Overview
The existing literature suggests that aging is a social problem that has cropped up in the North American society. In the twentieth century, an average adult life span was approximated at forty-seven years. Studies also confirm that only three million were approximated to be alive over the age of sixty. In the modern society, characterized by improved healthcare and developments in the field of medicine, individuals are expected to live beyond the age of seventy-five (Schulkin 17). In fact, the population that is over seventy years is stronger than expected. In the 1900s, diseases such as cancer, tuberculosis, pneumonia and gastrointestinal diseases took away the lives of many. Such diseases are now under control but the new diseases affecting the elderly are cancer and heart diseases (Rowe 67). In the North American society, individuals attaining the age of sixty-five are expected to retire to pave way for the new generation to manage the economy. However, the elderly are faced with a number of problems, given their weakening muscles and capabilities to perform important roles in society (Palmore 12).
The aging initiative project would aim at advocating for the rights and needs of the elderly. The project would incorporate the activities of established organizations in order to achieve its aims and objectives. In North America, a number of elderly citizens suffer from discrimination, some suffering from the problem of homeless (Paccaud 311). The issue of aging affects people of all races, including Africans, Whites, Asians and Latinos. Due to their poor status, the elderly would probably suffer from diseases such as mental problems and heart attacks. The elderly encounter a number of problems, including neglect, discrimination, abuse and misuse (Netting 16).
Community Needs
The aging initiative project has various advantages as it promotes cohesion in the community, maximizes the utilization of human and financial resources and expands community services. The aging initiative is an example of an intergenerational program, which is known for bringing together different factions and networks (Maddox 31). As a result, this would assist in dispelling erroneous typecast. When the youths are encouraged to engage in an aging initiative, it would help in creating cohesive group distinctiveness. The younger generation, as well as the old generation is brought together through such an initiative. Both groups are incorporated in the society (Mezey 17). Regarding maximization of human and financial resources, aging initiative project seems to multiply human resources because both the younger and older generations are engaged actively in community work as volunteers (Matthews 28). Furthermore, societal members are likely to contribute their donations after realizing that the old and the young are involved in project. The little funds can be utilized to reach more people given that it would be more economical when the services are offered collectively. Apart from saving resources, intergenerational projects are known to promote cultural exchange because the young members would be able to learn from the old (Martin 36).
Studies prove that the youth and the children can easily interact resulting to enhancement of communication skills, promotion of self-esteem, development of strong problem-solving techniques and improved friend ship skills (Mariano 43). Youths engaging in intergenerational projects are less likely to engage in drug abuse and substance abuse. For the elderly, the project would enhance socialization meaning that the elderly would remain industrious, useful and constant contributors in the society. The old would have a chance to interact with other members of society such as the children, which would help them prevent isolation in subsequent years (Larson 51). Furthermore, the old would be taught on how to use the new technology to benefit themselves. As regards to support, aging project would enhance emotional support because the older members would be involved in meaningful activities. This would probably decrease solitude, monotony and melancholy while increasing self-worth and self-efficacy (Ebersole 29). Studies show that engaging the old in active activities improves their lives, invigorates their sense of purpose and augments their coping dexterities, which would help them in their individual struggles (Johnson 65). Finally, the project is projected to improve the health of the old in society. The project is therefore expected to contribute to the safeguarding of high-quality health and diminishing the consequence of psychosomatic and physical diseases and disorders (Fulmer 61).
Social Impact of the Project
Through the project, the volunteers would raise awareness and sharpen the skills of the villagers as regards to aging. The organizers would have a chance to hold talks with all stakeholders in order to ensure that the elderly are given the necessary support. This would improve their health and strengthen their beliefs as regards to the young generations (Drench 118). The project would sensitive the community on the rights and freedoms of the old. The old would no longer be discriminated upon and their culture will always be respected (Butler 8). Apart from raising the standards of the poor, the project would improve the performance of the economy, especially the performance of charitable organizations. A section of society believes that it is the role of the state to provide critical services to the minority in society (Bortz 283). The project would change such perceptions given that the services would be offered by a non-governmental organization. The project would prove to the community that even without the help of the government, the community could manage to handle petty issues, including settling the elderly (Annon 49). Most old individuals have been reported to spend their nights in the cold while others sleep in their vehicles because they cannot afford to pay the house bills (Wellington 14). The project would help solve this problem because it would come up with some policies targeting such individuals. In other words, the project would have a number of impacts to all members of society.
Potential Partners
A number of organizations are expected to help in implementing the provisions of the project. Expected partners are listed below.
- The International Longevity Center-USA is a not-for profit, independent research, education, and policy association whose job is to assist persons and communities tackle longevity and population aging.
- The Schmieding Center for Senior Health and Education
Works Cited
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