Ageing population is a global phenomenon in this 21st century and has changed the demographic profile of many countries. Malaysia is also keeping pace with other countries in achieving the ageing population status whereby, the country also gradually experiencing on this. The elderly population of Malaysia is projected to increase from 5% in the year 2010 to 11.4% in 2040 (Department of statistic Malaysia, 2010). This is due to the improvements in health, low mortality, and fertility rates combined with increasing life expectancy over the latter half of the twentieth century (Phillips & Chan, 2002). With that, interest in well being in the later life and how to achieve it has intensified. Health as defined by World Health Organization is a state of complete physical, mental and social well being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity (WHO, 1985). Birren (1999) supports that in human ageing, the sequences of biological, behavioural and social environmental factors influence both life span and well being. Thus, quality of life is widely accepted as an indicator of successful ageing and it is monitored as a means of measuring the effectiveness of social policies, welfare programme and health care.
Ageing is distinguished from disease by the fact that it is universal. Multiple pathologies resulting in multiple symptoms, often non-specific, are a common phenomenon in the elderly (Arokiasamy, 1996). Few elderly persons escape the accumulation of chronic pathologies and long term non fatal diseases, which are degenerative in nature, as they grow older. According to Mental Health Quality of Life (MHQoL), there are 49.6% of older Malaysian having at least one to two chronic condition and 22.3% of the older population having more t...
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...and multidisciplinary approach to set up policies, programmes and activities relating to areas such as housing education, transport, taxation, and income security that will improve the quality of life of the ageing population and promote healthy aging. This would require coordination and linkage between policy planners, administrators, service deliverers, and the research community; between individuals and groups of older adults. Planning, development, delivery, and evaluation of services and activities provided will need the availability of strong data bases and relevant research. Importantly, the elderly must remain integrated in society and themselves must have a say in the formulation and implementation of policies that directly affect their well-being, while sharing their knowledge, skills and wisdom with society, and in particular the younger generation.
Many countries globally are faced with unprecedented demographic changes from high mortality and fertility to low mortality and fertility, giving rise to an ageing population. Population ageing is profound and enduring, and has major consequences and implications for all facets of human life. With a larger proportion of older people, one of the major concerns is health and health care. The health of older persons generally declines with age and some illness are more likely to be associated with older people. One of such illness is dementia. As the life expectancies of the general population have dramatically increased since the turn of the century, more and more people are at risk of developing a dementia (National Institute of Aging, 2000).
The Canadian population is graying at a steady pace, adding thousands of seniors above the age of 65 in the population charts year after year. This segment of the population needs special attention due to its social, emotional, health, and dwelling needs. Continued growth in the size of aging population is putting pressure on the economy, health care system, and living space for seniors. Planners and policy makers need to pay immediate attention to the issue as it is going to affect all Canadians in the years to come.
After spending an afternoon interviewing my elderly father-in-law, I gained insight into how he perceives the aging process and the impact on the quality of his life. First, and foremost he viewed aging in a very positive and healthy manner. He believes that a positive attitude assists in accepting physical and psychosocial changes and enjoyed the fact that he and his wife are both physically fit and cognitively alert. He felt confident that advances made in health care and the quality of their lives would continue to be empowering. He enjoys the benefits of being a senior citizen including discounted travel, free education, and other incentives marketed towards seniors. He expressed a sense of well-being with respect to the numerous housing options geared towards the graying population, such as Retirement Villages, and assisted living. However, the subjects of Long Term Care, Social security reform and government involvement in health care reform were subjects he regarded with very strong negative emotions. During the interview these issues as related to his experiences with health care were discussed with zeal and frustration.
Acquiring a comprehensive understanding of the ailments encountered by the aging population is critical for properly providing the care that they require. Physical ailments, often easier to diagnose and treat are perceived to be the most prevalent hardships for aged people. However, studies show that a significant number of seniors are subject to mental illnesses. Thus, emphasizing the need for the important of mental health within the aging population. Though all mental illnesses have an unfavorable impact on the quality of one’s life, depressive and anxiety disorders tend to the most devastating for an elderly person.
The individuals who participate in this project currently live in an apartment complex for lower income adults’. Individuals can still be working or be retired. These individuals do not have to be completely independent; they can have some assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) or instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). Those who participate may have already started the aging in place process, which I can clarify by asking specific questions in the pre-presentation survey. Questions I may ask, include “Have you made any modifications to your home in the past?” “If so, what, and have they increased your ability to participate in daily activities and/or decreased your
satisfaction among the elderly is most influenced not by age, but by one`s general health, one`s
More specifically, the transitions associated with later life like retirement, medical problems, death of a loved ones, reduced social networks leads to depression in aging population (National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2009). It is seen that depression is one of the most common mental disorder among adults aged 65 and older (National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2009).Depression is associated with anxiety and suffering that can lead to physical, mental, and social impairments. The presence of depressive disorders often negatively impact the course and complicates the treatment of other chronic diseases too (National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2009).According to National Alliance of Mental Illness there are more than two million of the 40 million Americans age 65 and older who suffer from some form of depression (National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), 2009).
Aging and old age for a long time presented as dominated by negative traits and states such as sickness, depression and isolation. The aging process is not simply senescence most people over the age of 65 are not Senile, bedridden, isolated, or suicidal (Aldwin & Levenson, 1994). This change in perspective led the investigation of the other side of the coin. Ageing is seen as health, maturity and personal Royal growth, self-acceptance, happiness, generatively, coping and acceptance of age-related constraints (Birren & Fisher, 1995). Psychological und...
The checklist of essential features of age-friendly cities is based on the results of a Global project organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) that took place in 33 cities all over 22 various countries. The age-friendly checklist is a useful tool for independent cities to self-assess possible deficiencies and chart progress in improving the overall environment for elder citizens. The 8 major categories featured in the checklist are: (1) Respect and social inclusion Outdoor space and buildings, (2) Communication and information transportation (3) Civic Participation and Employment (4) Social participation, (5) Housing (6) Transportation (7) Outdoor spaces and buildings (8) Community and Health services. The age-friendly checklist
In India, old age was never a problem. Elder abuse was considered as a western problem and old age home was an alien concept. Earlier, the elderly persons of a person of a family were respected a lot and they continued to live with respect till their death, but now the times have changed. As we move rapid in this forward, modern and advanced state of being, we’re been illumined more about our forthcoming days. The elderly, who have provided their services and support to the society, feel unloved and neglected at this phase of their lives. Old age is viewed as an unavoidable, undesirable and problem ridden phase of life. Problems of aging
Starting with activity theory (Lerner, R. 2002) occurs when an older adult embraces a full day of activity and continues with a moderate productivity. However, it is highly biased because it ignored the age of the person. Following on, the continuity theory (Atchley, R. 1989) is when the individual continues with the routines and lifestyles which they carried out in earlier life. On the other hand, there is the disengagement theory (Knapp, J. 2009) which is based on the individual withdrawing themselves from society. Risks of depression are highly capable when an older adult becomes disengaged because they become frustrated. The ageing theory is linked with the quality of life as an older adult will overcome. The aspects of quality of life are defined as realisation (optimism, life satisfaction, disposition and energy) are related to the multiple common disadvantages. (Levitas, R et al. 2007).
As the population of the United States ages and lifespan increases, the U.S. is being faced with challenges that could either hurt the country or benefit it if plans are executed correctly. By the year 2050, more than thirty-two million Americans will be over the age eighty and the share of the 80-plus generation will have doubled to 7.4 percent. Health care and aging population has become a great deal considering the impact it is having on the U.S. The United States is heading into another century with an outstanding percentage of people within the aging population. Today’s challenges involving health care and the aging populations are the employees of health professions being a major percentage of the aging population, the drive into debt, and prevention and postponement of disease and disability.
Ageing is a continuing life cycle, it is an ongoing developmental event that brings certain changes in one’s own psychological and physical state. It is a time in one's own life where an elderly individual reminisce and reflect, to bask and live on previous accomplishments and begin to finish his life cycle. There is a significant amount of adjusting that requires an elderly individual to be flexible and develop new coping skills to adapt in the changes that are common in their new life. (Dhara & Jogsan, 2013).
Health and Aging Often we take our health, or the absence of illness, disease, or injury for granted until we become sick. It is then that we recognize the worth of being without ailments. It is then that we appreciate feeling strong, robust and healthy. Being healthy and, being physically and mentally sound, is associated with one's satisfaction with life.
Aged care is becoming such a huge part of our health system and society in general. It is so important that we come to an understanding on not only how it affects the community and society that we live in but the requirements that need to be met in order to care for older adults. Throughout this paper, we will discuss active ageing and the cultural, physical, economic and social well-being of older adults, as well as the affect that community as on the older population and visa-vasa. Accompanying this essay is a flyer that well be used to define active ageing, why it is important to individuals and the community. It is important to understand what active ageing is and that health is measured by more than just physical