This paper examines the growing elderly population and determines the issues, obstacles, and concerns they face on a daily basis. The literature sheds light on the many issues elderly face such as; psychosocial, psychological, physical, emotional, family-related, economic, housing, legal, and provided social services. A description of the services and resources of five programs in Connecticut are included along with an in depth program evaluation and recommendations. The paper concludes the importance of understanding the elderly population, reflecting on what they go through; finding ways to decrease stereotypes and isolation, and how society can assist the elderly population in living a positive and fulfilling life. The aging process is different
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Stigmas and stereotypes should be replaced with positive thoughts, empathy, compassion; respect, love, integrity, and understanding the aging population issues that are dealt with on a daily basis. By creating a non-judgmental atmosphere and putting oneself in the aging population shoes, it will assist in finding better ways to provide treatment and care for the elderly along with providing a positive quality of life.Demographically the elderly population is continuing to grow in size and diversity which then results in an increase of social, economic, physical, and psychological problems. Barnes (2015) stated the United States elderly residents will increase to 20% by the year 2030. Multidimensional solutions will be required to meet the growing needs of psychosocial, economic, medical, and cognitive impairment of the over 65 years of age population (Barnes, 2015). Sindhu (2004) states society continues to modernize its focus on speed, strength, physical attractiveness, and efficiency which creates barriers. The elderly population is considered useless and the structure of society leaves the elderly vulnerable to finding meaningful roles that will impact them socially and emotionally. “The human and spiritual values of mutual love, respect, kindness, sympathy, passion, understanding, humility, non-violence, and considering each person in each phase of his life as equal, a worthy human being and a divine soul are most declining. The tendency of self centerlines, individualism, and being concerned for one’s own good and philosophy of feeling everything should be done for me and not for others is a dangerous trend which is prevalent in today’s family. People are more materialistic and consumeristic, over ambitious and money minded. The aged groups are facing challenges of the changing socioeconomic order, family atmosphere and setup” (Sindu, 2004). Kourkouta,
Stigmas and stereotypes should be replaced with positive thoughts, empathy, compassion; respect, love, integrity, and understanding the aging population issues that are dealt with on a daily basis. By creating a non-judgmental atmosphere and putting oneself in the aging population shoes, it will assist in finding better ways to provide treatment and care for the elderly along with providing a positive quality of life.Demographically the elderly population is continuing to grow in size and diversity which then results in an increase of social, economic, physical, and psychological problems. Barnes (2015) stated the United States elderly residents will increase to 20% by the year 2030. Multidimensional solutions will be required to meet the growing needs of psychosocial, economic, medical, and cognitive impairment of the over 65 years of age population (Barnes, 2015). Sindhu (2004) states society continues to modernize its focus on speed, strength, physical attractiveness, and efficiency which creates barriers. The elderly population is considered useless and the structure of society leaves the elderly vulnerable to finding meaningful roles that will impact them socially and emotionally. “The human and spiritual values of mutual love, respect, kindness, sympathy, passion, understanding, humility, non-violence, and considering each person in each phase of his life as equal, a worthy human being and a divine soul are most declining. The tendency of self centerlines, individualism, and being concerned for one’s own good and philosophy of feeling everything should be done for me and not for others is a dangerous trend which is prevalent in today’s family. People are more materialistic and consumeristic, over ambitious and money minded. The aged groups are facing challenges of the changing socioeconomic order, family atmosphere and setup” (Sindu, 2004). Kourkouta,