Independence and the Aging Population

Retirement Communities

Aging in place

Aging in place is becoming increasingly difficult for some members of the aging population. Aging in place refers to the ability of the old people to live independently, doing most of their daily activities without much assistance (Bass, 2007). Factors such as technology, safety, and quality healthcare play an imperative role in enhancing aging in place. Aging in place also ensures that old people can stay in their homes. 

Naturally occurring retirement communities

The naturally occurring retirement communities (NORC) refer to initiatives that foster aging in place. Different programs are established with an aim of enhancing health, physical activities, and the prevention of diseases (Uhlenberg, 2013). Additionally, the NORC promote learning among the older generation to ensure that they are able to use more of the products independently. As a result, the aging in place is enhanced. The challenge is that most communities do not have access to such programs; therefore, achieving the goal of aging in place is hampered. 

Continuing care retirement communities 

The continuing care retirement communities are also aimed at enhancing the aging in place. Because of the health challenges, some old people will spend some time in the nursing homes or assisted facilities, before they can move to the independent residents. The health workers and other social workers play a vital role in promoting the independence of the aging population. 

Aging with disabilities 

Stereotypes of age and disability

One of the stereotypes is that old people increase the economic burden and various social problems (Uhlenberg, 2013). While the claim may hold some truth, the rest of the population still faces more economic challenges. The unequal distribution of wealth and not the aging population is the major cause of economic challenges. For instance, a majority of the young people are unable to access quality education, affordable healthcare, and employment opportunities. All those factors have an effect on the economic status of the aging population. Therefore, the society should address the real issue affecting the aging population instead of perpetuating the stereotypes. 

Double Jeopardy

Double jeopardy is one of the theories that explain that social problems increase with the aging population (Carrr, 2009). It is believed that as the population ages, it causes a reduction on saving because of dependency, affects the cost of health, and leads to slow economic growth. The double jeopardy explains the negative perception about aging and the inequality in the healthcare and other institutions. 

Experiencing prejudice and discrimination

Prejudice and discrimination against the aging population in healthcare, housing, and other social services are common in most societies (Carr, 2009). The prejudice and discrimination is attributed to the double jeopardy and other stereotypes. For instance, most people do not realize that old people also need social support and strong social bonds. Instead, most of the old people live lonely lives. 

Gaining access to needed health care and social services

The existing social services are not enough for all the old people. Some old people need specialized treatment and care, which they do not afford because of their economic statuses. In the United States, and other countries, a significant number of the aging population does not have health insurance cover, which affects the ability to get quality healthcare. 

“Baby Boomers”

Increase in population with disabilities

The baby boomers make about 20% of the United States population. The baby boomers refer to the population born between 1946 and 1964 (Brody, 2010). The population represents the aging population, some of whom have already retired. The baby boomers will have an impact on the society depending on their current economic status and health.

Average life expectancy 50 years ago

Currently, the life expectancy has risen because of access to quality health, information on nutrition, and higher living standards. In the past, though, the life expectancy averaged at 66years, compared to the current 80. 

Secondary health conditions

Unanticipated health concerns

Fatigue, pain

Fatigue and pain are some of the main secondary health conditions affecting the aging population. The pain may be both physical and psychological. The physical pain occurs because of the ailments or injuries. The old people are prune to accidental falling, living some of them with broken limbs or head injuries. Additionally, emotional pain is common because of the loss of the loved ones and loneliness. 

Functional declines

Muscle weakness

As the people age, their muscles become weaker. The loss of strength is the main reason why a majority of the aging population is dependent. Such people are unable to lift heavy loads, work or perform some normal duties. They require the assistance of nurses or their family members. 

Mobility limitations

The loss of muscle strength, diseases such as arthritis and other health issues affect the mobility of the aging population. Most of them require assistance to move even within the house. Other experience nerve and spinal problems, meaning that they lose their motor coordination and cannot move. 

Enhancing the lives of an aging population

Existing systems and products usability 

Are they easy to use?

With the development in technology, most of the products are not user friendly and affect mostly the old people. Communication has been revolutionized, but remains more appealing to the younger generation. Some products, such as those meant to entertain the older people are not easy to use. The manufacturers have a responsibility of ensuring that the usability challenges are addressed. 

Can psychological science remedy the usability problems?

The psychological science can help increase the usability problem by changing the attitudes, perceptions, and the beliefs that hinder usability. Addressing the negative attitudes and prejudice among the old people will ensure that manufacturers and designers make products that are easier to use. 

Application of training principles

One of the main ways of promoting usability is through training. The social workers or family members who have the knowledge of use of some products can assist the old. They can ensure that the old develop a positive attitude to foster learning. 

Social gerontology 

Social aspects of aging

Family relationships

The family bonds tend to become weaker among the aging population. As the children complete school and get jobs, they tend to live far away from the parents. Their busy schedules in the place of work, their families, and other commitments make it difficult to visit their aging parents occasionally. As a result, most of the older people get emotional and social support from nurses and other social workers. 

Social support system 

The social support system is important for most of the old people, especially the dependents. The social systems offer psychological and emotional support for the aging population, since most of them are lonely. Also, the social support system ensures that the aging populations have access to health services, food, shelter, and other basic needs. 

Living arrangements

The main living arrangements include independent, assisted living, living in the nursing homes, or a combination of two or all. With a majority of the old people being economically challenged, only a few of them are able to live independently. They do not own homes. Some are sick; therefore, have to live in assisted facilities or nursing homes. 

Work and retirement

At the retirement age, which is mostly above sixty, most of the aging population loses employment. While some of them will run other income generating business, most do not have any other social of income. Because of health issues and the loss of muscle strength, some of the old people cannot work. All such factors have an effect on the economic status of the aging population. 

Health aspects of later life

Health and health care

A significance number of the aging population has health issues. The aging population is prone to ailments because of the reduced physical activities and weaker immune system. There is inequality in access to health, with most of the aging population unable to afford quality health. Some of the old people do not have health insurance, making it difficult for them to get quality and affordable health services. 

Frail elderly

The lack of quality health care services, good nutrition, and social support lead a frail elderly population. The mortality rate among the older population also increased because of the lack of effective management of the health issues affecting them. With access to affordable health care, decent houses, social support, and good nutrition, elderly people can have improved physical and emotional health. 

Aging and society

Economics of aging

There is a relationship between aging and the performance of the economy. Aging tends to lower the labor force, which may compromise the economic output and growth. In most countries, the aging population tends to be dependent. As a result, saving and investment is adversely affected. All such challenges have an effect on the economy. 

Poverty and inequality

The unequal distribution of resources is a major cause of poverty. Most of the old people are poor as a result of social and economic inequalities. Lack of employment opportunities and access to affordable and quality education are some of the inequalities in the society. The high cost of owning homes is also a challenge. As people age, they little or no savings to sustain themselves, explaining why they become dependent. 

Politics of aging

Politicians play an imperative role in passing vital laws affecting the aging population. However, part of the reason why the aging population continues to face challenges is because of politics. Politicians have failed to support the increment of funds meant to establish more programs and opportunities for the old. For instance, a significant number of the aging population still does not have health insurance and affordable housing. There is poor planning because of the general lack of political will to support the plight of the aging population.

Third Age: A life after disability, prior to the onset of disability

Volunteerism

Promoting volunteer activities in later life

One of the main aims is to ensure that the old people remain active in the society. This can be achieved by encouraging the old people to volunteer in many social activities. Volunteering will benefit mental, health, and emotional of the old people. It will also add value to the society and help change the existing prejudice on aging population. 

Distinguished by chronological age, not by unique characteristics

The chronological age is characterized by the emotional, cognitive, and physical functionality. The society has a role to play in fostering productivity of the aging population. One way is to create an environment that fosters social support for the aging population. The government needs to ensure that health care is more accessible and affordable. The economic empowerment also ensures that the aging population can become independent later in life and make positive contributions to the society. 

Productive Aging

Remaining actively engaged

As aforementioned, the community should encourage old people to remain active. Improving the health of the aging population will promote their active participation in various community activities. Volunteering in community activities is one of the ways in which they can add value to the society and also enhance their health. 

Improve health outcomes

To improve the health outcomes, old people must have access to a social network and support. Studies have shown that most of the old people suffer from loneliness, which leaves them depressed and anxious. Social support will enhance emotional and mental health, which will also have a positive effect on the health outcomes. The health outcomes are also fostered by improved healthcare services and increased physical activities among the aging population. 

Social resources

The social resources that promote health among the aging population include social support programs. Old people need social workers who will take care of the sick and the poor. The social networks and relationships are needed to overcome various emotional and mental issues affecting the aging population. 

Psychology’s contribution to the well-being of older Americans

Neuroscience 

Advances in neuroscience transforming the study of psychology

The advancement in the neurological sciences has led to the management and treatment of the psychological issues affecting the aging population. Also, the neurological sciences have assisted in expanding research and the discipline of psychology. The management of the mental issues affecting the aging population leads to positive health outcomes. 

Self-management and behavior change

Diversity and stereotypes

Psychology fosters diversity and minimizes stereotypes by changing peoples’ attitudes and perception. For instance, counseling services, especially family therapy helps promote social family bonds. People are able to appreciate and respond to the emotional and physical needs of the aging population. 

Being very, very old

Past perspective

The perspective of being very, very old has been changing. In the past, being old was perceived to be a blessing. However, poor health and nutrition reduced the life expectancy. The number of older generation was smaller compared to what most countries are experiencing today. However, one of the main reasons why being old in the past was not considered problematic was the availability of resources, such as land. There was also plenty of food and it was affordable. Therefore, being old was not considered a burden to the society. On the contrary, being very older was a major blessing to the families. 

Present perspective

A study by the Pew Research Center in 2014 asked people from both developed and developing countries if aging was a problem in their nations. The results indicated that a significant number of people, especially in Japan (87%), indicated that the current generation considers aging to be problematic. One of the main contributing factors is the economic burden that most citizens face. In most countries, the government uses the taxpayers’ money to cater for the needs of the aging population. Socioeconomically, a majority of the old people are poor and therefore dependent. Due to their weak immunity system, a significant number of people tend to succumb to various health issues. In many countries, including the United States, a significant number of the aging population does own houses. All such challenges are a burden to the society, therefore, explaining the changing perspective on being very, very old. 

Future perspective for Gerontology 

For the gerontology, growing very old requires proactive means of addressing the expected challenges. The number of the aging population is expected to continue rising due to the improved health care services and information on nutrition. From the Gerontological perspective, increasing the number of programs that care for the aging population will be imperative. Providing affordable health care services will also be vital. 

Challenges of global population aging

Why population age

The population age is becoming a major challenge for most countries. Most nations grapple with the economic burden as the aging population rise. As aforementioned, the improved healthcare services, good nutrition, and the increased dissemination of information on health explain the rise in life expectancy. In some developing countries, the economic development has helped in improving their living standards. However, a significant number of the aging population is poor and dependent. 

Variability of global population aging

Sweden

In Sweden, the number of the aging population is estimated to be about 20% of the population. A significant number of the aging population own houses. Sweden has one of the highest life expectancy rates in the world, at about 80 years. Despite the high number of the old, a majority of them are economically stable, with only a few depending on social services from the government. The number of the aging population is likely to continue rising, but this will not be a problem because of the economic status of the aging. 

China

The situation of the aging population of China is in contrast to that of Sweden. It is estimated that about 9% of the Chinese population are above 65 (Arnsberger, 2000). The number of the old continues to rise, and respite the economic growth; a majority of the aging population in China is dependent on their families and government for health and housing services. This explains why in the Pew Research explained above, about 65% of the population said that aging was a problem for the country. 

Population aging and the need for long term care 

Unmet long term care needs

Most countries, including the United States are grappling with the challenge if unmet aging population needs. Some of the unmet long term needs including housing, affordable health care services, and nutrition. These factors are imperative in ensuring that the aging population remains healthy. Financial constraints, increasing number of the aging population and lack of effective planning are some of the challenges affecting the realization of long term care needs. 

US vs. People’s Republic of China (PRC)

The United States and the People’s Republic of China share a common challenge when it comes to care of the aging population. In both countries the aging population has been on the rise. In the United States, about 40% of the aging population is dependent on the government for social services. In China, most of the aging population depends on their family members for economic support. In both countries, the governments have programs for the old people, but the goals of providing quality life are yet to be met. 

Growth of the aged population

Increases in life expectancy

The life expectancy has been increasing, especially in the United States. Currently, it is estimated that about 13% of the population are above 65. In the next 25 years, the aging population is expected to hit 20%. As mentioned before, quality healthcare services and good nutrition have helped improve the life expectancy. 

Characteristics of the older population

Marital status

In 2014 statistics on the marital status of the aging population, it was estimated that 58% of the old people were married. About 25% were widowed and about 12% divorced. Among the poor, though, only 31% were married and the divorce was at 20%. 

Living arrangements

The living arrangements including the independent living, owing one’s house, living in the nursing homes, and assisted living. In most countries, including the United States, few old people own houses. Most of the old people cannot afford the high cost of owning a house. Because of healthy issues, a significant number either live in the assisted housing options or the nursing homes. 

Economic status

A majority of the aging population are poor and dependent. Some of them spend most of their money in meeting the cost of their health. At above 65, most of the old people have retired and do not have another source of income. Statistics show that women are more than twice as poor as compared to their male counterparts. 

Shaping the Gerontological thought and practice

The gerontology program

Gerontological Society of America

The Gerontological Society of America has the responsibility of enhancing research on the issues affecting the aging population. The research is on the psychological, health, and economic issues facing the aging population. The goal is to foster a favorable environment for the aging population. 

The challenge and the opportunity

The main challenges are the lack of the financial resources and the political will to effectively address all issues affecting the old generation through research. However, the human resources have been on the rise owing to the increase in the number of people taking the gerontology programs. 

References

Arnsberger, P., Fox, P., Xiulan, Z., & Shixun Gui, P. (2000). Population aging and the need for long term care: A comparison of the United States and the People’s Republic of China. Journal of cross-cultural gerontology, 15(3), 207.

Bass, S.A. (2007). The power of persistence in shaping gerontological thought and practice. Journal of aging & social policy, 19(3), 133-142.

Brody, E. M. (2010). On being very, very old: An insider’s perspective. Gerontologist, 50(1), 2-10

Carr, D. (2009). Aging in America: The link between productivity and resources in the third age. Aging international, 34(3), 154-171. Doi: 10.1007/s12126-009-9041-8

Fisk, A. D.., & Rogers, W. A. (2002). Psychology and aging: Enhancing the lives of an aging population. Current directions in psychological science, 11(3), 107.

Gatz, M., Smyer, M. A., & DiGilio, D. A. (2016). Psychology’s contribution to the well-being of older Americans. American psychologist, 71(4), 257-267. Doi: 10.1037/a0040251

Quadagno, J. S. (2014). Aging and the life course: An introduction to social gerontology. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill College.

Rivera-Hernandez, M., Takashi, Y., & Kinney, J. M. (2015). Identifying naturally occurring retirement communities: A spatial analysis . Journals of gerontology series b: Psychological sciences & social sciences, 70(4), 619-627

Sheets D. J. (2005). Aging with disabilities: Ageism and more. Generations, 29(3), 37-41.

Uhlenberg, P. (2013). Demography is not destiny: The challenges and opportunities of global population aging. Generations, 37(1), 12-18.