Ethics refers to a division of philosophy that involves advocating for and defining perceptions of right and erroneous behavior. Old age is the age above sixty eight years (Cowley 18).
At that period, there are numerous problems encountered which include diseases, negligence and poverty. Negligence is the major setback among the old if the family fails to take the responsibility of caring for the elderly, hence such a situation ends up sending the senior people to old age homes.
In those homes, the old meet strange people, and it takes time before they get used to the new faces, and at times, they even fail to adjust to the environment.
Moreover, some old people do not get enough freedom at their homes as they do not get access to various things they would wish to. For instance, they cannot freely move as they would like. The aged do not have a chance to spend their precious time with their relatives since as a rule, they remain indoors.
The old people are more prone to diseases and as a result, use much of their savings on treatment instead of spending their capital to satisfy their needs and wishes. Most of the public hospitals which the old can afford discharge the old patients without a proper and full treatment and send them to their homes. Back at home, the elderly fail to get the right care as they have no one to look after them.
Poverty being another problem among the old leads to the majority of them living a low standard life as they fail to afford the basic needs like right diet, favorable environment, and proper shelter. This make them experience difficulties in life with little or nothing to enjoy. As a result, most of them end up in depression resulting in death.
To prevent this, the government of the United States ought to develop the proper agenda for the elderly. This program needs to be equipped with suitable resources that would cater for mental, physical and social welfare of the old people (Cowley 37).
There should also be special services for the old. For instance, public means of transport and banking processes ought to be performed putting into consideration a special condition and needs of the elderly.
Moreover, the government ought to come up with a national policy on the old people that would assist to develop the value of their lives and enhance the attitude towards them in the society. The policy should aim at supplying explicit facilities, offering allowances and helping them deal with various tribulations connected with the old age.
Campaigns are also essential in promoting and emphasizing the importance of taking care of the old in the community. Via such campaigns, the old who need special attention because of being too weak and having some disabilities will finally get a proper treatment.
Through the national policy, the basic needs of the elderly would be easily met as the sectors involved would offer the right services specifically for them. Such sectors include investment, societal security, transportation, urban advancement, accommodation as well as employment.
In conclusion, the various problems associated with old age can easily be resolved if given a proper attention. This is a duty of all members in a community as well as the government. The old ought to be given the right care as they are the pillars of the community. That is why, neglecting them leads to demoralization, hence lowering their lifespan. Also, the government ought to ensure that the essential needs of the elderly are met.
Works Cited
Cowley, Maxwell. The view from 80. New York: The Viking Press, 1980, Print.