Aging is an unstoppable process in all human lives, which can be perceived in biological, psychological, or sociological dimensions. However, the term “old age” is related not as much to biological reasons but to the sociological concept. Various social theories explain the complex relationships between elderly people and the societies they live in. It was insightful to learn that older adults are the largest social group in the United States, with more than 54 million people in 2019 (Barreto & Lin, 2020). Therefore, nursing has to adhere to and develop new strategies to provide high-quality healthcare to the growing population of older adults. Some of the most important issues that have to be addressed are listed in this response.
Among the social, economic, and financial challenges that elderly patients face, the healthcare demand in this group is higher. Numerous health complications are specifically associated with aging. For instance, falls, limited or complete immobilization, hindered hearing or vision, and mental health diseases such as dementia, make elderly people especially vulnerable (Hinberg, 2019). Therefore, special ethical guidelines and training are being developed to target geriatric departments in healthcare facilities.
As experts in the field, it is crucial to be aware of potential ethical dilemmas when working with the aging population. Complex family relationships, end-of-life requests, upholding respect and dignity, encouraging independence, and ensuring the person’s safety are just a few examples of the many contexts in which ethical dilemmas could arise. Age-related vulnerabilities to maltreatment, neglect and malicious intent can result from various circumstances. Knowing about these factors can help nurses better understand how to prevent damage, support older adults, and report problems to the appropriate authorities when they arise.
References
Barreto, T., & Lin, S. (2020). Access to prenatal care among vulnerable populations in the United States. In APHA’s 2020 VIRTUAL Annual Meeting and Expo. APHA. Web.
Hinberg, B. (2019). Caring for Older Patients. Radiologic Technology, 90(3), 278-278.