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Unit 1: The Phenomenon of Aging
Healthy Aging in the 22nd Century, Marta M. Keane, The Futurist, 2012
The author suggests that in the future older adults will live longer and use more technology. Each component of health is examined, as well as how these components will be manifested in the year 2100. New positive societal views on aging are suggested.
Demography Is Not Destiny: The Challenges and Opportunities of Global Population Aging, Peter Uhlenberg, Generations, 2013
This article offers a brief explanation of why populations around the world are growing older, compares patterns of population aging in three countries to illustrate the diversity that exists, and provides a foundation for thinking about a future where older people are more numerous than children.
The Booming Dynamics of Aging: Meeting the Challenges of the Emerging Senior Majority, Dorcas R. Hardy, CSA Journal, 2014
This article discusses the challenges faced, both globally and nationally, of the dynamics of population growth among older adults. This growth creates challenges in many areas including federal entitlement programs, Social Security, Medicare, long-term care, aging in place, and caregiving.
Headed for the Future: A Boomer's Guide to Returning to College, Karen Gorback, CSA Journal, 2014
This article suggests that many older adults are entering or returning to college for a variety of reasons. The challenges faced by older students when returning to school and the rewards of achieving their goals are detailed.
The First Person to Live to 150 Has Already Been Born—Revisited! John Nosta, Forbes, 2013
The author interviews Aubry de Grey a biomedical gerontologists to find an answer to the impact of technology on health and digital health. The author provides a review of de Grey’s thoughts on longevity including the “The Seven Deadly Things.” The author further explores de Grey’s thoughts on biotechnology, role of free radicals and whether the use of digital technology that tracks self-movement will move us forward in the quest for longevity.
Living Long: 100 Years Is a Real Possibility, Mark Hager, Age in Place, 2016
This article suggests that in the past, living for 100 years was a rare occurrence. World statistics, however, suggest that it’s not only possible to live to 100 many people across the globe are living to 100 years and beyond. Living to 100 could be the result of healthy lifestyles, as well as close relationships.
7 Career Mistakes You Don’t Even Know You’re Making, Ann Brenoff, Huffington Post, 2014
This article suggests that older adults have a harder time finding jobs when unemployed. For those still employed, remaining employed is the goal. Older adults unwittingly make career decisions that can affect their future and current employment. This article points out those errors and provides ways to assist in better career decision-making.
Unit 2: The Quality of Later Life
Measuring and Improving Quality of Life in Older Adults with Special Needs, Crystal McGaha, American Society on Aging, 2016
Older adults with physical and mental impairments tend to experience a significant decrease in quality of life. This article suggests the reasons for this phenomenon and offers suggestions to improve the quality of life of people with special needs.
Population Health and Older Adults: A Public Health Issue that is Coming of Age, Kathryn Kietzman, American Society on Aging, 2016
Public health prevention initiatives need to include secondary and tertiary prevention efforts focused on older adults. This article further suggests public policy initiatives that address the diversity of health status among older adults.
Is Quality of Life Poorer for Older Adults with HIV/AIDS? International Evidence Using the WHOQOL-HIV, S.M. Skevington, AIDS Care, 2012
People diagnosed with HIV are living longer. The quality of life among older adults with HIV has not been adequately researched. This article suggests that while overall quality of life was negative for older adults with HIV compared to younger adults with HIV, there were 11 positive quality of life dimensions.
Best Diets for Seniors, Lisa Esposito, U.S. News & World Report, 2015
This article details the U.S. News-ranked diets that make the most sense for seniors. The focus of these diets is on the ability for older adults to get the nutrition they need while maintaining compliance to the diet regimen.
Unit 3: Societal Attitudes Toward Old Age
Social and Health Disparities in Aging: Gender Inequities in Long-term Care, Nancy R. Hooyman, Generations, 2015
This article suggests that the bulk of family caregiving is performed by women. Family caregiving, in general, is undervalued even though the economic value is estimated to be $450 billion. The low status of caregiving encourages gender-based social and health disparities in aging.
The Public Policies We Need to Redress Ageism, Robert B. Blancato and Meredith Ponder, Generations, 2015
The authors suggest in this article that ageism exists in some federal programs. The failure exists in the current caregiving challenges not addressed in federal programs, benefit disparity based on gender in Social Security, age-based discrimination in the workplace, access to benefit programs, and others. Society needs to take action to address these issues.
Health Disparities among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Older Adults: Results from a Population-Based Study, Karen I. Fredriksen-Goldsen et al., American Journal of Public Health, 2013
The author points out the need for tailored interventions to address health disparities among lesbian, gay, and bisexual older adults. Furthermore, there is also a need for ongoing research across the life course to better understand health disparities by sexual orientation and age.
Unit 4: Problems and Potentials of Aging
Physician Supply and Demand Through 2025: Key Findings, Association of American Medical Colleges, 2016
This article is a summary of the study performed by IHS Inc. “The Complexities of Physician Supply and Demand: Projections from 2014 to 2025” on behalf of the Association of American Medical Colleges. The key findings include growth of demand for physicians, shortages by specialty, and brief suggested solutions.
Occupational Therapists’ Perspectives on Addressing Sexual Concerns of Older Adults in the Context of Rehabilitation, Margaret McGrath and Eithne Lynch, Disability and Rehabilitation, 2014
Sexuality is an important aspect of successful aging. The authors suggest that occupational therapists are not well-trained or educated in addressing the sexual concerns of older adult clients. The article suggests that there are barriers such as sociocultural norms, perceived professional competence and confidence, and prioritization of resources to addressing sexual concerns of older adults.
Anorexia, Undernutrition, Weight Loss, Sarcopenia, and Cachexia of Aging, Ruirui Hao and Hong Guo, European Review of Aging and Physical Activity, 2012
This article suggests that the projected growth worldwide of older adults over the age of 65 will grow from 550 to 937 million between the years 2000 and 2030. Many of these older adults will experience anorexia, undernutrition, weight loss, sarcopenia and cachexia. These conditions are often undiagnosed and/or not adequately managed with adverse consequences. The authors suggest that physicians recognize these conditions in their patients and assist in the management of these conditions.
Unit 5: Retirement: American Dream or Dilemma?
Will Baby Boomers Phase into Retirement? Julie I. Tacchino, Journal of Financial Service Professionals, 2013
This article addresses phased retirement and why it can be beneficial to both employees and employers. A phased retirement is a variety of employment arrangements that allow retirees to continue working at reduced workloads while gradually shifting from full-time work to full-time retirement.
Why Baby Boomers Refuse to Retire, George Lorenzo, Fast Company, 2016
A Pew Research study suggests that baby boomers don’t consider themselves old until around 72 years. This article suggests that old cultural norms regarding retirement do not extend to baby boomers. Baby boomers are staying healthy by working longer. Organizations such as AARP offers services to those boomers who intend to stay engaged as they get older.
5 Ways to Make Your Retirement Not Suck, Ann Brenoff, Huffington Post, 2014
The author suggests there are five ways to make the transition to retirement easier. These include where to live, saving money, living on a budget, making accommodations to an existing home, and lowering expectations.
Recordkeeping for Retirement Starts with MySSA, Kenn Beam Tacchino, Journal of Financial Service Professionals, 2014
The author suggests that encouraging clients to plan retirement by providing an array of documents necessary for a smooth transition includes registering at the website of the Social Security Administration, and using the tab “MySSA.” The author further describes how the site can be accessed and how an account is created. The information provided through MySSA includes accurate earnings statements, accessing errors, and ensuring that benefits are accurate.
Unit 6: The Experience of Dying
Pain Control at the End of Life, Chris Woolston, HealthDay, 2016
This article suggests that end of life should be a time when patients should be with loved ones and reflect on life. The author further suggests that pain relief should be a priority. Furthermore, family or personnel involved in patient care should know the facts about pain control at the end of life.
Finding Common Ground to Achieve a “Good Death,” Amy Tan and Donna Manca, BMC Family Practice, 2013
This study examines the experiences of family physicians when they conflict with the surrogate decision-maker of a dying patient. The findings suggest that family physicians desire for their dying patients to achieve a “good death.” This process includes building mutual trust and rapport, understanding one another, and making informed and shared decisions with patients and their families.
Rehabilitation Counselor Ethical Considerations for End-of-Life Care, Jan C. Case, Terry L. Blackwell, and Matthew E. Sprong, Journal of Rehabilitation, 2016
This article suggests the revised 2010 Code of Professional Ethics for Rehabilitation Counselors of the Commission on Rehabilitation Certification (CRCC) provides guidance in three key areas including counselor competency with end-of-life clients, counselor scope of practice regarding end-of-life clients and counselor choices pertaining to confidentiality in patients who wish to hasten their deaths. The authors discuss the potential ramifications of these standards.
Effect of an Integrated Cancer Support Team on Caregiver Satisfaction with End-of-Life Care, Sara L. Douglas and Barbara J. Daly, Oncology Nursing Forum, 2014
The study suggests that Cancer Support Teams can benefit caregivers of patients with advanced cancer on psychological, social support, and satisfaction outcomes. These satisfaction outcomes include pain relief, information about pain relief, speed of treating symptoms, and information related to side effects.
Palliative Care: A Paradigm of Care Responsive to the Demands for Health Care Reform in America, Deborah Witt Sherman and Jooyoung Cheon, Nursing Economic$, 2012
Palliative care and hospice care are part of a continuum of care; palliative care is provided at any time during the illness trajectory, while hospice is offered at end of life. This article points out that palliative care is an economic imperative in reducing the cost of health care and the promotion of quality of life.
Palliative Care: Impact on Quality and Cost, Jessica D. Squazzo, Healthcare Executive Magazine, 2013
This article suggests that palliative care can improve the quality of care, communication, and coordination for critical patients, and has the potential to reduce the reliance on emergency rooms. Palliative care is a unique, team-oriented approach.
Unit 7: Living Environment in Later Life
Creating Communities That Support Healthy Aging, Nancy LeaMond, American Public Human Services Association Policy & Practice, 2013
The author discusses the challenges communities face when their residents are aging. One challenge is the need for infrastructure that accommodates the needs of aging residents. AARP offers pointers to community leaders that suggest they acknowledge an aging population, avoid a “wait and see” attitude, and seek successful community models to assist in making communities livable at any age.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, Administration for Community Living, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2016
This fact sheet provides information for older adults and families in understanding the purpose of the long-term care Ombudsman program. This article provides history, resident’s rights, ombudsman responsibilities and resources for both families, patients, and assistance to ombudsmen.
Planning for Alzheimer’s, Kimberly Lankford, Kiplinger's Personal Finance, 2013
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than five million people have Alzheimer’s disease. Long-term care and medical treatment are costly, while many family caregivers are providing unpaid care to cut the slack. This article discusses options to assist families and patients in long-term care decision-making.
The Top 10 Senior Housing Trends for 2016, Janet Marshall, Redfin, 2016
This article suggests the 2016 anticipated trends for senior housing. Baby boomers are urging developers and providers to provide environments where they will want to live rather than an environment in which they need to live.
AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities, AARP, 2012
This article suggests that as the population ages, communities need to adopt progressive measures in public policy and infrastructure to meet the needs of their residents. AARP’s Network of Age-Friendly Communities assists communities to become “age-friendly” by adopting safe neighborhoods, accessible services, transportation, housing, and other assistance.
Unit 8: Social Policies, Programs, and Services for Older Americans
End-of-Life Care in the United States: Current Reality and Future Promise: A Policy Review, Lisa A. Giovanni, Nursing Economic$, 2012
This article examines the present state of end-of-life care with consideration of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the impact on end-of-life practices and policies in the United States The author concludes that based on current health-care policy, end-of-life care is neither recognized nor endorsed in current policies.
iHubs: A Community Solution to Aging in Place, Beth Roalstad, Generations, 2014
iHub is an intergenerational concept with a mission to collaborate with community stakeholders to organize resources, public policy, and citizen efforts to address the increase in the aging.
Social Security Twist for Boomers with Public, Private Jobs, Amanda Alix, USA Today, 2014
This article discusses the Windfall Elimination Provision of Social Security. This provision specifically affects older adults who have worked in both private and public sectors prior to 1983. Older adults should be aware of this provision when planning for retirement.
What Should Lawyers Know about Advance Directives for Health Care? Daniel J. Brauner, Experience, 2013
This article outlines the history of CPR, success rates, importance of patient/client selecting the right person to serve as one’s durable power of attorney (DPA) for health care. The author further suggests how lawyers can play an important role as an advocate for their clients by ensuring that their intentions are honored through their advance directives. The author advises lawyers to advise clients to remain “Full Code”, choose the right DPA for healthcare, the DPA be educated about DNR and discussion with the DPA about the conditions of resuscitation.
The Aging Network and Long-Term Services and Supports: Synergy or Subordination? Robert B. Hudson, Generations, 2014
The American Society on Aging suggests that the National Aging Network has been challenged by the policies supporting long-term care services and support (LTSS), the responsibilities of the Network outside the realm of LTSS and which social institution should address LTSS needs. This article suggests solutions to these challenging issues.
2016 Medicare Costs, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 2015
This article outlines the current costs of Medicare. Parts A, B, C, and D monthly premiums and services provided are explained. The article also provides contact information for resources about Medicare costs.
