Archive for February, 2009

ISSUES OF AGING

The great advances in science, which have created a generation of older adults that was previously nonexistent, are cause for celebration. However, the growth of the older population is not without issues that impact society and nursing practice. One of the major issues discussed frequently in society includes the need for more health care for older adults. Older adults, although living longer, tend to do so with several chronic illnesses that are in need of long-term and consistent health care. Moreover, older adults tend to have comorbid illnesses, or more than one disease at a time. The Alliance for Aging Research (2002) reports that the average older adult has three chronic medical conditions. The presence of illnesses among populations is referred to as the population’s morbidity. When these illnesses result in death, this is considered the population’s mortality. Read more…

ETHNOGERIATRICS AND HEALTH CARE

Scommegna (2007) predicts an unprecedented shift in the cultural background of the U.S. population. It is reported that the White population of adults over 65 is expected to decrease from approximately 87% to 75% of all older adults in the years 1990–2030. In turn, the percentage of Black older adults is expected to rise from 8% to 9%; the percentage of Asian older adults is expected to increase from 1.4% to 5%; and the percentage of Hispanic older adults is expected to increase from 3.7% to 10.9%. These statistics are important because they predict a change in the manner in which traditional Western medicine is accepted in this country. Read more…