The Existential Problems of Aging Essay

Aging is a natural biological process. Since time immemorial, the elderly were held in respect and awe by the younger adults in every human society. In modern times, this social equation has undergone a dramatic change. In a fast-paced competitive world, the elderly are being increasingly seen as an unwanted and social liability. Advancement in medical science has increased life expectancy worldwide.

According to Sigg (2005), “Demographic forecasts show that, in roughly 50 years’ time, the percentage of over-60s in industrialized countries will have virtually doubled, from 20 percent to 35 percent of the overall population”(3). Price (2005), states that in the United States “the ratio of the population over 65 to the population 20 to 64 will rise by 85% between 2005 and 2045”(2). This demographic ‘time bomb’ coupled with changing social mores have increased the degree of difficulty for the aged to live the remaining parts of their life with the dignity that they deserve. This essay attempts to encapsulate the problems faced by the aged in coping with their lives, ranging from injury prevention strategies, issues of poly-pharmacy, socio-economic conditions, and psychological needs.

Aging can be explained under two main processes, namely biological aging, and psychological aging. Biological aging is fairly straightforward to understand because as the body ages, motor movements and muscular movements become sluggish as also does the functioning of vital organs such as the kidneys, liver, and heart. The strategies implemented for the aged to cope with the biological effects of aging are many. Currie (2007), states that “Researchers have explored several other individual prevention strategies, including fall prevention clinics, exercise interventions with leg strengthening (e.g., Tai Chi), vitamin D supplements, home visits for safety evaluations, cataract surgery, and cardiac pacing.”(9).

Other experts even include interesting variations to help prevent the aged from getting injured. According to Verghese (2008), “Traditional Indigenous games now feature in the recreational programs of Logan’s aged care facilities as a low impact and strength-building activity to prevent falls” (1). The psychological aspects of aging are however more difficult to handle or define as they include insignificant parts, the cultural aspects. Generally, people over 65 are considered psychologically elderly.

A popular misconception of the aged being feeble-minded and useless together with social isolation greatly accelerates the mental degeneration of the elderly leading to Dementia, Depression, and Delirium as some common psychological problems. A sudden change from employment to no employment increases the feeling of uselessness which manifests in medication dependency and drug and alcohol usage. According to Linjakumpu (2003), the “World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a maximum use of 3 to 4 drugs by older persons (WHO 1987). This limit is commonly exceeded by the home-dwelling elderly according to clinical experience” (21). Polypharmacy abuse included the use of psychotropic drugs such as anxiolytics, hypnotics, antipsychotics, and antidepressants in increasing dosages by the elderly.

The economic condition of the elderly also brings into sharp focus the discrepancies of their situation. Statistical studies the world over have shown that the elderly are a disadvantaged segment of the population economically. According to Bosworth& Burtless (1998):

The poverty rate jumps sharply for people who are over age 70 in the United Kingdom and the United States. The estimates are also very sensitive to the use of the 40 or 50 percent of median income as the poverty threshold, implying that significant numbers of the elderly are poor or near-poor” (18).

Thus on every count, the scales are tipped heavily against the elderly who deserve better. The aged, just as other segments of the society require human company, friends, relatives, and a healthy social environment. A sure way to strengthen the psychological aspects is to encourage the elderly to continue contributing positively to society. Harnessing internet-based work-at-home jobs for the aged is one such avenue. Remunerations generated from such work would add greatly to the self-esteem of the elderly and could help stave off psychological problems.

Transformation of institutional management style in an old age home is the first step towards making such institutions more conducive for their residents. It must be realized by the staff that their jobs are something special and not just another chore. The staffs have to walk that ‘extra mile’ to make the institutions a success. Nursing the aged is a specialized subject. It is not the job of any trained nurse, but the task of a nurse trained in caring for the elderly, which requires specialized syllabi and training expertise.

Along with the training comes the ability for the nurses to empathize with their residents. Hence, not only should the staff be professionally qualified, but should also have a suitable psychological profile. A genial, gentle, and mature nurse with adequate professional skills is more conducive than a super-efficient, professionally brilliant but personally cold personality. What must therefore be understood by one and all is that everyone will grow old and maybe in a similar position one day. Therefore, to give the aged their dignity, their right to a productive remaining life should be the guiding principle for Health Care professionals, institutions, and the society as a whole.

References

Bosworth, Barry & Burtless, Gary. (1998). “Economic Resources of the Elderly: A Comparative Analysis”. Web.

Currie,Leanne. (2007). “Patient Safety and Quality: An Evidence-Based Handbook for Nurses”. Chapter 10. Web.

Linjakumpu, Tarja. (2003). “Drug Use Among the Home-dwelling Elderly”. Web.

Price, Lee. (2005). “Economic Conditions Affecting Social Security and the Merits of Pre –funding”. Web.

Sigg, Ronald. (2005). “A Gobal Overview On Social Security in the Age of Longevity”. Web.

Verghese, Paul. (2008). “Queensland Stay on Your Feet”. Web.