Critical Analysis

Awareness for the Aging Population

Much research has been done on the issues concerning the elderly population. However, with all the time and effort put into the study of gerontology, and with all the concerns the aging population have, it remains a small part of the public consciousness. America's value of youth over age plays into this lack of awareness. Also, the issues of elderly people are seen as "business as usual": with age comes the expectation that they will be ushered into nursing homes, put on numerous medications, and so on. In order to change how we as a society view the elderly, we need to challenge what is considered the norm for our older citizens. We need to think on the what ifs. What if they could make their own decisions in spite of mental illness? What if they didn't have to be swamped my medical bills every month? What if they could work beyond what is considered a normal working age? If we could imagine a society in which elderly people could have complete agency over their decisions, and if we empowered elderly people to do the same, it would be a huge first step in improving the quality of life of the aging population.

Population Aging

In the U.S. and globally, the population is aging. The Baby Boomers in America have aged to the point where they are now starting to require care rather than provide income and care for others. Globally, 62% of the elderly are in lower-income countries, and the number of older adults will soon exceed the number of children under five for the first time in history and these numbers will likely remain the same. The population is simultaneously declining. Since the vast majority of older adults receive care in late life informally from their families and communities, this new "beanpole family" structure - where there are less children than there are adults - means that there may not be enough people to care for all the elderly in need. Both locally and internationally, the world is not prepared for this increase in older adults requiring care: our institutions and network of formal care providers are not adequate to address this challenge. This is the essential challenge of this developmental stage: How are we, as macro social workers, going to address this immense challenge? Other questions are how we can address the high rates of neglect, abuse, depression and loneliness in retirement homes and among those with severe illnesses. One way to study how to address this challenge is to study countries and places in which the elderly are most successfully cared for, such as Germany and Sweden. Studies can develop criteria for success, such as low rates of depression and poverty among the elderly, as well as high rates of happiness and fulfillment. Literature reviews can be conducted on proposed innovative policy and program designs. We can also be inspired by the creativity of experts such as Kareen King and Naomi Feil and conduct studies on what seems to make their techniques so successful.

Biological Changes

The proportion of adults over the age of 65 is expected to increase over the next 40 years. According to research, the human brain shrinks with advancing age; a greater amount of physical and higher cardiorespiratory fitness levels are associated with better cognitive function in older adults. (Physical activity and Brain plasticity, 2012). Physical activity is set up to impact the brain and its effects on learning and memory, and neurotransmitter systems. The promotion for good health has become central to individuals in late adulthood. In order for older adults to age successfully, the promotion of healthy aging is essential. For many people, especially older adults, illness and death can be postponed through lifestyle changes. (Hutchinson, 2008 pg. 388). Older adults need to be more educated on how to go about obtaining the skills and knowledge to postpone severe illnesses and a decrease in physical mobility, which can be provided from health professionals. The goals of health promotion for older adults include preventing or delaying the onset of chronic disease and disability, reducing the severity of chronic diseases, and maintaining mental health, physical health, and physical functioning as long as possible. (Hutchinson, 2008 pg. 388). There is also a need to help better equip the elderly that are discovering new physical activities. In the coming decades, the importance of maintaining the ability to work and make a living will increase, as will the need for independence in everyday life and leisure activities. (Progressive Strength Training Counteracts Muscle Atrophy, 2014). There is a need for older adults to have strength training to be able to stay mobile to conduct everyday activities. This brings about the need for strengths professionals to step in and educate older adults on the importance of muscle usage and the effects that strength will have on the whole body. There needs to be encouragement for the elderly and general awareness that older adults are able and still can participate in various physical activities to prolong life after the age of 65.

Gero-psychologists Needed

By the year 2020 adults ages 65 and over will make up approximately 20 percent of the U.S. population. There is a consistent and growing need for professionals in the area of geropsychology. The National Institute on Aging estimates that 5,000 full-time doctoral level geropsyhcologists will be needed in the near future to accommodate for the increasing demand of aging adults. In addition to this by this time there will be an increase of behavioral and mental health problems (American Psychological Association, 2006). In order for elder adults to receive treatment that they will need there needs to be more opportunities offered for geropsych study. There needs to be more universities to offer opportunities in the geropsychology field. Universities can offer a way to promote the dire need for geropsych study in order to get more students involved in the profession. Current professionals, including psychologist, social workers, and health care providers all need to work together to learn and research more in the area of geriatric care. If current professionals are able to gain new interest in the field this can aid with helping future professionals get the training and experience they need. There also needs to be an increase in awareness of the issues surrounding mental health care Professionals who are already educated on the issues should work together in order to raise awareness of the issues surrounding mental health in late adulthood.

Sex Education

Sexually speaking those in late adulthood remain active for 5-10 years depending on their gender, 10 years for males and 5-7 years for females after turning 65. While there is a whole host of potential physical issues that can be raised with sexual function and dysfunction for those in late adulthood sexual well being can be achieved by most people. The primary concerns are those of rising STDs and unanswered questions about the LGBTQ community. Proper sex education for older adults is necessary as they are the largest rising group contracting HIV/AIDS. Disease-oriented education is a must have for this population. Unanswered questions would primarily be focused on the untapped LGBTQ community. How is each separate group having sex in late adulthood? How many years after 65 are they enjoying their partners? What is the widowhood rates? How does the historical AIDS outbreak effect the modern gay community of late adulthood persons?