The Health Care-Based Vulnerability of Elderly Populations
The Health Care-Based Vulnerability of Elderly Populations
Megan E. Stratton
HCS 531
June 11th, 2012
Dr. Arenz Russell
The Health Care-Based Vulnerability of Elderly Populations Vulnerability, or the susceptibility to a form of harm, results from an interaction between the resources available to the elderly and communities and the life challenges they face. Vulnerability results from developmental problems, personal incapacities, disadvantaged social status, inadequate formal health care coverage, inadequacy of interpersonal networks and supports, degraded neighborhoods and environments, and the complex interactions of these factors over the life course (Mechanic, 2012). When researched several types of vulnerable populations were found. They are not limited to; families ineligible for welfare, race/ethnic minorities, prison inmates and current or former offenders, unattached adults who are ineligible for public cash aid, men and women with psychiatric and substance abuse disorders or developmental disability residents of rural areas, residents of inner-city communities, individuals with chronic illnesses, the disabled poor, the elderly, the near-elderly, foster children, and children with special health care needs (Pollack & Kronebusch, 2009). This paper will review and analyze the lack of care and insurance for the elderly population in Lansing, Michigan.
Demographics
The demographics of Lansing are important concerning the most vulnerable parts of the populations. The population of Lansing, according to the 2010 Census is around 114,297 people. 9.7% of the population is elderly people 65 years and over (U.S. Census Bureau, 2012). Therefore, a rough estimate would calculate that there are 11,087 elderly people in Lansing proper. 61.2% of the community is white and 23.7% is African American (U.S. Census Bureau, 2012). The elderly population consists of 51.6% females whereas a lesser (49.4%) is composed of males (U.S. Census Bureau, 2012).
Megan E. Stratton
HCS 531
June 11th, 2012
Dr. Arenz Russell
The Health Care-Based Vulnerability of Elderly Populations Vulnerability, or the susceptibility to a form of harm, results from an interaction between the resources available to the elderly and communities and the life challenges they face. Vulnerability results from developmental problems, personal incapacities, disadvantaged social status, inadequate formal health care coverage, inadequacy of interpersonal networks and supports, degraded neighborhoods and environments, and the complex interactions of these factors over the life course (Mechanic, 2012). When researched several types of vulnerable populations were found. They are not limited to; families ineligible for welfare, race/ethnic minorities, prison inmates and current or former offenders, unattached adults who are ineligible for public cash aid, men and women with psychiatric and substance abuse disorders or developmental disability residents of rural areas, residents of inner-city communities, individuals with chronic illnesses, the disabled poor, the elderly, the near-elderly, foster children, and children with special health care needs (Pollack & Kronebusch, 2009). This paper will review and analyze the lack of care and insurance for the elderly population in Lansing, Michigan.
Demographics
The demographics of Lansing are important concerning the most vulnerable parts of the populations. The population of Lansing, according to the 2010 Census is around 114,297 people. 9.7% of the population is elderly people 65 years and over (U.S. Census Bureau, 2012). Therefore, a rough estimate would calculate that there are 11,087 elderly people in Lansing proper. 61.2% of the community is white and 23.7% is African American (U.S. Census Bureau, 2012). The elderly population consists of 51.6% females whereas a lesser (49.4%) is composed of males (U.S. Census Bureau, 2012).
References: Archer, D., & Marmor, T. (2012, February). Medical and commercial health insurance: The fundamental difference. Retrieved from http://www.healthaffairs.orb/blog/ Feld, S. (2012, June). Repairing the healthcare system. Retrieved from http://stanleyfeldmdmace.typepad.com Gigante, S. (2012, February). How Boomers will impact the health care industry. Retrieved from http://www.cnbc.com Mechanic, D. (2012, June). Vulnerable people, groups and populations: societal view. Retrieved from http://contnet.healthaffairs.org/content Pollack, H., & Kronebusch, K. (2009, Spring). Health insurance and vulnerable populations. Economic Research Initiative on the Uninsured, 5. Retrieved from http://www.umich.edu/~eriu/pdf/wp5.pdf U.S. Census Bureau. (2012, January). Lansing, Michigan. Retrieved from http://quikfacts.census.gov/qfd/states