American society is affected by substantial demographic changes which are represented by the aging population. It has got critical challenges and consequences for the nation’s social, economic and health organizations, for the well-being of elders. A century back, Americans who worried about Medicare were only those who were uninsured or indigent. But as of today the insured and the middle class are also concerned. The elders, especially those over 65 years have their savings drained due to medical care, as they are more prone to chronic diseases. This paper is an extensive knowledge of an interview conducted on an older adult, on matters pertaining to the seniors’ issues.
The seniors have been reliable voters, all the way from ages back until now, which makes them patriotic citizens; furthermore, they feel it is an obligation or responsibility for them to vote. They are deemed more conservative compared to the young generation of whom are considered liberal. However the patriotism is shown, they are not adequately taken care of by the government as they would expect it to. Hence the need for advocacy for their policy or political concerns that they hope the government will address, of which are of great importance — namely, financial security, health care, and drug cost.
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It is shown that there is a consistent decline in financial security in every age group except the seniors. It is as a result of traditional pensions, which is income past retirement and working longer, carry less debt and likely to inherit things. However, their financial security declines with time as due to long term medication together with social security increases that are represent health care inflation. It is predicted that the younger generation may be headed for trouble, at their old age it is likely they will not have traditional pensions or fast inheritance. It is also possible that the young generation will carry on debts to their old due to student loans.
Health care, a current crisis oriented system is another area of concern to policymakers in America’s health care system. The health care system must and should be made more responsive towards the long term needs of the elderly; where many suffer from chronic diseases. The seniors get their health care support from relatives or friends but the government its duty to provide for them. There are gaps in the health care coverage, which have resulted in the insecurity of the seniors.
Drug cost has also been a major concern for seniors who have been paying a lot of money for health care. American Medicare is quite disappointing when compared to other countries, a majority of the seniors do away with essential care because they find it expensive, Medicare insurance is not generous as compared with other countries, there is no age restriction in government health insurance in some countries but in America it is (Mitchel, 2016).
The concerns would be dealt with accordingly if there would be a rise in public and individual awareness on health care by ensuring that prior action is taken through policy changes. It is meant to improve financial security for the old and also the middle and young generation. I would also call upon establishment of initiative programs to emphasize on geriatric day care, homemaker services, family compensations to provide the needs of an elderly and strengthening of the informal relationship between the elderly, friends and families and the government. Provision of social services to the seniors might also in reducing Medicare inequality.
Living a happy and healthy life in a place, you can call home, no matter the age is the biggest concern for aging. It’s a prayer for every American, a healthy life made possible by the Affordable Care Act but which requires amendments in its problematic parts.
Reference
Mitchell, D. J. (2016). Pensions, Politics and the Elderly: Historic Social Movements and Their Lessons for Our Aging Society . Routledge.
