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Caring for the Elderly
1) The global population of people over age 60 is nearly 700 million currently and is expected to reach 2 billion by 2050, outpacing the number of children. 2) In the Philippines, there are over 4.5 million senior citizens comprising nearly 6% of the population as of 2009. 3) Elderly people face issues like abuse, neglect, loneliness due to loss of spouse and friends, poverty, declining health, and discrimination.
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Caring for the Elderly
- 1. Caring for theElderly
- 2. …..generally begins atthe age of 60 People in this age group are called… …..Senior Citizens
- 3. According to theWorld Health Organization…. ….there are almost 700 million people over the age 60 living in the world today. …among those 13% are over 80 years old. …it is expected that by 2050 this number will be almost 2 billion and the number of elderly will be higher than the number of children
- 4. In the Philippines…. According to the National Statistics Office, the total number of Senior Citizens (60 years old and above) is 4,565,560 as of 2009 ….this number comprises 5.97% of the total Philippine population.
- 5. More Statistics… At this time elderly population is growing by 800,0000 a month Did you know that… China has the most number of elderly in the world… …..about 88 million
- 6. What are theElderly Like? Physical visual and hearing problems smell and taste losses susceptibility to illnesses Leading Cause of Death heart diseases pneumonia cancer
- 7. What are theElderly Like? Cognitive decline in mental processes – may experience memory lapses or disorientation. Spotlight on: ALZHEIMER’s Disease …is a progressive irreversible brain disorder that is characterized by gradual deterioration of memory, reasoning, language and physical functioning. ..WHO reports as of 2009 that almost 35 million elderly suffers from this kind of disease.
- 8. What are theElderly Like? Spotlight on: ALZHEIMER’s Disease … this disease has no cure and the cause is unknown, as such people do not know how to prevent it although some doctors reported that it could be alleviated with some form of diet and memory training games. Alzheimer’s is a sad disease – the elderly cannot remember the people and place in their lives. They need consistent care because they could walk away or get lost …
- 9. What are theElderly Like? Social because of their declining health and limited mobility, most elderly have the tendency to withdraw from the society – spending most of their time looking back – reflecting on what they have made out of their lives. Social Theories of Aging Disengagement Theory Activity Theory Social breakdown Reconstruction Theory
- 10. What are theElderly Like? Social Theories of Aging Disengagement Theory – as older adults slow down, they gradually withdraw from the society. Disengagement is a mutual activity in which the elderly not only disengaged in the society, but the society disengages from the older adult. The elderly develops greater self-preoccupation and decrease emotional ties with people and reduced interest in social activities. Such social withdrawal and increased self-absorption was thought to increase life satisfaction among them.
- 11. What are theElderly Like? Social Theories of Aging Activity Theory– as opposed to the disengagement theory, this theory argues that the more active and involved the elderly are, the more likely that they are satisfied with their lives. It is therefore important to find substitute activities for them after their retirement.
- 12. What are theElderly Like? Social Theories of Aging Social Breakdown -Reconstruction Theory This theory states that aging is promoted through negative psychological functioning brought about by the negative views of the society about elderly and inadequate provision of services for them. Social reconstruction can occur by changing the society’s view of the elderly and by providing adequate social services for them.
- 13. What are theElderly Like? Society views elderly as Society develops label for the incompetent; obsolete elderly: useless; ineffective; helpless Society provides inadequate support services, and funds for the elderly. Elderly’s skills deteriorate Elderly labels self as incompetent
- 14. What are theElderly Like? Society develops positive label for Society views elderly as the elderly: helpers; self-controlled; competent; important wise; competent Society provides support systems for the elderly: family support; housing; health services; economics; nutrition and social services. Elderly’s skills improve Elderly labels self as competent
- 15. Issues Facing theElderly ABUSE •It can happen in the family •It can happen in nursing homes •It could be physical or psychological (like verbal abuse) – when they are named called or threatened, or taken advantage because of their memory problems. •One form is NEGLECT! When people who are suppose to care for them ignore their needs and concerns
- 16. Issues Facing theElderly ABUSE “Having someone else look after aging parents is a tough decision to make, and is made even tougher by fact that one of four nursing homes has been blamed for the death or serious injury to a resident each year, according to government figures.”
- 17. Issues Facing theElderly LONELINESS •Death of a husband or wife and many friends. • •Children are busy with work and may not even come to visit them. Grandchildren are busy with school. •Physically weak elderly may feel that they are burden so they try to stay away even if people are around. •Loneliness leads to depression – they feel alone and unproductive.
- 18. Issues Facing theElderly POVERTY •They cannot earn anymore and they do not have money. •May receive retirement pension but may not also be enough because of their increasing medical needs. •As such many even try to continue working even after reaching the retirement age.
- 19. Issues Facing theElderly HEALTH •diminished sensory and motor abilities •tendency to acquire various illnesses such as heart disease, Alzheimer's, cancer, etc.
- 20. Issues Facing theElderly DISCRIMINATION •Job discrimination – employers prefer younger applicants because ….inexperienced workers have cheaper salaries …employers believe that the elders could only stay in work for a short time because of their declining physical condition ….elderly are thought of as slower and less capable.
- 21. Issues Facing theElderly DISCRIMINATION •Social discrimination – maybe excluded from family or community services because they are seen as incapable. Medical Discrimination - Some doctors treat them without much care because they think they don’t deserve such because they are already old.