She likes eating Sushi, which is her favorite meal. Misao who was born on 5th march 1898 and got married in 1919 has three children, and four grandchildren along with six great grandchildren. In 2013, Guinness World Records awarded her with a certificate that confirmed her as the world 's oldest woman.
Example of French Lady
The oldest woman ever in France was Jeanne Louise Calmet, who was also the longest loving person in the world. Jean was born on 21st February in France and died on 4th August 1997 in Arles at a nursing home aged 122. Although she was blind, almost deaf and confined to a wheelchair, she remained mentally sharp and spirited up to the end. Jean was a widow for a long time more than half a century as her husband died in 1942 aged 46. She had a daughter who died at the age of 36 from pneumonia. Jeanne had a grandson whom she raised following the death of her daughter. He became a medical doctor and died from a car accident in 19632.
Geographical Areas
Currently, six countries have more than half the population of older people globally. These countries account for 54% of the total number of people aged 80 years and above. These countries include China, United States of America, India, Japan, Germany and Russia Federation respectively. China has 12 million; the largest number followed by USA with 9 million and India 6 million people. Japan has 5 million, Germany 3 million and Russian Federal also with 3 million older people. In 2050, there will be more than 10 million of people above the age of 80 in six countries. China will have 99 million, India 48 million, USA 30 million, Japan 17 million, followed by Brazil 10 million and lastly Indonesia 10 million3. They will account for 57% of the world 's population of people with 80 years and over. In 2000, the majority of the people over 80 years lived in the developed countries. It is estimated that developing countries like Singapore and Republic of Korea will have an increase in people aged 80 years and above by around a factor of ten by 2050 from 2000. Due to this, 57% of the world 's population of individuals aged 80 and above will be living in the underdeveloped regions by 2050.
Needs of ageing population
Housing
It is essential for housing policies recognize an ageing population’s needs. There should be an improvement in the mainstream housing to ensure that more aged people live independently in their homes as they become older. They should have an extensive range of housing to choose from especially through developing affordable retirement housing. Governments should also sustain better housing choices for the next older generation through improving the sharing of information on the potential housing needs of the ageing population along with investigating the impact of accessible planning schemes. This entails monitoring specific options for housing supply like retirement villages, affordable housing and the uptake of a common housing design which improves the housing safety for the older people4.
Healthcare
Since science and technology have contributed to people living longer, there is dramatic ageing in the world’s population. The older persons experience health issues such as impairment, functional limitation, disability, among others. There is a need for long term care, which will continue to grow over the years5. Improving long term care entails a political will, economic considerations and better mechanisms for the acceptance as well as the delivery of this labor intensive practice6. There is no model that successfully integrates care for the older population as the correct approach varies according to the local framework. It is evident that transforming the services of the older population requires an essential shift towards a care that coordinates around the wide range of the needs of an individual. It is therefore essential to have a more integrated working that will ensure that there is a correct mix of services at the required time in the right place.
Nutrition/Food
Dietary needs changes with ageing. This is since individuals become less active; energy requirement decreases, and their metabolism slows. This means that there is a need for them to eat less food. It is essential to maintain a nutrient-dense diet for older adults due to the impact of the intake of food on their health. Various researches have demonstrated that the quality of diet has a massive effect on the cognitive condition, bone health, physical condition, eye health, immune system and the vascular health7. It may be difficult to maintain a nutrient-dense diet since aging comes with a loss of appetite and a change in taste, as well as smell. This can result to limited choice of food and low intake of healthy foods. In addition, a decline in the general oral health may reduce the ability to swallow thus affecting the choice and intake of food.
Companionship
Many older individuals stay alone, for family and friends may be far away to offer them assistance security and the companionship they require. The ageing population requires home assistance and specialized care. Some of them may find it difficult to maintain their independence while at home and yet they may not be comfortable with the idea of moving into a care home. Even though they may survive on their own, they may require someone to share their life. Companions are essential as they may assist older people with their daily struggles such as light housekeeping, medications and taking them on errands as well as doctor appointments. Having a companion gives them the satisfaction of knowing that they can have people around them longer through their final stages in life, and this makes them comfortable in their surroundings8.
Transportation
The accelerated growth of the older population creates the distinctive challenge of making sure that they access health care and social engagement opportunities. The population is aging, and many of them live in suburban or rural areas. Some of them cannot drive or are not allowed to and they may have no alternative for getting around. Public transportation is not an alternative as most of them live in areas that have little public transit9. Even if they may be able to access public transport it will be difficult for them to get on a bus. It is crucial to reinforce the link between transportation and community-based support services in order to develop the older population’s quality of life, and build more comprehensive liveable communities. The government should adopt various kinds of transit services that are comfortable to assist them in movement.
Agencies that Help the Aging Population
American Association of Retired Persons
American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization in the United States that attends to the interests and needs of the elderly and middle aged people.
The organization has its headquarters in Washington D.C with a membership that is open to people aged 50 years and above whether retired or working. Ethel Percy Andrus, a retired teacher, was the founder of the organization in 1958 with the aim of assisting older Americans to remain intellectually and physically active through serving others. Andrus was also the founder of the National Retired Teachers Association in 1947, an organization that merged with AARP in order to assist it in obtaining health insurance and pension benefits for the retired Teachers. AARP offers a wide range of benefits as well as services to its members. The services include pharmacy, special discounts on airline, automobile rental along with hotel rates, health insurance program, credit union, and travel services among …show more content…
others10.
Community Action
These are public or private nonprofit organizations that the federal government created in 1964 with the aim of combating poverty in geographically selected areas. Theses agencies fight poverty through empowering the poor people as part of the war against poverty. In addition, these forms of organizations are intended to encourage independence and are heavily dependant on volunteer work, particularly from low income communities11. Currently, there are more than 1000 community Action Agencies that engage in a Wide range of activities such as operating food pantries, promoting citizen participation, coordinating community initiatives and job training.
Council on Aging
Council on Aging (COA) is a private non-profit organization that has been a gateway to opportunity and information for st.
Johns and St Augustine county elder communities since 1973. The State of Florida Department of Elder affairs partially funds theses organization through the Older American Act and Community Care for the Elderly programs that the Area Agency on Aging and Elder Source administers12. This is with the support of the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners, private donations as well as the United Way of St. Johns County. The organization aims at providing an opportunity for each person living in the st. Johns County to enjoy longevity, wellness and quality life choices in a healthy, strong community. The organizations have subsidized senior services and programs for individuals aged 60 years and
above.
Experience Works
These are a state-run nonprofit organization that offers job replacement, job training and work experience to mature workers aged 55 years and above in community service organizations. President Lyndon Johnson founded the organization in 1965 with support from Lady Bird. The organization originally is originally known as Green Thumb aimed at providing job replacement to poor rural farmers. Since then, the organization has developed to include various programs designed to assist the older workers go into the workforce, change careers, find challenging positions or enhance their incomes13. Experience works organization operates the Senior Community Service Employment Program of the federal government with funding from the state, local grants and Title V of the Older Americans Act. In addition, the organization offers various technology training serves among them self-paced as well as instructor led computer skills training via the internet, in classrooms, training packages and computer labs.
Senior Corps
This United States Government Agency operates under the power of the Corporation for National and Community Service. The organization aims at providing assistance to older citizens in communities whilst endorsing a sense of community. Senior Corps is an organization for individuals aged 55 years and above that has an interest in sharing their experiences with other individuals in need of coaches, a companion or mentors. The organization has three programs, namely RSVP, Foster Grandparents and senior companions. RSVP aims at providing a way that can allow older people to give back to the community14. Foster Grandparents, however, enables the seniors to support and interact with young children, hence acting like foster grandparents. On the other hand, senior companions aim at assisting the citizens who require extra assistance in order to live independently. They include those with terminal illness, adults with disabilities and their caregivers.
Professional Workers that Help Aging Population
Social Workers
They provide support as well as services to the senior population and their families in various settings. They work with older people who have poor mental or physical health, active and good health, as well as those in institutions. As the population becomes older, the growing social work practice area is the provision of service linkage and support to the families so as to assist them provides adequate care to the elders15.
Doctors/ Nurses
For many nurses, working with the aging population requires good communication skills. It is essential for the nurse to know the normal aging sign as it is an important skill16. Communication, as well as personal interactions, allows nurses and doctors to glean an understanding of the normal aging effects along with the red flag of something more severe. Family expectation’s cultural awareness, cultural norms and patient’s lifestyle give the doctors and nurse an indication of the ways to continue with care plans17.
Nutritionalists
Nutritionalists play a major role in addressing malnutrition and keeping the older population functioning and healthy. The oldest people, those aged 80 years and above provide the greatest challenge in terms of health care service provision and identification of ways to assist them to maintain independence18.
Geropsychologists
They apply methods and knowledge of psychology to understand and assist the older individuals as well as their families to maintain wellbeing, achieve maximum potential and overcome problems during their later life19. These professionals work in various fields such as community service organizations, outpatient clinics, research centers and government agencies among others.
In-home caregiver
Home caregivers assist the older generation to receive a feeling of independence and interact with their families as they work from the homes of, the older person. Home care results to additional personalized care20. These professionals assist individuals to avoid stressful situations since people who receive home care experience less stress and re-hospitalization that the other kinds of care. The freedom that comes with home care is essential for the happiness of the patient thus aids in recovery.
Bibliography
Berkman, Barbara, and Linda K. Harootyan. 2003. Social work and health care in an aging society education, policy, practice, and research. New York: Springer. http://site.ebrary.com/id/10265420.
Capezuti, Liz, Michael L. Malone, Paul R. Katz, and Mathy Doval Mezey. 2014. The encyclopedia of elder care: the comprehensive resource on geriatric health and social care.
Miles, Toni P., Antonio Furino, and K. Warner Schaie. 2006. Aging health care workforce issues. New York: Springer Pub. Co. http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&scope=site&db=nlebk&db=nlabk&AN=246201
Moody, Harry R. and Jennifer R. Sasser. 2012. Aging Concepts and Controversies, (7th Ed.). Thousand Oaks, California: Sage Publications.
Morgan, Leslie A., Suzanne Kunkel, and Leslie A. Morgan. 2011. Aging, society, and the life course. New York: Springer Pub.
Student’s name
Course
Date
Growing Aging Population
Static of Showing Society Aging The past 50 years have recorded an increase in the number of older people. It is estimated that this number will be more than triple in the next 50 years. This is since, the older population grows faster in practically all the regions, in the world than the total population, and that the difference in the rate of growths is increasing1. In 2009, there were 39.6 million people of 65 years and above. 12.9% of these people were from the united states that are almost one person in eight Americans. By 2030, the number of the older population will rise to 72.1 million; more than double the number in 2000. In 2000, …show more content…
there were 12.4% of People aged 65 and above. However, the number is anticipated to rise from 2030 to make 19% of the population.
Example of Japanese Lady
The oldest woman in the world as per 2014 is Japan’s Misao Okawa, who celebrated her 116th birthday recently. Miso is a descendent of the Kimono merchants in Osaka city western Japan. She likes eating Sushi, which is her favorite meal. Misao who was born on 5th march 1898 and got married in 1919 has three children, and four grandchildren along with six great grandchildren. In 2013, Guinness World Records awarded her with a certificate that confirmed her as the world 's oldest woman.
Example of French Lady
The oldest woman ever in France was Jeanne Louise Calmet, who was also the longest loving person in the world. Jean was born on 21st February in France and died on 4th August 1997 in Arles at a nursing home aged 122. Although she was blind, almost deaf and confined to a wheelchair, she remained mentally sharp and spirited up to the end. Jean was a widow for a long time more than half a century as her husband died in 1942 aged 46. She had a daughter who died at the age of 36 from pneumonia. Jeanne had a grandson whom she raised following the death of her daughter. He became a medical doctor and died from a car accident in 19632.
Geographical Areas
Currently, six countries have more than half the population of older people globally. These countries account for 54% of the total number of people aged 80 years and above. These countries include China, United States of America, India, Japan, Germany and Russia Federation respectively. China has 12 million; the largest number followed by USA with 9 million and India 6 million people. Japan has 5 million, Germany 3 million and Russian Federal also with 3 million older people. In 2050, there will be more than 10 million of people above the age of 80 in six countries. China will have 99 million, India 48 million, USA 30 million, Japan 17 million, followed by Brazil 10 million and lastly Indonesia 10 million3. They will account for 57% of the world 's population of people with 80 years and over. In 2000, the majority of the people over 80 years lived in the developed countries. It is estimated that developing countries like Singapore and Republic of Korea will have an increase in people aged 80 years and above by around a factor of ten by 2050 from 2000. Due to this, 57% of the world 's population of individuals aged 80 and above will be living in the underdeveloped regions by 2050.
Needs of ageing population
Housing
It is essential for housing policies recognize an ageing population’s needs. There should be an improvement in the mainstream housing to ensure that more aged people live independently in their homes as they become older. They should have an extensive range of housing to choose from especially through developing affordable retirement housing. Governments should also sustain better housing choices for the next older generation through improving the sharing of information on the potential housing needs of the ageing population along with investigating the impact of accessible planning schemes. This entails monitoring specific options for housing supply like retirement villages, affordable housing and the uptake of a common housing design which improves the housing safety for the older people4.
Healthcare
Since science and technology have contributed to people living longer, there is dramatic ageing in the world’s population. The older persons experience health issues such as impairment, functional limitation, disability, among others. There is a need for long term care, which will continue to grow over the years5. Improving long term care entails a political will, economic considerations and better mechanisms for the acceptance as well as the delivery of this labor intensive practice6. There is no model that successfully integrates care for the older population as the correct approach varies according to the local framework. It is evident that transforming the services of the older population requires an essential shift towards a care that coordinates around the wide range of the needs of an individual. It is therefore essential to have a more integrated working that will ensure that there is a correct mix of services at the required time in the right place.
Nutrition/Food
Dietary needs changes with ageing. This is since individuals become less active; energy requirement decreases, and their metabolism slows. This means that there is a need for them to eat less food. It is essential to maintain a nutrient-dense diet for older adults due to the impact of the intake of food on their health. Various researches have demonstrated that the quality of diet has a massive effect on the cognitive condition, bone health, physical condition, eye health, immune system and the vascular health7. It may be difficult to maintain a nutrient-dense diet since aging comes with a loss of appetite and a change in taste, as well as smell. This can result to limited choice of food and low intake of healthy foods. In addition, a decline in the general oral health may reduce the ability to swallow thus affecting the choice and intake of food.
Companionship
Many older individuals stay alone, for family and friends may be far away to offer them assistance security and the companionship they require. The ageing population requires home assistance and specialized care. Some of them may find it difficult to maintain their independence while at home and yet they may not be comfortable with the idea of moving into a care home. Even though they may survive on their own, they may require someone to share their life. Companions are essential as they may assist older people with their daily struggles such as light housekeeping, medications and taking them on errands as well as doctor appointments. Having a companion gives them the satisfaction of knowing that they can have people around them longer through their final stages in life, and this makes them comfortable in their surroundings8.
Transportation
The accelerated growth of the older population creates the distinctive challenge of making sure that they access health care and social engagement opportunities. The population is aging, and many of them live in suburban or rural areas. Some of them cannot drive or are not allowed to and they may have no alternative for getting around. Public transportation is not an alternative as most of them live in areas that have little public transit9. Even if they may be able to access public transport it will be difficult for them to get on a bus. It is crucial to reinforce the link between transportation and community-based support services in order to develop the older population’s quality of life, and build more comprehensive liveable communities. The government should adopt various kinds of transit services that are comfortable to assist them in movement.
Agencies that Help the Aging Population
American Association of Retired Persons
American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization in the United States that attends to the interests and needs of the elderly and middle aged people.
The organization has its headquarters in Washington D.C with a membership that is open to people aged 50 years and above whether retired or working. Ethel Percy Andrus, a retired teacher, was the founder of the organization in 1958 with the aim of assisting older Americans to remain intellectually and physically active through serving others. Andrus was also the founder of the National Retired Teachers Association in 1947, an organization that merged with AARP in order to assist it in obtaining health insurance and pension benefits for the retired Teachers. AARP offers a wide range of benefits as well as services to its members. The services include pharmacy, special discounts on airline, automobile rental along with hotel rates, health insurance program, credit union, and travel services among …show more content…
others10.
Community Action
These are public or private nonprofit organizations that the federal government created in 1964 with the aim of combating poverty in geographically selected areas. Theses agencies fight poverty through empowering the poor people as part of the war against poverty. In addition, these forms of organizations are intended to encourage independence and are heavily dependant on volunteer work, particularly from low income communities11. Currently, there are more than 1000 community Action Agencies that engage in a Wide range of activities such as operating food pantries, promoting citizen participation, coordinating community initiatives and job training.
Council on Aging
Council on Aging (COA) is a private non-profit organization that has been a gateway to opportunity and information for st.
Johns and St Augustine county elder communities since 1973. The State of Florida Department of Elder affairs partially funds theses organization through the Older American Act and Community Care for the Elderly programs that the Area Agency on Aging and Elder Source administers12. This is with the support of the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners, private donations as well as the United Way of St. Johns County. The organization aims at providing an opportunity for each person living in the st. Johns County to enjoy longevity, wellness and quality life choices in a healthy, strong community. The organizations have subsidized senior services and programs for individuals aged 60 years and
above.
Experience Works
These are a state-run nonprofit organization that offers job replacement, job training and work experience to mature workers aged 55 years and above in community service organizations. President Lyndon Johnson founded the organization in 1965 with support from Lady Bird. The organization originally is originally known as Green Thumb aimed at providing job replacement to poor rural farmers. Since then, the organization has developed to include various programs designed to assist the older workers go into the workforce, change careers, find challenging positions or enhance their incomes13. Experience works organization operates the Senior Community Service Employment Program of the federal government with funding from the state, local grants and Title V of the Older Americans Act. In addition, the organization offers various technology training serves among them self-paced as well as instructor led computer skills training via the internet, in classrooms, training packages and computer labs.
Senior Corps
This United States Government Agency operates under the power of the Corporation for National and Community Service. The organization aims at providing assistance to older citizens in communities whilst endorsing a sense of community. Senior Corps is an organization for individuals aged 55 years and above that has an interest in sharing their experiences with other individuals in need of coaches, a companion or mentors. The organization has three programs, namely RSVP, Foster Grandparents and senior companions. RSVP aims at providing a way that can allow older people to give back to the community14. Foster Grandparents, however, enables the seniors to support and interact with young children, hence acting like foster grandparents. On the other hand, senior companions aim at assisting the citizens who require extra assistance in order to live independently. They include those with terminal illness, adults with disabilities and their caregivers.
Professional Workers that Help Aging Population
Social Workers
They provide support as well as services to the senior population and their families in various settings. They work with older people who have poor mental or physical health, active and good health, as well as those in institutions. As the population becomes older, the growing social work practice area is the provision of service linkage and support to the families so as to assist them provides adequate care to the elders15.
Doctors/ Nurses
For many nurses, working with the aging population requires good communication skills. It is essential for the nurse to know the normal aging sign as it is an important skill16. Communication, as well as personal interactions, allows nurses and doctors to glean an understanding of the normal aging effects along with the red flag of something more severe. Family expectation’s cultural awareness, cultural norms and patient’s lifestyle give the doctors and nurse an indication of the ways to continue with care plans17.
Nutritionalists
Nutritionalists play a major role in addressing malnutrition and keeping the older population functioning and healthy. The oldest people, those aged 80 years and above provide the greatest challenge in terms of health care service provision and identification of ways to assist them to maintain independence18.
Geropsychologists
They apply methods and knowledge of psychology to understand and assist the older individuals as well as their families to maintain wellbeing, achieve maximum potential and overcome problems during their later life19. These professionals work in various fields such as community service organizations, outpatient clinics, research centers and government agencies among others.
In-home caregiver
Home caregivers assist the older generation to receive a feeling of independence and interact with their families as they work from the homes of, the older person. Home care results to additional personalized care20. These professionals assist individuals to avoid stressful situations since people who receive home care experience less stress and re-hospitalization that the other kinds of care. The freedom that comes with home care is essential for the happiness of the patient thus aids in recovery.
Bibliography
Berkman, Barbara, and Linda K. Harootyan. 2003. Social work and health care in an aging society education, policy, practice, and research. New York: Springer. http://site.ebrary.com/id/10265420.
Capezuti, Liz, Michael L. Malone, Paul R. Katz, and Mathy Doval Mezey. 2014. The encyclopedia of elder care: the comprehensive resource on geriatric health and social care.
Miles, Toni P., Antonio Furino, and K. Warner Schaie. 2006. Aging health care workforce issues. New York: Springer Pub. Co. http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&scope=site&db=nlebk&db=nlabk&AN=246201
Moody, Harry R. and Jennifer R. Sasser. 2012. Aging Concepts and Controversies, (7th Ed.). Thousand Oaks, California: Sage Publications.
Morgan, Leslie A., Suzanne Kunkel, and Leslie A. Morgan. 2011. Aging, society, and the life course. New York: Springer Pub.