Elderly as a Vulnerable Population

Elderly as a Vulnerable Population

According to the Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (2002),

vulnerability is the ability to “Be easily physically, emotionally, or mentally

hurt, influenced or attacked.” At any given time, anyone can become

vulnerable. Demographically, the nature of society is changing. The

population of older people is dramatically increasing. The U.S Census

Bureau states that the population of people greater than 65 is projected to

double by the year 2030 and at the same time increase from 12 to 20 percent

of the population. This same population is considered to be a vulnerable

group of people by society. Focus on the elderly is needed because the

demographic changes will pose challenges to meet their growing needs

physically, mentally and financially. Also, additional services will be needed

to address and treat chronic and disabling conditions. Education from

research will need to be implemented to alter negative perceptions of aging.

Medicare and social security is not able to support this projected growth and

untreated illnesses will cause the elderly to lose their independence and

prevent them from staying in their homes. The elderly are stereotyped as

requiring special care due to poor health, poor finances, and lack of social

support. Stereotyping of the elderly population leads to biased opinions

which in turn may cause disrespect, mistreatment, and abuse. According to

Kharicha and Lliffe (2007) “GPs may consider older people living alone to

be an ‘at-risk” group worthy of interventions, although there is some

evidence that those living alone are a robust group” (p.273). As the elderly

population increases, it is important to understand the impact to family,

health, and social institution. Biased opinions are formed from ignorance.

“Society does not understand much about aging today except what they see

and hear in the media and popular culture” (Novak, 2006, p7). Society

glorifies youth and not the wisdom of the elderly. Socially, aging is not

highly respected.

With the increase in life expectancy of the elderly, the demands in

healthcare will greatly increase. Healthcare workers have a good

understanding of the physical changes associated with aging but need more

education and information on the social changes. The physical changes

involve strength, vision, hearing and coordination. Socially, the elderly are

seen as frail, and forgetful and become easy targets for discrimination

against employment, social activities, and treatments.

As the population ages, more government money will be needed to take

care of the elderly. The National Institute of Aging (NIA) is an organization

that directs research to develop an understanding of the nature of aging and

to broaden the healthy active years of life. The NIH provides direction in

the research of the elderly. It works to share relevant information so that

proper programs in training and health information can be developed. The

goal of the National Association of State Units on Aging (NASUA), founded

in 1964, is to promote the advancement of social, health, and economic

policies. NASUA incorporates a diverse population of the elderly. The

organization promotes rights, self-respect, and independence. NASUA

attempts to expand opportunities and resources for the elderly. The National

Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) provides a collaborative approach to

preventing abuse, mistreatment, and exploitation by providing information

to the states at the local level. The Administration on Aging (AOA) is an

organization that reaches out to the community to provide services to help

keep the elderly at home. The goal of the AOA is to help the elderly

maintain their health and independence. Proper education on the

availability of resources will help prevent isolation of the elderly.

Chronic diseases can impact the quality of life of the elderly. The

financial burden of these illnesses are great and will continue to rise with the

increasing older population. Osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s are two of

many conditions that impact the ability of the elderly to live at home.

Osteoporosis is characterized by loss of bone density. It is a condition of

frailty. One cause of frailty is reduced muscle strength and coordination that

leads to falls. Osteoporosis is usually asymptomatic until a fracture occurs.

These fractures lead to mortality, morbidity and high healthcare costs.

Osteoporosis is disabling and causes many physical limitations. According

to a report from Imaginis (2008), osteoporosis will account for over 1.5

million fractures each year. This includes approximately: 300,000 hip

fractures, 700,000 vertebral fractures, 250,000 wrist fractures, and 300,000

fractures of other sites. From the sociocultural viewpoint, little attention has

been given to osteoporosis.

Alzheimer’s is a fatal disease. It is a degenerative disorder of the brain

and is the seventh-leading cause of death in the United States per the

Alzheimer’s organization. The destruction of brain cells cause memory loss

or dementia and negatively impacts work and social life. The stages of

Alzheimer’s are mild, moderate, and severe. As the dementia progresses,

the ability to do simple tasks is taken away. Language and understanding

is decreased and behavior changes such as wandering, aggression, and

anxiety occurs. With the high occurrence of Alzheimer’s, much is being

done to treat, prevent and learn more about the disease.

Prior to having an elderly parent with osteoporosis, I was not aware of the

debilitating effects. I was oblivious to the frailty caused by bone loss. I was

awakened to the fact that one fall could cause multiple fractures. These

fractures in turn caused physical limitations and loss in autonomy.
Depression set in from dependence and the loss of coordination brought on

other falls with more fractures. Osteoporosis, not properly monitored,

influences the physical and mental well being of the person.

Dealing with patients and loved ones diagnosed with dementia can be

challenging. I have learned to take my time, attempt to explain things and

observe how the patient reacts. Having a family member with dementia has

helped me to empathize and show patience. I have a better understanding of

their fears, concerns, and frustrations. I make it a priority to involve case –

workers so that all available resources can be provided. Access to

government and or local agencies are needed to avoid mistreatment,

abuse and isolation of the elderly.

Education, healthcare and financial demands will increase as the older

population continues to grow. Information from research can calm the fears

and misconceptions of the aging process. Organizations provide education

about available resources to communities so that they can reach out to assist

in the care of the elderly. Positive depiction of the elderly, from the media,

will help society acknowledge and embrace their wisdom. These positive

changes will help prevent isolation, discrimination and neglect. Biased

opinions leading to stereotypes need to be altered so that the elderly become

encouraged to participate in the community.

Reference

Current Population Reports Special Studies: 65+ in the United States.(December 2005). Retrieved from http://www.census.gov

Novak, M.W.(2006). Issues in Aging. Boston, MA: Pearson

de Chesnay, M., & Anderson, B.A. (2008). Caring for the Vulnerable: Perspectives in Nursing Theory, Practice, and Research (2nd ed.). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett.

Alzheimers Association. (2010). What is Alzheimers. Retrieved from http://www.alz.org

National Center on Elder Abuse and Administration on Aging. (2009).

Retrieved from http://www.ncea.aoa.gov

(2002).In Webster’s Third New International Dictionary Unabridged Retrieved from http://www.mwu.eb.com.ezproxy.apollolibrary.com (Accessed April 19, 2010).

Imaginis (2008). Introduction: What is Osteoporosis? Retrieved April 23, 2010, from http://www.imaginis.com

Kharicha K, LLiffe S, Harari D, et al. Health Risk Appraisal in Older People 1: are Older People Living Alone an at Risk group? Br J Gen Pract. 2007;57(537) 271-276. retrieved from http://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov