This theory was put forward by Thomas Kirkwood, and it posits that the limited amount of energy found in all organisms is divided between the reproductive functions and maintenance of non-reproductive (soma) activities. Additionally, the theory notes that aging entails various degrading processes, which give rise to the accumulation of damages.
However, the organism compensates for these damages at the expense of reproductive functions. Moreover, since older animals experience minimal evolution effects as a result of the accumulation of damage, Kirkwood (1979, p. 531) notes that there is no need for animals to waste energy resources for maintenance functions while neglecting the reproductive functions to live far beyond the reproductive age.
As a result, the disposable soma theory links reproduction to lifespan processes by stating that the evolutionary significance of life declines as the organisms advance to reproductive maturity (Kirkwood, 1979, p. 538). Furthermore, the linkage between lifespan and reproduction is so rigid that the evolutional value of life cannot be achieved without encountering some adverse effects such as aging (Kirkwood, 1979, p. 546).
The Free-radical Theory of Aging and its Implications for Healthy Aging
Free radicals are those atoms containing unpaired electrons. The free radical theory has it that the radicals produced by body cells can also destroy them, and as a result, the aging of cells occurs (Nelson, n.d., par. 1). Here, the mitochondrion forms the primary target of the free radical-induced damage to cells because the free radicals are produced by the same cells, which produce chemical energy in an organism.
Conversely, studies conducted on laboratory animals show that the eradication of the free radicals from the body can increase the maximum lifespan (Nelson, n.d., par. 2-6). As a result, there is evidence to link the effect of free radicals on cells to some aspects of aging. However, additional studies show that dietary antioxidants, which are known to eliminate free radicals, cannot increase the maximum lifespan because they are unable to penetrate the mitochondrial cells producing radicals.
Accordingly, the free radical theory of aging implies that healthy aging can be achieved through dietary restrictions and the consumption of some dietary supplements. Here, the proponents of the theory argue that despite the dietary antioxidants failing to increase the maximum lifespan, there is evidence to show that some supplements such as vitamin E and C are very beneficial in terms of increasing the survival rate of organisms until they reach maximum lifespan (Nelson, n.d., par. 10).
The effect of aging changes on the resting and exercising heart
At rest, the heart rate of an elderly person is less than that of a young healthy person. Here, it is worth noting that the signaling mechanism of the sympathetic nervous system declines with age, and thus, the ability to signal the pacemaker is reduced. Moreover, some pathways of the sympathetic nervous system lose some functions due to fat deposition and the development of fibrous tissues. Furthermore, the heart’s pacemaker (the SA node) loses some cells, and thus, its functions are compromised (Potts, 2008, p. 1 of 6).
Conversely, the body’s ability to endure physical activity declines with age. This inability is attributable to the aging heart because, during physical activity, the heart rate in an aging heart cannot rise to the maximum. Moreover, the diminished heart rate occurs due to a lack of or reduced communication between the heart and the brain of an elderly person. Additionally, the force of contraction in aging hearts does not increase to the maximum during exercising (Potts, 2008, p. 1 of 6).
Aging Changes and the Reserve Capacity of the Heart
In young people, striated muscles including the cardiac muscles grow by acquiring additional contractile cells and through postnatal enlargement, a phenomenon referred to as hypertrophy (Goldspink, 2005, p. 1334). However, in elderly individuals, there is a loss of contractile cells, which cannot be replaced despite the cell renewal mechanisms being intact. As a result, the reserve capacity of the heart including the skeletal muscles diminishes with age.
The normal aging changes in the Respiratory System and their Significance to Respiratory Diseases
Normally, the age-related changes in the respiratory system involve the reduction of the strength and activity of the muscles, stiffened lungs, and a rigid chest compartment. Moreover, there is an increase in the residual volume and a decrease in vital capacity despite that the volume of the lungs is constant (Reeds et al., 1998, p. 1463).
Furthermore, the total surface area of the alveoli is decreased by 20% and it seems to collapse after expiration. In addition, the ability of an elderly person to control breathing diminishes with age (Reeds et al., 1998, p. 1465). Accordingly, these aging changes make the respiratory system vulnerable to various environmental factors, which are very important in the development of different respiratory diseases.
Age-related Changes in T-lymphocytes and their Impact in the development of Infections and Cancer
A prominent feature of aging in humans involves increased mortality and morbidity rates as a result of increased infections. On the other hand, aging is a major risk factor in the development of cancer (Conn, 2006, p. 33). These factors are associated with diminished immune functions whereby the T-lymphocytes fail to detect infected or cancer cells in the body.
Studies involving cultured T-lymphocytes show that at old age, the T-cells are unable to divide, and in some cases, their ability to express the CD28 signaling molecules is lost (Conn, 2006, p. 33). Additionally, the T-cells exhibit altered cytokine patterns, shortened telomeres, low cytolytic activity, and resistance to apoptosis. Overall, in the presence of these changes, elderly persons experience poor vaccine response, diminished immunity, osteoporotic fractures, and increased disease infections.
Reference list
Conn, M.P., 2006. Handbook of models for human aging. London, UK: Elsevier Inc.
Goldspink, D.F., 2005. Aging and activity: their effects on the functional reserve capacities of the heart and vascular smooth and skeletal muscles. Ergonomics, 14(48), pp. 1334-1351.
Kirkwood, T.B. & Holliday, F.R., 1979. The evolution of aging and longevity. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London, 205, pp. 531-546.
Nelson, N.C., n.d. The free radical theory of aging. Columbus, OH: Ohio State University, Department of Physics.
Potts, W.J., 2008. The aging heart. USA: US National Institute of Health.
Reed, D. Forey, D. et al., 1998. Predictors of healthy aging in men with high life expectancies. American Journal of Public Health, 88, pp. 1463-1468.
Aging of the body is inevitable over time; it affects all organs, especially the brain. As people get older, the connections between neurons gradually weaken – the brain undergoes significant changes during a lifetime compared to any other part of the body. When a person is born, the brain contains numerous neurons, but the number of connections between them is insignificant. As a person grows older, many neural connections are formed, and they begin to weaken with age.
Alterations in gene expression are the processes by which genetic information from a gene, the so-called DNA nucleotide sequence, is converted to RNA or protein and may play a role in neuronal aging (Grimm & Eckert, 2017). Synaptic plasticity is the primary mechanism by which the phenomenon of memory and learning is realized (Grimm & Eckert, 2017). The genes involved in this process are less active in older people’s brains than in younger people’s minds. They might have more signs of DNA damage that build up over life and contribute to the brain’s aging process. This process is linked with genes modification; it affects the cognitive abilities changes among older adults, significantly impacting their quality of life, including the possible development of cognitive impairments.
Cognitive Changes
Many seniors have difficulty remembering names, numbers, new information, and multitasking. It happens because neural connections in brain areas involved in learning and performing more complex tasks weaken, resulting in slower information processing. However, new research shows that the brain can adapt to these changes (Grimm & Eckert, 2017). According to Grimm and Eckert (2017), in mature and old age, brain changes are reflected in cognitive processes’ neurodynamic. One of their features is a decrease in reaction speed to external motives (Samaras et al., 2019). It leads to a slowing down of mnestic-intellectual operations, which manifests in an increase in the time spent performing work that requires intellectual exertion compared with persons of young and middle age. Another feature of neurodynamic disorders is a reduction in the ability to concentrate for a long time (Samaras et al., 2019). Therefore, older adults get tired faster and are more often distracted when performing work that requires mental stress.
Moreover, it becomes more difficult for older people than for young and middle-aged people to acquire new knowledge and skills while aging. They also find it challenging to work with multiple sources of information simultaneously. The latter may be associated with a decrease in the ability to switch attention and a certain intellectual rigidity (Samaras et al., 2019). At the same time, in a significant number of cases, age-related changes in cognitive functions do not affect memory for current and distant life events. These changes also do not impact skills acquired in the past, vocabulary, the ability to generalize and make inferences, and general knowledge.
Cognitive Deterioration in Aging
Following the modern classification, mild, moderate, and severe cognitive impairments are distinguished. The mild ones represent a decrease in cognitive abilities compared to the individual’s premorbid level, which formally remains within the average statistical norm or deviates slightly from it (Clouston et al., 2020). It is usually reflected in the patient’s complaints and does not cause difficulties in everyday life. A decrease in cognitive abilities characterizes moderate deteriorations, clearly outside the age norm (Clouston et al., 2020). It is indicated in the individual’s complaints and attracts others’ attention, but does not lead to significant everyday life difficulties. However, it can interfere with the most complex intellectual activity (Clouston et al., 2020). Severe ones are a reduction in cognitive abilities, which lead to significant difficulties in everyday life and partial or complete loss of independence.
The onset of cognitive impairment accompanies aging; the ability to learn decreases and people of the elderly and senile age accomplish new information worse. According to Clouston et al. (2020), cognitive decline is noted after 50, but nature and degree vary in terms of the type of study being conducted and its scales. Elderly and senile persons are a heterogeneous group; with increasing age, these groups’ differences in neuropsychological tests’ performance become more significant. Clouston et al. (2020) noted that age-related memory loss occurs in almost 40% of people over 65. Disorders progress within a year to the degree of dementia in 1% of them, and within one to five years in 12–42% (Clouston et al., 2020). The pathogenetic basis of these changes remains insufficiently clear.
Neurogenetics and Dementia
In recent years, a debate has been revived among scientists about what constitutes the process of aging and death. Bae et al. (2018) have found that the brain ages due to the accumulation of mutations in cells. The number of modifications in healthy people’s brains increases smoothly with age, and the rate of their collection differed markedly for the hippocampus and cortex. In general, new mutations appeared in the hippocampus cells much faster than in the cortex’s neurons, explaining why people in old age are worse at remembering information (Bae et al., 2018). According to Bae et al. (2018), age-related mutations appeared in neurons due to two interrelated disorders: errors in repairing breaks in DNA and damage to its strand when oxidant molecules appeared in the cell nucleus. Bae et al. (2018) claim that the brain ages not according to some single program embedded in all cells, but due to the accumulation of random mutations in the genomes. Accordingly, combating oxidants and DNA breaks can slow down memory fading and overall brain aging.
There is another piece of evidence that explores the correlation between brain aging and genetics. Rhinn and Abeliovich (2017) discovered one of the potential aging genes by comparing DNA samples from nearly 2,000 pieces of brain donated to science by people who died of natural causes and did not have Alzheimer’s disease, sclerosis, or other neurodegenerative disorders. By comparing the pattern of gene activity, Rhinn and Abeliovich (2017) identified several DNA regions that influenced the rate of brain aging. This process was most strongly influenced by the TMEM106B gene, a DNA segment responsible for forming connections between nerve cells (Rhinn & Abeliovich, 2017). Another gene called GRN performs similar functions but affects the brain’s aging to a much lesser extent (Rhinn & Abeliovich, 2017). Scientists believe that several dozen more of these genes may be present in human DNA, which controls various aging organs. Studying them will help understand whether it is possible to slow down the aging process and if so, do it.
Alzheimer’s Disease
The genetics of Alzheimer’s disease, the most common cause of dementia, has been studied most thoroughly. This disease’s predisposition can be inherited in both ways: monogenic – through a single mutated gene, or polygenic, which is a complex combination of variants. According to Wong et al. (2020), Alzheimer’s disease is usually associated with a mutation in three genes: the amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene and two presenilin genes (PSEN-1 and PSEN-2). The most common is the presenilin-1 gene mutation on chromosome 14; symptoms, in this case, appear as early as the age of 30 (Wong et al., 2020). The second most common mutation is in the APP gene on chromosome 21 (Wong et al., 2020). This mutation directly affects beta-amyloid production, a protein that scientists believe is the main factor in developing Alzheimer’s disease.
There are multiple variants of genes that, to one degree or another, affect the chances of getting Alzheimer’s disease. Unlike mutated genes of the familial form, all these variants do not severely cause Alzheimer’s disease, but only slightly increase or decrease the risk (van der Lee et al., 2018). According to van der Lee et al. (2018), the best-known and best-studied gene that increases Alzheimer’s risk is called apolipoprotein E (APOE). Factors will depend on their interaction with other genes and factors, such as age, environmental conditions, and lifestyle. The polygenic form usually manifests itself already in the elderly, after 65 years (van der Lee et al., 2018). About one in two patients with Down syndrome who live to be 60 will develop Alzheimer’s disease (van der Lee et al., 2018). The risk is increased because most patients have an extra copy of chromosome 21, which means an extra copy of the gene for the amyloid precursor protein found on this chromosome (van der Lee et al., 2018). This gene has been linked to the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Thus, many pieces of research show that damage contributes to age-related memory decline and cognitive decline. People with mild mental deterioration and Alzheimer’s disease show more signs of DNA damage than healthy people. Moreover, the brain’s energy needs can make the organ more vulnerable than other tissues to the metabolic changes that occur with aging. Genes, being fragments of DNA, can play a significant role in the development of dementia. In most cases, genes’ effect is indirect; the disease is determined through a complex combination of inherited factors, environmental conditions, and lifestyle.
References
Bae, T., Tomasini, L., Mariani, J., Zhou, B., Roychowdhury, T., Franjic, D., & Riley-Gillis, B. (2018). Different mutational rates and mechanisms in human cells at pregastrulation and neurogenesis. Science, 359(6375), 550-555. Web.
Wong, T. H., Seelaar, H., Melhem, S., Rozemuller, A. J., & van Swieten, J. C. (2020). Genetic screening in early-onset Alzheimer’s disease identified three novel presenilin mutations. Neurobiology of Aging, 86, 201.e9-201.e14. Web.
There are myriads of aging theories that have been explored by biological scientists for some decades. Whereas aging may be a broad area of discussion, it is still possible to study various theories and hypotheses that expound on aging especially when the topic is divided into two major categories. The first category of discussion should investigate the reasons why aging in organisms usually takes place. Second, it is imperative to study how the process of aging takes place (American Federation of Aging Research, 2011). Since several theories on aging have been put forward by scientists, the Practicum Experience will only discuss one specific aging theory to guide the practice. The following will be the goals and objectives of the Practicum Experience in this course (Hines & Murphy, 2011). It is vital to mention that these goals and objectives are in tandem with the geriatric competencies that will be gained in this course (American Federation of Aging Research, 2011).
Goals and objectives
Define the phrase ‘theory of aging’
Explain how the aging process can be altered. Are the current theories of aging in agreement with each other in terms of the various schools of thought?
Identify and discuss aging mechanisms
Discuss aging as a non-programmed developmental aspect
Discuss the evolutionary senescence theory of aging
Explain how late-life traits are affected by the natural selection failure
Expound how later life can be influenced by the reproduction process
Deliberate on the differences between the senescence theory of aging and the mutation accumulation theory
Give examples of antagonistic pleiotropy in human beings
Discuss how mitochondria contribute towards the process of aging
Explore how organisms can regulate their body cells to extend their lifespan.
Medication adherence for geriatric patients
For most old patients, adherence to medication guidelines is a major challenge. In most cases, geriatric patients are expected to adhere to multiple medications. Hence, pharmacists must offer corrective actions to address the challenge. Healing curable conditions, extending the quantity of life, and addressing symptoms of illnesses for patients in old age are crucial undertakings. From my experience, I have noted that patients who are over sixty-five years are highly likely to take over ten medications at the same time (Gavrilova, Gavrilov, Semyonova & Evdokushkina, 2004). There are several cases when underlying medical conditions affecting old patients demand multiple drugs. However, it has been found that adherence challenges are encountered when multiple drug intakes are proposed by pharmacists. The worst affected age group is the old generation. Adherence challenges are faced by most elderly people who are under at least one type of medication (Hoskins, 2011).
It is also unfortunate to note that there are several adherence issues that physicians have not fully explored. For example, meaningful communication between geriatric patients and physicians is common in most healthcare establishments. Clinicians must interrogate old patients whether they are adhering to medication. They ought to ask open-ended questions that are also non-judgmental while interrogating patients (Budnitz, Lovegrove, Shehab & Richards, 2011).
There are myriads of tools at hand that pharmacists can use in the process of identifying and seeking corrective actions toward patients who are facing non-adherence problems. It is also interesting to note that caregivers and family members can be used by clinicians to persuade geriatric patients to fully adhere to medication because the old patients have a lot of trust in them. In addition, an adverse effect may significantly contribute towards non-adherence to drugs by old patients.
References
American Federation of Aging Research (2011). Infoaging guide to theories of aging. Web.
Budnitz, D., Lovegrove, M., Shehab, N. & Richards, C. (2011). Emergency hospitalizations for adverse drug events in older Americans. The New England Journal of Medicine, 365(21), 2002–2012.
Gavrilova, N.S., Gavrilov, L.A., Semyonova, V.G., Evdokushkina, G.N. (2004). Does Exceptional Human Longevity Come With High Cost of Infertility? Testing the Evolutionary Theories of Aging. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 1019, 513–517.
Hines, L., & Murphy, J. (2011). Potentially harmful drug-drug interactions in the elderly: A review. American Journal of Geriatric Pharmacotherapy, 9(6), 364– 377.
Hoskins, B. L. (2011). Safe prescribing for the elderly. Nurse Practitioner, 36(12), 47–52.
It is a common trait for individuals to determine their overall health status regardless of their age, sex, race, or religion. Through this behavior, people tend to determine their overall well-being in comparison to other individuals within a given setting. The healthier an individual believes he/she is, the more confident he/she is with life. Through the interviews that I had with Joseph, I managed to determine the rates of his health status from time to time. By critically expounding on this issue, Joseph asserted that at times, this practice is voluntary while at other times, it is involuntary. However, from his self-rated health, Joseph believes that his health condition is excellent for a man of his age and background. This result is essential to him since it gives him a positive attitude towards life. At this age, this type of motivation is essential especially in enhancing the mortality of an individual.
Joseph uses several methods to rate his health. Unlike most individuals of his age, Joseph believes that his health status is excellent since he does not suffer from chronic health complications such as cancer, kidney failure, arthritis, or heart diseases. These health complications are mainly associated with individuals who are above the age of 50 years old. Although he exhibits several depressive symptoms such as lack of financial stability, Joseph has developed control beliefs that motivate him to live a positive life by viewing every day as a gift. This is a trait that Joseph believes many people of his age lack.
As living beings, our bodies undergo physiological changes with time. The nature of these changes is determined by factors such as age, sex, life events, illness, genetic traits of an individual, as well as socioeconomic factors. From the interviews, Joseph admits that he has experienced several changes in his body as he is growing old. From his description, I could classify these changes into two broad categories listed below:
Sensory changes
Structural changes
According to Joseph, the major structural change that he has experienced is the loss of lean body mass. As a result, his energy levels have greatly reduced due to the reduced metabolic rates of his body thus making him feel weak. Consequently, Joseph has stated that he has experienced several changes that have affected his sense of vision and hearing. For instance, it is difficult for him to see objects that are far away from him and to hear low-pitched sounds. These sensory changes have made it difficult for him to conduct normal processes thus making him rely on other individuals, particularly his grandchildren for assistance. To cope with these changes, Joseph has modified his diet by increasing the number of energy foods that he is taking. Consequently, he uses prescribed glasses and hearing aids to enhance his vision and hearing respectively.
From his responses, however, it is evident that the reduction in his vision accuracy has had a great impact on him. Joseph admits that he loved driving his car. This was his primary form of transport as well as the best way of utilizing his leisure time. However, he lost his driving license three years ago after his optician stated that he was not fit to drive. This decision by his doctor and its implementation by the state took away an important part of Joseph’s life. Now, he says that he cannot visit his friends with ease as he used to. This has greatly reduced his quality of life since his levels of interaction and freedom of movement have been reduced. Despite these challenges, however, Joseph asserts that he is not anxious about his future quality of life. The fact that he believes he is in an excellent health condition coupled with the fact that he gets support from his wife, children, and grandchildren gives him the motivation to live even longer.
Levett-Jones’ (2012) provided several steps that should be considered in the process of determining the overall health condition of a patient in order to administer medication/care hence putting the situation under control. The information gathered from the interviews that were conducted on Joseph could be applied using Levett-Jones’ clinical reasoning model to diagnose the possible medical conditions that Joseph might be suffering from and hence develop nursing goals and interventions. From his physical appearance and the information that he revealed regarding his medical history and the symptoms he was exhibiting, I diagnosed Joseph with a metabolic disorder. This diagnosis was mainly supported by the fact that he had an enlarged waistline. An enlarged waistline is considered a major symptom of metabolic disorder. Consequently, the patient complained of reduced energy in his body. The third factor that supported this diagnosis was the age of the patient. This condition mainly affects individuals who are above the age of 50 years. The fact that Joseph was 83 years old increased his possibility of suffering from this condition.
The main goal that was set from this diagnosis was to ensure that Joseph’s health condition is maintained at a stable state. Since further tests were required to determine the severity of this condition, medication could not be administered at this stage. However, the main nursing intervention that I suggested to assist Joseph to develop adaptive changes to his condition was within his diet. As stated earlier, Joseph had modified his diet by increasing the quantity of energy-rich foods to compensate for the energy loss as a result of his lean body mass. From the physical examination that I had conducted, I managed to determine that Joseph had more body fat as compared to lean muscle. Furthermore, his decreased activity that came about because of his age suggested that he required minimal calories in his diet. However, in the process of supplying his body with additional energy, Joseph consumed foods with high-calorie content. If continued, this habit would have detrimental effects on his overall health and result in further complications such as diabetes and coronary heart disease. In this respect, the main purpose of having a dietary intervention was to ensure that Joseph’s diet comprises of foods that are rich in nutrients but have low calorie content. For instance, I suggested that it is wise for him to consume low fat milk as compared to regular milk. Studies have shown that the nutrient content in these two varieties of milk are similar. However, the calorie content in low fat milk is much lower as compared to regular milk hence becoming the best option for Joseph. Consequently, I suggested that much of the calories in Joseph’s diet should originate from the carbohydrates that he consumes. It is a well-known fact that complex carbohydrates put less stress on the body in the process of circulating blood glucose as compared to refined carbohydrates. Therefore, complex carbohydrates are the best given the age of Joseph. Finally, I advised Joseph to consume a fair amount of fiber and fluids. By consuming vegetables, fruits, grains, and cereals, Joseph will avoid complications such as constipation and dehydration hence increasing his overall metabolic process. Through this intervention therefore, Joseph will be able to put his medical condition under control.
Different individuals exhibited different characteristics and responses with regards to aging and adaptation. In this scenario, Joseph, a community dwelling aging individual has exhibited specific characteristics and responses towards aging and adaptation with regards to the environment that he lives in. Some of these responses are similar as compared to the patients who are hospitalized while others are quite different. From my personal perspective, I believe aging individuals might experience relatively similar challenges due to the constitution of the human body. As we age, we tend to develop wrinkles on our skin, become weak, and look our sensory acuity. In our case scenario, the visual and hearing senses of Joseph have been impaired with age. This phenomenon is also quite common with hospitalized patients. Therefore, it is evident that as we get old, our organs and tissues become worn out resulting into such conditions. Therefore, the fact that Joseph’s sense of sight became impaired does not explicitly state that it was as a result of the environment that he lived in but can be concluded that it is as a result of the changes that we experience in our bodies as we age.
However, Joseph exhibited some unique aging and adaptation characteristics that are not common in hospitalized patients. For instance, he had an overall positive attitude towards life. This is quite an astonishing behavior especially by individuals of his age. Most of the people at this age tend to think about death. These thoughts have detrimental effects on their mental stability and overall well-being. From my personal experience, I believe that a hospitalized environment would further destabilized the overall well-being of old patients since they hear and experience people suffering from different types of diseases, some of whom succumb to them. In such a setting, an elderly individual will tend to associate the pain that an ailing patient is undergoing through with his/her own medical condition that he/she is suffering from. However, the situation of Joseph is relatively different. His wife and life partner is alive. Furthermore, Joseph gets a lot of affection, love, and support from his children and grandchildren. From a critical perspective, it is evident that Joseph is proud of his life and the fact that he has left behind a legacy. It is as a result of this fact that he is looking forward to seeing a new generation of his great grandchildren. This will further increase his will to live. I therefore believe that a community environment is much better for aging and developing adaptive traits to the changes that will be experienced as compared to a hospital environment due to the increased positive interaction from different individuals who support old people through the aging process.
Reference
Levett-Jones, T. (2012). Clinical reasoning: Learning to think like a nurse. Frenchs Forest, N.S.W.: Pearson Australia.
Aging is a recognized trend that influences the demographic profile of a country (Health Department of Western Australia 2000). The Australian ageing population is a popular demographic change. Analysts project this trend to have a significant influence on the future size and constituent of the country’s population, growth, and government expenditure (AIHW Dental Statistics and Research Unit 2007). The process of aging is known to be a risk factor for a number of chronic diseases including oral conditions besides increasing the burden on the government budget and reducing economic growth (Kudrna & Woodland 2007). This paper will address the aging of the Australian population in relation to the implication of oral health.
Oral health
Oral health policies, such as Australia’s National Oral Health Plan (NACOH 2004) give priority to older adults within the Australian population. This position is largely because of two trends that have and continue to impact the oral health of this population (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2007). Firstly, the demographic trend of the population aging is characterized by an increasing proportion of older adults. This situation leads to an increase in the prevalence of a broad range of diseases related to older age among the Australian population of which gum disease and dental decay are the commonest (Sanders et al. 2009). Secondly, a reduction in frequencies of tooth loss culminates in an increase in the number and constituent of Australians maintaining their own natural teeth. Consequently, parallel to the observation of AHMAC Steering Committee for National Planning for Oral Health (2001), that those preserved teeth are predisposed to developing diseases of the mouth, and because of various influences of population aging, the number of cases of dental decay in older people is estimated to rise.
Prevalence
A variety of conditions constitute oral disease including tooth loss, dental decay, disease of the gum and tooth wear. Every indicator of tooth loss was more prevalent in sequentially older generations. Nonetheless, some of the major obvious differences were noted amongst 75-years-old and over relative to those aged between 55 and 74 years. Other indicators of oral disease that build up with age followed the same pattern of increasing rate of recurrence in progressively older generations. This indicators include filled teeth, dental wear, attachment loss, and gum recession.
Nearly one out of four individuals had untreated dental decay in the four generations; an equal proportion in every age group indicated gum inflammation, and the proportion of people with hollow gum pockets was same for all generations except the relatively youngest generation. The three measures are markers of active oral disease. National Survey of Adult Oral Health 2004-06 (AHIW Dental Statistics and Research Unit 2007) shows that overall measures of oral condition increased for sequentially older generations of Australians, though the extent of active oral condition were same among different generations of ageing group.
Conclusion and Recommendations
Increased support for promotion of oral health, sustained progress towards a scheme of universal dental care and development of staff options all needed attention to address the increasing demand for dental care in the future and to tackle dismal oral health outcomes, particularly for those relying on public dental care (SA Dental Service and Consortium Members 2009: Australian Dental Association Inc. 2006).
All citizens and residents of Australia can benefit from customized health promotion endeavors and expanded dental care alternatives such as use of full skill collection of dental professionals. In the same light, work continuing to sustain dental professionals to practice in remote and rural settings, and underserved urban areas, must continue and be strengthened (Roberts-Thomson et al. 2013). In settings where professionals do work in such settings, they should be supported to optimize the benefit of their skill collection (Chalmers 2003; National Advisory Committee on Oral Health 2004). Further, continued progress aimed at the long-term goals of general dental insurance of older adults as proposed by the National Advisory Council on Dental Health (National Advisory Council on Dental Health 2011) and the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission (National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission 2009).
References List
AIHW Dental Statistics and Research Unit 2007, Australia’s dental generations: the National Survey of Adult Oral Health 2004-06, AIHW, Canberra.
Australian Dental Association Inc. 2006, National Dental Update: Older people and oral health, ADA, St. Leonards.
Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council [AHMAC]Steering Committee for National Planning for Oral Health 2001, Oral health of Australians: National planning for Oral health improvement, South Australian Department of Human Services, Adelaide.
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2007, Older Australia at a glance: 4 the edition, AIHW, Canberra.
Chalmers, JM 2003, ‘Oral health promotion of our ageing Australian population’, Australian Dental Journal , vol. 48, no. 1, pp. 2-9.
Health Department of Western Australia 2000, Health and quality of life for older west Australians, ADA, Adelaide.
Kudrna, G & Woodland, A 2007, Economic effects of population growth and ageing in Australia, University of New South Wales Press, New South Wales.
National Advisory Committee on Oral Health 2004,Healthy Mouths Healthy Lives: Australia’s National Oral Health Plan 2004-2013, Australian Health Minister’s Conference, Adelaide.
National Advisory Council on Dental Health, 2011, Report of the National Dental Advisory Committee on Dental Health, AIHW, Canberra.
National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission 2009, A healthier future for all Australians: Final Report, Commonwealth of Australia , Canberra.
Roberts-Thomson, K & Peres, M 2013, Australian Research Center for population oral health: Summary of key issues and recommendations, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide.
SA Dental Service and Consortium Members 2009, Better Oral Health in Residential Care, SA Dental Service, Adelaide.
Sanders, AE, Slade, GD, Lim, S & Reisine, ST 2009, ‘Impact of oral disease on quality of life in the Ageing Population’, Community Dent Oral Epidemiol , vol.37 no. 2, pp. 171 181.
Aging is a biological process that has attracted the attention of many scientists and philosophers over the years (Robnett & Chop 2013). Several theories have been postulated to explore and analyze how living organisms age. A number of theories have been used to describe the process of aging (Yragui, Silverstein & Johnson 2013). Within the past few decades, some concepts of aging have been embraced by many scholars. At the same time, some theories have been abandoned completely (Meiner 2010). Most of these hypotheses have been studied widely to understand the process of human aging. Robnett and Chop (2013, p. 56) believe strongly that ‘a wider knowledge of the mechanisms that tend to affect the aging process can play a significant role towards identifying new interventions that have the potential to alter the process of aging’. Scientists are presently trying to identify a wide range of mechanisms that are associated with aging. The greatest hope is that the new understanding will make it possible for more communities to lead better and healthier lives (Meiner 2010).
Several concepts or theories explain why living organisms age. The first widely studied hypothesis is known as the cross-linking theory. According to proponents of this model, cell proteins and structural molecules tend to develop inappropriate bonds whenever a living organism ages. Such bonds reduce the elasticity of different cell molecules. Such proteins are eventually broken down by enzymes thus resulting in a process known as glycation (Aiken 1995). Researchers argue that ‘the cross-linking hypothesis explains how wrinkling in elderly people take place’ (Meiner 2010, p. 48).
The other widely studied theory of aging is ‘the evolutionary senescence hypothesis’ (Meiner 2010, p. 54). This model explains how the process of natural selection fails to affect the success of various late-life genes or traits. Due to this process, inappropriate late-life genes tend to be passed across from generation A to B. However, some skeptics argue that this theory should be refined and re-examined in order to come up with better arguments. It also happens to be the best theory that supports the process of aging.
The genome maintenance hypothesis is also used to describe why human beings tend to age (Cox 2006). According to the concept, the DNA is usually damaged very many times every single day (Wadensten 2006). This process takes place continuously throughout a person’s life. The greatest damage usually results from oxidative radicals and toxins. Any form of mutation during conception will also be inherited by every future generation. Some ‘mutations will never be corrected and can eventually result in cell malfunction or death’ (Reinhard & Hassmiller 2014, p. 6). The hypothesis also describes how somatic mutations occur in the DNA of every mitochondrion (Meiner 2010). Cox (2006) also argues that ‘mitochondrial aging is responsible for aging in particular’ (p. 48).
With this knowledge, scientists and health professionals can identify the best processes that can be used to deliver appropriate care to the elderly people in the community. For instance, researchers can produce specific medicines that can inhibit various biological processes such as mitochondrial aging. As well, doctors can identify the most appropriate exercises and drugs that can cleanse various tissues in the body. The ultimate goal is to slow-down the aging process. A proper understanding of aging will also result in new models for effective healthcare delivery (Hooyman & Kiyak 2007). This is the case because more concepts will be used to support the ever-changing health needs of many elderly citizens.
Nursing homes will also benefit a lot from this knowledge. Future research has the potential to identify new interventions, drugs, exercises, supportive devices, and therapies that can be used to reduce the rate of aging (Wadensten 2006). Every community will therefore benefit from this knowledge and eventually result in better geriatric care in the future.
The UK government has been on the frontline to monitor the welfare of the ageing population. Statistics indicate clearly that more elderly people in the country are in need of better health care services. This situation has led to the modernisation agenda that is aimed at addressing most of the concerns and challenges experienced by the country’s aging citizens. In 2005, a new cross-government strategy was issued by the Department for Work and Pensions in an attempt to support the needs of the elderly people in the country (Hindle & Coates 2011). The legislation was aimed at securing new opportunities for the elderly population. It focused on the need to extend the working lives of such individuals.
The government is also addressing the issue of pensioner poverty (NHS England 2014). As well, new initiatives have been put in place in order to transform the quality of social services and support systems availed to the elderly. More healthcare workers are being recruited to work in various nursing homes (Moody & Sasser 2011). The important goal is to ensure such practitioners deliver quality services that have the potential to promote the health outcomes of the targeted population (Department of Health 2001).
The Mental Capacity Act (2005) is currently empowering and protecting the elderly in the United Kingdom (NHS England 2014). The legislation supports the health and mental needs of individuals who might not be able to make accurate decisions about their treatment regimes. Such individuals should ‘receive the best care and basic rights’ (Reinhard & Hassmiller 2014, p. 7). Studies have also indicated that a wide range of social, economic, and demographic patterns might have disastrous implications on the quality of care availed to the elderly in the near future (Goldsmith 2014). For instance, majority of the young people are engaged in a wide range of economic activities. This situation explains why such people are unable to deliver the best care to their aging parents. As well, demographic changes are affecting the manner in which various services are delivered to different communities. The government has therefore outlined the need to present new resources and finances in order to deliver high-quality support to the targeted population in the future (Goldsmith 2014).
The nature of healthcare has also changed significantly within the past two decades. This is the case because modern technologies have emerged. The modernisation agenda is currently focusing on how such technologies can be used to transform the health outcomes of many citizens in the country (Goldsmith 2014). Nurses and physicians are being equipped with the best skills and concepts in order to deliver adequate care to the targeted population (Goldsmith 2014). Nursing homes are also expected to educate their clients in order to use various gadgets effectively (Williams 2015). Such measures are currently being undertaken in order to deliver the most appropriate support to this population.
This discussion shows clearly the modernisation agenda is focusing on the best strategies that can be used to improve the quality of support available to the elderly (Living well with dementia: A National Dementia Strategy 2009). The government is focusing on a wide range of issues such as workplace relations, pension schemes, discrimination, social inclusion, and elderly welfare (NHS England 2014). The modernisation agenda is also embracing the power of different resources, finances, and technologies in an attempt to support the wellbeing of the targeted population (Williams 2015). Medical practitioners are also being informed about the ever-changing health needs of the population. Although a lot needs to be done, the most agreeable fact is that more elderly patients will continue to get better health support in the coming years.
Caregivers, medical practitioners, social workers, and guardians should be aware of the major problems associated with ageing. To begin with, old age is associated with a wide range of health problems that have the potential to affect a person’s life. For example, elderly people have ‘numerous challenges such as mobility and self-care’ (Reinhard & Hassmiller 2014, p. 7). Some of the body organs weaken thus making it impossible for the individuals to undertake various activities. Such individuals therefore require constant support and care (Birchwood, Spencer & McGovern 2000). Elderly citizens who fail to receive quality care encounter a wide range of social and physical problems.
The psychological and emotional aspects of ageing cannot be underestimated. Some of the major changes associated with old age tend to be scary (Fawcett 2003). Many people will ‘become insecure, feel rejected, and become less confident’ (Fawcett 2003, p. 48). Elderly people can be traumatised after realising that their roles and duties in life have changed permanently (The National Service Framework for Older People 2001). As well, the affected persons will also become less realistic. This happens to be the case because a person’s intellectual capability diminishes with old age. Studies have also identified a wide range of problems that come with old age. Some of these problems are usually psychological in nature. Many elderly people will find it hard to sleep. They will become apathetic, unhappy, and depressed. They are also forced to deal with the major side effects of constant medication (Fawcett 2003).
Many senior citizens will be forced to take care of their siblings, elderly parents, or spouses. This obligation makes it impossible for the citizens to focus on their health needs. More often than not, such individuals will have increased chances of losing their loved spouses or friends. This occurrence increases the level of grief and pain. Social workers and caregivers should therefore be aware of such challenges in order to deliver befitting care to the elderly (Tanner 2010).
The elderly will always have to deal with discrimination and stigma. According to different professionals, the elderly are always treated as delicate and unproductive individuals in many societies (Fawcett 2003). Young people will also stigmatise and ignore most of the ideas presented by the elderly. Many people will also be discriminated thus affecting their social abilities. It is also notable that ‘many practitioners will focus on the health needs of children and not the elderly’ (Robnett & Chop 2013, p. 81). This form of discrimination explains why the elderly might not be able to receive quality care from different healthcare settings.
Ageism has therefore become a common problem in many modern societies. Researchers, medical experts, and young people will tend to ignore the needs of the elderly while focusing on other goals. This gap explains why practitioners should be able to respect the needs of the elderly. The above theories of aging can be used to identify the most appropriate models and strategies that can support the health needs of the elderly (Meiner 2010). Nurses and caregivers should use their competencies in an attempt to address most of the above problems associated with old age. This is the case because many elderly citizens encounter a wide range of problems. Such problems make it impossible for the individuals to realise their health goals.
From a theoretical perspective, nurses, guardians, and caregivers should ensure every elderly citizen leads a stress-free life (Yragui et al. 2013). This goal can be achieved by listening to the targeted patient. Individuals should be ready to detect every problem affecting the targeted elderly person. The elderly should also be allowed to socialise with others and form meaningful relationships. This strategy is critical towards ensuring that the individuals lead quality lives. Social workers should encourage the elderly to participate in different communal activities. The individuals should be equipped with the best resources and tools in order to support their mobility.
It is also appropriate for the individuals to encourage such people to remain calm and mentally active. This goal can be achieved through proper disease management and physical activity (Robnett & Chop 2013). Chronic illnesses and depressions should also be treated using the best drugs. The elderly should also be encouraged to eat healthy and balanced diets. They should be allowed to interact with others and stay focused. The important goal is to prevent most of the problems associated with old age. Finally, caregivers and social workers should collaborate with other professionals in order to ensure every elderly citizen has a good life. This strategy will address most of the above problems and support the changing needs of more elderly patients.
It is agreeable that many elderly people will tend to have good health outcomes. However, studies have indicated that such ‘individuals have increased chances of developing a wide range of mental problems and neurological disorders’ (Mitra 2008, p. 37). Most of the disabilities encountered by the elderly are usually mental or neurological in nature. Santos and Lima-Basto (2014, p. 786) indicate that ‘the most common neuropsychiatric problem in this population is dementia’. Depression has also been associated old age. A considerable number of elderly citizens will encounter various mood or anxiety disorders. Statistics have also indicated that many elderly people will tend to abuse a wide range of drugs (Moody & Sasser 2011).
As well, this population is at risk of developing various physical problems. To begin with, the elderly will encounter various mobility challenges. Such challenges are caused by different diseases or conditions. Arthritis has been recorded in different parts of the world (Fawcett 2003). The condition makes it impossible for more elderly people to have active lifestyles. Heart disease is known to affect around 30 percent of individuals above the age of 65 (Marquis & Huston 2015). Several chronic complications such as cancer and respiratory infections affect the lives of many elderly patients. Studies have also indicated that ‘the risk of falls increase with old age’ (Meiner 2010, p. 32). Such falls can be disastrous and sometimes tend to claim the lives of many elderly citizens. Obesity and dental health also affects the health of many older people (Robnett & Chop 2013).
The notions of ageing ‘have been widely used in reliability analysis’ (Cox 2006, p. 48). Such concepts have been used to describe how various components will deteriorate or even improve with age (Cavanaugh & Blanchard-Fields 2010). One of these notions is known as the stochastic ageing (Cox 2006). This concept is used ‘to analyse exponentiality against a wide range of ageing alternatives’ (Cavanaugh & Blanchard-Fields 2010, p. 96). This understanding shows clearly that different physiological changes will be encountered by the elderly. A number of pathological processes, both active and inactive, will tend to affect the manner in which various diseases are diagnosed in the elderly. This means that the treatment method might be wrong if the right diagnoses are not done (Santos & Lima-Basto 2014). That being the case, practitioners should be aware of the major pathological processes that produce various physiological changes.
As human beings age, new chronic conditions tend to occur thus affecting the health outcomes of the affected persons. A ‘new relationship between disease and age occurs during old age’ (Marquis & Huston 2015, p. 65). This fact explains why the multiple pathology concept is widely used to study various diseases affecting the elderly. This fact explains why ‘caregivers should be aware of the physiological changes and the pathological developments experienced by the elderly’ (Mitra 2008, p. 36). The notions of ageing are critical because they help physicians deal with a wide range of physical and mental health problems affecting the elderly. The important goal is ‘for medical practitioners to identify the major mechanisms that produce true age-related body changes and age-specific diseases’ (Meiner 2010, p. 109).
List of References
Aiken, L 1995, Aging: An Introduction to Gerontology, SAGE, New York.
Birchwood, M, Spencer, E & McGovern, D 2000, ‘Schizophrenia: Early Warning Signs’, Advances in Psychiatric Treatment, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 93-101.
Cavanaugh, J & Blanchard-Fields, F 2010, Adult Development and Aging, Wadsworth Publishing, New York.
Cox, H 2006, Later Life: The Realities of Aging, Prentice Hall, Upper-Saddle River. Department of Health 2001.
Fawcett, J 2003, ‘The Nurse Theorists: 21st Century Updates: Martha E. Rogers’, Nursing Science Quarterly, vol. 16, no. 1, pp. 44-51.
Goldsmith, T 2014, An Introduction to Biological Aging Theory, Azinet Press, Crownsville.
Hindle, A & Coates, A 2011, Nursing Care of Older People, Oxford University Press, Oxford.
Hooyman, N & Kiyak, H 2007, Social Gerontology, Allyn & Bacon, New York.
Marquis, B & Huston, C 2015, Leadership Roles and Management Functions in Nursing: Theory and Application, Wolters Kluwer Health, Philadelphia.
Meiner, S 2010, Gerontology Nursing, Mosby, Maryland Heights.
Mitra, J 2008, ‘Management of Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia: Looking Positively’, Delhi Psychiatry, vol. 11, no. 1, pp. 32-38.
Moody, H & Sasser, J 2011, Aging Concepts and Controversies, SAGE Publications, New York.
NHS England 2014. Web.
Reinhard, S & Hassmiller, S 2014, ‘The Future of Nursing: Transforming Health Care’, AARP Journal, vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 1-12.
Robnett, R & Chop, W 2013, Gerontology For The Health Care Professional, Jones & Bartlett Learning, Burlington.
Santos, M & Lima-Basto, M 2014, ‘A Multi-paradigm Model for a Holistic Nursing’, International Journal of Caring Sciences, vol. 7, no. 3, pp. 781-791.
Tanner, C 2010, ‘Transforming Pre-licensure Nursing Education: Preparing the New Nurse to Meet Emerging Health Care Needs’, Future of Nursing, vol. 31, no. 6, pp. 347-353.
Wadensten, B 2006, ‘An analysis of psychosocial theories of ageing and their relevance to practical gerontological nursing in Sweden’, Scandinavian Journal of Caring Science, vol. 20, no. 1, pp. 347-354.
Williams, P 2015, Basic Geriatric Nursing, Elsevier, New York.
Yragui, N, Silverstein, B & Johnson, W 2013, ‘Stopping the Pain: The Role of Nurse Leaders in Providing Organizational Resources to Reduce Disruptive Behavior’, American Nurse Today, vol. 8, no. 10, pp. 1-23.
Background: The section outlines the three major living options for the elderly, such as family, retirement homes, and rehabilitative centers. It states the dominance of the first modes and outlines the advantages and disadvantages of every aspect.
Report: This part highlights the current plan for aged care in the UAE, presupposing increasing investment in the sphere and attraction of private companies, communities’ preferences for aged care (family), resources provided by the UAE to promote healthy aging, such as additional financing of recreational activities, and plans to support caregivers.
Recommendations: The section offers three evidence-based recommendations to enhance healthy aging. These include monitoring of families providing support to the elderly, alignment of better data collection needed for caregivers to create more effective approaches, and provision equal access to care for all aged people.
Background
The United Arab Emirates is one of the fast-evolving countries with a powerful economy and high income level peculiar to most of its population. The government focuses on improving people’s well-being by building a potent and modern healthcare sector that can meet the current population demands. However, the issues associated with the elderly in the UAE remain complex and not clearly understood because of the lack of information. Thus, analyzing the living options for this category in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah, it is possible to outline several factors. Living with the family is the first option available to aged people. It remains the most popular preference for this type of care because of the local peculiarities of culture (2). The major advantage of this option is the high level of comfort and support provided by family members. At the same time, there can be a lack of professional care in complex situations if some unusual methods are needed. Moreover, individuals might suffer from abuse, especially in low-income families (1).
Retirement homes are another possible option for the elderly in the UAE. However, they remain not very popular, and their number is limited. For instance, Sharjah Old People’s Home, the Community Center for the Elderly in Dubai are facilities of this sort that are created to support people with no families or ties to the community by providing them attention and demanded care (1; 10). The major benefit of this option is the ability to avoid problems with living and the chance of being provided with the demanded interventions and support. Thus, the number of such centers remains limited, and only a small percentage of people living in the UAE can enjoy this living option. Moreover, research shows that such centers might not be appropriately prepared to help the elderly and provide the desired care (10). For this reason, there is a need for further improvement.
Finally, rehabilitative centers are the last option available for the elderly. They exist in various communities and provide their services to this group of people. For instance, Nightingale in Dubai offers such services to this group and ensures the high quality of care suggested to all clients (2). It can be viewed as the central advantage of this proposal. Nevertheless, the number of such centers remains limited, and they can be too costly for most individuals aged 65 and more (10). In such a way, the available options are represented not equally, and there is much space for improvement.
Report
The government of the UAE correctly realizes the need for improving the existing aged care model because of its inability to meet the needs of all people living in the country. It plans significant investment in the sphere to attain improvements in several important spheres. First, a better data-collection is demanded to gather information and facts needed to reveal the current state of the problem and introduce appropriate solutions (1). Second, the UAE plans to increase the number of retirement homes and rehabilitative centers to meet the growing demand for services of this sort and ensure that all people aged 65 and more can benefit from the high-quality services provided to them.
The UAE also has its unique patterns for aged care associated with the cultural peculiarities of people living here. The community’s preference for aged care is living with family (2). Most UAE citizens view it as an appropriate option as it provides them with the chance to assist their close people in complex situations and ensure they have all things necessary for their improved well-being (2). It also results from the cultural traditions presupposing living in big families with all members supporting each other (2). For this reason, recommendations for enhancing healthy aging should consider this aspect and think about options meeting people’s demands.
To address the problem of healthy aging, the UAE government creates a specific vision supported by programs and strategies. For instance, the government is the primary investor in the country’s healthcare sector, with $16 billion of contribution to the development of the sphere (9). Along with supporting all health facilities in the state, it is also planned to devoted around 25% to develop the infrastructure needed to improve care for aged people and provide them with new supported living options (8). Healthy aging is also supported by incentives promoting healthy lifestyles and habits, such as retirement homes for the elderly where they can have appropriate health care and constant health checks.
The government also starts to devote more attention to supporting caregivers working with the elderly. First, it plans to double the number of retirement houses with the primary goal to achieve a significant improvement in the given segment and guarantee that the current needs of the population are met (5; 8). Second, the government supports home care programs affiliated with major hospitals to ensure that people 65 and older have access to all needed care and can benefit from the developed infrastructure (8). In such a way, there UAE starts to devote more attention to the issue and tries to ensure healthy aging to its population.
Evidence-Based Recommendations
Considering the information provided above, the following recommendations for improving aging support can be offered. First, the existing statistics show that living with family is the most popular option in the UAE as it ensures multiple benefits to individuals (1). However, there is also a high risk of abuse in the home setting and mistreatment. Under these conditions, it is vital to align the better monitoring of such people’s states through telehealth, mediated methods of communication, and personal visits to ensure that their conditions are satisfactory, they are provided with all things needed for their well-being, and there are no cases of inappropriate behaviors, aggression, or violence.
Second, there is a problem with unequal access to care. The bigger part of the UAE’s population is expatriates, meaning that they do not have all benefits available for other citizens (4). For people over the age of 65 representing this cohort, it is difficult to remain in the Emirates after retirement because of the absence of specific facilities, such as retirement homes, or too high price for their services (4). Under these conditions, another evidence-based recommendation presupposes eliminating this inequality by introducing specific programs for such people and opening new retirement and homes and rehabilitation facilities.
Finally, there is still a lack of information regarding the real state of this group and the problem it faces. Relevant information is fundamental for designing practical and evidence-based interventions that might help to improve the situation and attain the desired outcome (6). Under these conditions, the creation and employment of a more effective data collection tool is another recommendation for promoting healthy aging and improving the state of the given population (3). The special program can focus on gathering data by using recent reports, interviews, and information provided by hospitals (1). It will help to create the basis for new enhancements and programs vital for attaining current goals and improving the health of the nation.
Altogether, the given recommendations can be viewed as a practical and potent solution to the existing issues associated with the health of the elderly in the UAE. Eliminating the knowledge gap linked to their states and creating new facilities to meet their demands, it is possible to move forward towards the creation of a new environment characterized by the absence of such concerns and new opportunities for healthy aging available to most of the UAE population. These suggestions are justified by the relevant data and the current state of the problem in the UAE.
References
Al Ali, A. Aging in the UAE and services available for the elderly: structured interviews with experts in the field. Policy Brief. 2013; 34: 1-12.
Al Hashemi, B, Underwood, M. Elderly Emiratis a key part of family life. The National News [Internet]. 2013. Web.
Cameron, E, Green, M. Making sense of change management: a complete guide to the models, tools and techniques of organizational change. 5th ed. New York: Kogan Page, 2019.
Daleure, G. ‘Holistic sustainability’ policies: preserving local cultural identity in the UAE in the face of globalisation. In J Public Administration. 2019, June; 65(3): 749–768.
Global Health Aging (US). Healthcare and aging in the UAE. [Internet]. Web.
Greenhalgh, T. How to implement evidence-based healthcare. New York: Wiley-Blackwell, 2017.
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National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031. U.AE [Internet]. 2020. Web.
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Zriqat, T. Sharjah elderly care home hopes to draw young volunteers to engage with residents. The National News [Internet]. 2017. Web.
Dandelion health care has a license from the Maryland Office of Healthcare Quality. It provides excellent services to older adults with different health problems, including physical disabilities, as well as diabetes and dementia (“Senior service maps,” n.d.).
Summit View Assisted Living is a home care service located in the Garwyn Oaks neighborhood of Baltimore. It provides on-site health care services, which include hospice and long-term care, as well as rehabilitation programs.
Priority Care Assisted Living is another senior care facility located in Baltimore. It has a highly-trained staff who are certified in the provision of all necessary services, including first aid.
R & R Cares also delivers assisted living services to older adults. At R & R Cares, every client has their own private room, and they can spend time together in the shared area. The facility distributes medication and provides assistance with dressing, bathing, toileting, and eating.
Catonsville Senior Center is a venue for senior citizens where they can meet and engage in various recreational and activities. The facility also has a fitness center where clients can exercise.
Alert Healthcare Solutions provides home care services and has a team of trained professionals who rely on evidence-based practices.
Kind Heart is an assisted living location that neighbors Baltimore’s Sinai Hospital. The facility provides all kinds of assistance, including diabetes care, administration of medication, and housekeeping.
As demonstrated by the number of quality aging services, Baltimore has an impressive network of facilities that can accommodate the needs of older adults. The area has a good selection of assisted living facilities for senior citizens who want to get more communication with their peers. There is also a home care service that is ideal for clients that want to receive assistance in their own homes. Thus, it can be said that Baltimore is a place that provides many opportunities for older adults to get assistance.
Reference
Senior service maps, Baltimore. (n.d.). Senior Service Maps. Web.
There are two essential concepts concerning comprehension and dealing with changes through aging. Firstly, the term “fluid intelligence” relates to information processing qualities such as logical reasoning, list recall, spatial ability, and response time. In turn, crystallized intelligence includes talents that are based on skill and understanding. Vocabulary testing, numerical problem-solving, and text comprehension are all ways to assess crystallized intelligence (Queen & Smith, n.d.). These ideas shed light on the differences with which people acquire new information, which results in diverse levels of adaptation for the turns of time that await every person.
It is also important to differentiate the types of memory that researchers distinguish. Short-term memory involves information that is retained for a short amount of time and then lost, while long-term memory lasts much longer. For example, immediate tasks such as the state of a cooked meal usually remain in the short-term memory and then vanish; deliberately learned math course sticks in the memory for a while, being an example of long-term memory. Finally, for a brief period, working memory processes and organizes information, for example, daily tasks. According to APA (2021), short-term memory deteriorates with age, whereas long-term memory fades less. Thus, it is essential to consider these changes in memory when describing the aging population.
There has been a social issue regarding the elderly in the material of the readings. As such, in research from APA (n.d.), it is stated that socio-economic status is an important element in affecting the quality of life of older Americans, some of whom live below the official poverty line. Declines in health and the loss of a spouse, both of which are prevalent among older persons, can have an impact on the financial situation. Since low-income older Americans are more likely to rely on Social Security as their primary source of income, these conditions put them at a significant disadvantage (APA, n.d.). Thus, the current rising aging population is facing the social issue of being in poverty status.
Furthermore, a film on a similar topic of working conditions and possibilities that await the elderly could be discussed. As such, NPT Reports (2022) created a video about the effects of aging demographics on the lives of people in various jobs. The video presents an example of value present in American society: the working experience that cannot be substituted by new workers. NPT Reports (2022) also state that job gives them a purpose since they feel they are still valuable to society. Thus, the film demonstrates how the skills of the elderly make them integrated into the system of society through the purpose that is given by work. Hence, the video presents skill, system, value, and purpose dimensions.
I have discovered an issue that is highly important in my life: how would my future be constructed in the new world if the demographics and working conditions were changing, and what would be when I get old? Moreover, the film raised a question about what employers should do to adapt the old adults for the future, which I would like to explore further. Finally, I want to ask the class a question: how could the existing social challenges of aging be reduced?
Additional Activity
The normal signs of aging are harder work of the heart, skin changes and wrinkles, difficulties in seeing and hearing, teeth problems, brittle bones, and complexities related to getting around or staying still. The results of my interviews with old adults are as follows:
Fifty-seven-year male: Aging means getting experience that no one wants you to talk about. You understand the youth lesser, and you want to be left alone more often.
Sixty-two-year-old female: For me, aging brings more opportunities to learn and devote myself to my favorite things.
Hence, the first individual belongs to the despair category, while the second one is to the integrity type.
Aging is a part of life, which can be different for every person. Some people manage to remain happy and full of vitality; others consider aging a tragedy and joyless life’s end. Anyway, this stage is inevitable, and it is necessary to understand what needs to be done to spend it successfully. Therefore, many psychologists, sociologists, and medical researchers have conducted various studies and surveys and developed diverse theories related to the peculiarities of aging. The researcher professors of Psychology and Sociology, Robert Crosnoe and Glen Elder Jr. (2002) present their point of view on this topic. They divide the men from 58 to 72 into four categories: well-rounded, successful in all spheres of life, family-focused, career-focused, and less adjusted (Crosnoe & Elder Jr., 2002). The authors conclude that entirely successful aging requires such constituents as physical and mental health, social engagement, family support, and career (Crosnoe & Elder Jr., 2002). They also consider aging as a long-life term, which means that circumstances of youth, for example, also impact it. Therefore, aging is a stage of life, which can be as happy and prosperous as other phases of life.
This well-grounded and logical research provides readers with many data and reasonable descriptions of constituents of successful aging. In addition, several data presented in the research surprise: for instance, the income level of career-focused people can be even less than the income of family-focused (Crosnoe & Elder Jr., 2002). This study offers several insights that should be used even by young people. Firstly, it is necessary to understand that although family and career are equally essential constituents of happiness, family support is indispensable. Secondly, the person’s aging depends on their youth and middle-aging: bad habits in the middle-age period decrease the chances for successful aging. Thus, this research is pretty informative and contributes to people’s understanding of the peculiarities of successful aging.
Reference
Crosnoe, R., & Elder Jr., G. H. (2002). Successful adaptation in the later years: A life course approach to aging. Social Psychology Quarterly, 65(4), 309-328. Web.
