Aging is inevitable in all living things. As individuals age, a number of things occur, both mental and physical. Graying hair and wrinkled skin are external signs of aging and the most noticeable. Cognitive changes, which are associated with mental processes such as sensation and perception, memory, intelligence, language, thought, and problem-solving, occur among aging adults (American Psychological Association, 2015). People age at different rates depending on genetics, diet, culture, activity level and environmental exposure. The number of older adults has increased immensely in the last century as the elderly are living longer and in better health. Many Americans are living into their 70s, 80s and beyond. The increase can be credited to
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During that time over 75 million births occurred in the United States. After World War II the population increased immensely with the peak occurring in 1957. Baby boomers have shaped the social and political landscape of the country (Aboukhadijeh, 2012). It is estimated that by the year 2020, Americans age 55 to 65 will increase 73 percent since the year 2000. This group of individuals has influenced each stage of life as they age. In previous years people lived into their 50s and 60s. Today more adults are living over the age of 75 and well into their 90s. The Older Americans Act was enacted in 1965. The Older Americans Act “promotes the well-being of older individuals by providing services and programs designed to help them live independently in their homes and communities” (Administration for Community Living, 2014). Family members are typically the main source of long-term services and support. In most cultures nursing homes are discouraged and deemed an unacceptable option as a form of care for the elderly. However the Caregiver Support Ratio, which defines the number of potential family caregivers, estimates a decline in the number of adult children for each person 80 and older. The average life expectancy of America’s population is 78 years. What does this mean, in terms of health professions? As a result there will be a high demand for health professionals who specialize in geriatric care and end of life
During that time over 75 million births occurred in the United States. After World War II the population increased immensely with the peak occurring in 1957. Baby boomers have shaped the social and political landscape of the country (Aboukhadijeh, 2012). It is estimated that by the year 2020, Americans age 55 to 65 will increase 73 percent since the year 2000. This group of individuals has influenced each stage of life as they age. In previous years people lived into their 50s and 60s. Today more adults are living over the age of 75 and well into their 90s. The Older Americans Act was enacted in 1965. The Older Americans Act “promotes the well-being of older individuals by providing services and programs designed to help them live independently in their homes and communities” (Administration for Community Living, 2014). Family members are typically the main source of long-term services and support. In most cultures nursing homes are discouraged and deemed an unacceptable option as a form of care for the elderly. However the Caregiver Support Ratio, which defines the number of potential family caregivers, estimates a decline in the number of adult children for each person 80 and older. The average life expectancy of America’s population is 78 years. What does this mean, in terms of health professions? As a result there will be a high demand for health professionals who specialize in geriatric care and end of life