The Elderly Should Receive More Geographical Attention

As defined by Crossman (Disengagement Theory n.d.) “Disengagement theory states that in every society, the elderly undergo a process of adjustment in which they leave important public roles and narrow their social world to family and friends”. Thus, the

Isolation, solitude, seclusion and loneliness. Typically, these are not terms we relate to as we think about retirement and our “golden years” in life. Unfortunately, this is the reality of so many of our elderly population. As the “Baby Boomer” generation approaches retirement age, isolation and seclusion are likely to reach epidemic proportions. The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines isolation as “the state of being in a place or situation that is separate from others: the condition of being isolated” (Merriam Webster, 2016). Isolation at times can be deliberate. Some individuals chose to separate themselves from community or persons in effort to have privacy. In this aspect we can accept those individuals wishes to remain isolated. There are so many people who find themselves isolated from other people and communities against their wishes. Most would agree that there are very

Relatively new to this research are the correlations found between living environments and improved health and well-being for the people who live there. Employment and business opportunities also arise to support and maintain services for this vastly growing cohort. Ideas are being put forth now to create urban communities for senior living that will embrace continued learning and service opportunities. Aging-In-Place models, where seniors remain at home and in the community in which they have always lived is argued in research entitled, Innovative Models of Aging in Place: Transforming our Communities for an Aging Population (Bookman). Membership in a community can build relationships and identify common interests and purpose, as well as integrated settings to help promote meaning in the “golden years”. Bookman states that this is a global phenomenon and that in 1950 only 8% of the world population was over 60. Less than 70 years later that has changed dramatically, with the largest increase occurring in the most developed nations. The many benefits are people who are not only living longer, but leading active and healthy lives into ones 80’s and 90’s. The wisdom, experience and skills of this older population are available to family, friends and the communities for many decades. On the other hand, there are also

Worldwide, with increase in life expectancy more women and men are experiencing the role of grandparent and length of occupancy in the role is increasing (Armstrong, 2003). However in America, after age 75, about 9 percent have difficulty carrying out activities of daily living (Berk, 2010). When considering the cultural approach of aging in late adulthood, we see that aging adults are treated differently depending on what community or cultural background they originated from. With the increase in life expectancy, many opportunities had been provided to psychologists to conduct research and practice with aging adults (APA, 2003). This has enabled many researchers to study aging in the United States and other countries. With those

This journal article overviews the new realities of aging as they are shaped by contemporary social and economic contexts and the processes that give rise to them. It reviews the outcomes and implications of aging as it relates to contemporary social and economic contexts; and it features the importance of viewing the science of human aging through a sociological lens.

Studies show that our aging society not only wants to live independently as long as possible, but that they want to do it in their own home. Many have their own lives, live close to family and friends and have pets to keep them company and social activities to keep them busy. Mentally and emotionally, being at home is comfortable and often promotes wellness and

Later adulthood is the time in life when changes in marriage, families, and peer relationships are affected the most by the loss of someone close to that person. “Most people 70 years of age or older are widowed, divorced, or single” (Zastrow & Kirst-Ashman, 2010, p.619). Losing a spouse or close friend can create a sense of loneliness, which causes depression, anxiety and the emptiness feeling can become overwhelming. Depression also leads to psychological effects that will deteriorate a person’s health causing the chance for a terminal disease to become much higher. The weaker appearance of older adults causes family and remaining peers to step up in the role of making sure the person’s wellbeing is being met. (Zastrow & Kirst-Ashman, 2010). Living accommodations and healthcare needs

issues for the socially isolated elderly. For this reason, I believe it is important to make

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines aging in place as “the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level” (CDC, 2013). The population of older adults in the United States is expected to double by the year 2030, from 35 million to 70 million (Behr, Sciegaj, Walters, Bertoty, & Dungan, 2011). There exist a number of challenges facing this ever growing demographic of Americans, where they age is just one of them.

In countries that families are tight and have close relationships, elder people can live healthy and longer, feeling that they are important and useful for new generations (Buettner, part 14).. Specifically, in Sardinia elder people are recognized for their wisdom and their positive influence in their children life. For example, “the grandmother effect” is important to prevent diseases and death in both, elder and young people (Buettner, part 15). As an illustrion, Buettner exorts the importance of the family in Blue Zones’ societies and how they take care of their children and elders building healthy and strong communities and this behavior impacts life expectancy (Part 15). Although some American people are extremely independent, in my neighborhood is possible to plan communities activities that involve different generations such us tennis, basketball and volleyball tournaments and another activities in holidays, taking advantages of the neighborhood facilities; thus, spending time in family and establishing close and strong relationships is an important fact than my neighbor’s families could be considered to increase life

The changing age profile, along with lifestyle and work pattern changes, probably will affect future housing arrangements. According to Fitzgerald and Caro (2014), in 40 years, the population of people aged 60 or older is expected to double. Consequently, to maintain the sustainability of the built environment, actions to develop and improve the way of housing senior are crucial. Reschovsky (1982) defines that housing is a durable good, fixed in place, for the most part, in size and layout. Furthermore, one of the aspects cited by many researchers it is the term “ageing-in-place”, which can be explained by allowing seniors to remain in their house as they age. However, opposite approaches are being planned by some countries. For example, in Flevoland, a province of the Netherlands there is an initiative to build a ‘senior city’ for 1500 seniors (Smets, 2011). The approach regarding this situation should not isolate seniors of society, nor placing them in nursing homes. In addition, Smets (2011) states that seniors want access to their family and services such as healthcare, market, and infrastructure. Therefore, measures to allow the elderly to stay in their houses, a known place, is essential for their well-being. For example, accessibility of housing must be guaranteed for seniors, rules such as width of doors, staircases, and rooms, the height of thresholds and pavements and the

Dury, R. (2014). Social isolation and loneliness in the elderly: An exploration of some of the

Not surprisingly, senior loneliness is all too common. Major life changes such as retiring, loss of family and friends, and giving up the keys when it’s no longer safe to drive often result in social isolation. The effects are more serious than you might think, ranging anywhere from faster progression of cancer to a heightened risk of suicide (Cascade Companion Care, April 13). There is a need for agencies such as Alpine Home Care for the purpose of creating an environment where the geriatric population has the control and ability to lead a meaningful, independent life. Homecare services differ from facility-based options, which include nursing homes, assisted living communities, and adult day cares. These elderly care options all have unique benefits, however, at home care is often the preferred choice for seniors who wish to age in place in their own home (Griswold Home Care, n.d.). Unfortunately, the effects of aging can not yet be reversed, but the ability to improve quality of life does exists.

Having witnessed a grandmother complaining that her sons never visit, and that she has no one; it has become clear that one of the biggest problems that our community faces today is neglect of the elderly. The problem is large, hidden, and continues to grow. Aging issues are not only our community’s problem, but also a national concern. In addition to abandoning the elderly, seniors in our society are often overlooked by most community initiatives. Most non-governmental organizations have had a tendency to focus on matters that affect the youth rather than the elderly, implying they are less important. When they feel lonely, studies have shown that the loneliness may increase their risk of developing chronic health complications and increased mortality rates. “Social isolation also was associated with limiting longstanding illnesses such as chronic lung disease, arthritis, impaired mobility, and depressive symptoms” (Steptoe, et al. par. 5). Eliminating elderly neglect will potentially reduce health risks such as dementia and improve their psychosocial status in the community.

There are many disservices of a maturing populace. England inside the most recent 50 years has seen the level of elderly individuals (65 and over) twofold to 17% of the populace and this figure will keep on rising to almost 25% by 2040 (15million individuals). As individuals age, they