Abstract In this article, the writer notes that in the past few decades, the reduction of available Medicare funds in the US has emerged as a significant concern for taxpayers, elderly individuals, and government agencies alike. The writer points out that as a result, Medicare has often been a target for reformers in the past few years; however, as the aging population increases, so does a greater sense of urgency. In response to this growing crisis, the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 created a new and complex universal prescription drug entitlement, called Medicare Part D. This paper analyzes the basic contents of the Medicare Part D legislation, including the role of private groups and the implications of the drug subsidy for the nursing practice.
Outline:
Introduction
Overview and Content of the Legislation
The Role of Private Groups in the Drug Subsidy
Nursing Implications of Medicare Part D
Conclusion
From the Paper "The benefits of Catastrophic Coverage vary depending on income levels, and extra-help programs are available based on financial need. Medicare Part D has been considered a complex plan for seniors as a result of the manner in which it works and the gap in coverage. This is complex for seniors because research indicates that the majority of needed prescription drugs by seniors fall into the gap in coverage bracket. Therefore, the major criticism of the drug subsidy is that it only truly assist seniors that either do not need very many prescription drugs, or those that are considered catastrophic coverage insured's. As a result, the bulk of this population is left to deal with paying out-of-pocket expenses for prescription drugs. Additionally, the plan is complex for seniors because the true cost of the drug entitlement expansion is unknown, and estimates could be understating the real cost."
Abstract Peripheral vascular disease is an umbrella term that refers to a range of abnormal conditions that affect veins outside the heart and which usually cause blockages in arteries. This paper examines how, depending on what region of the body is being affected by the peripheral vascular disease, nursing interventions should seek to minimize the impact of the disease process while introducing as much physical rehabilitation into the treatment regimen as medically feasible to delay or prevent further deterioration.
Outline:
Introduction: Definition and Pathology
Epidemiology
Assessment Strategies
Effects of Disorder on Dimensions of Health
Conclusion
From the Paper "The diagnosis of peripheral vascular disease can be performed faster, safer, more affordably, and in a minimally invasive way, according to studies performed at New York University Medical Center, New York City, have determined (Health beat, 2001). The results of these studies showed that when peripheral magnetic resonance angiography scanners are used for this purpose, a combination of ultra-fast, high-resolution imaging sequences with a panoramic table and special peripheral coil are used to allow coverage from the renal arteries to blood vessels in the foot in a single scan (Health beat, 2001). Although peripheral vascular disease may not manifest any symptoms at all, if the disease becomes very severe, more serious problems can develop. "
Abstract This paper explains that, whether it is physical, sexual, emotional or psychological abuse or whether it is neglect, abandonment or financial exploitation, abuse results in harm to the older individual. The author points out that, as people live longer, they tend to become more and more dependent on others and may not have a good support system within the community . The paper relates that lifelong patterns of domestic violence are often reversed when the parent or the formerly dominating spouse becomes less powerful and is now the victim instead of the abuser. The author points out that research has discovered those aged persons with cognitive impairments, such as dementia and depression, are at greater risks for abuse. The paper stresses that taking legal action through social service agencies is necessary to prevent elder abuse.
From the Paper "The Northamptonshire study revealed the prevalence of dementia among the older men and women who were abused. The ability of caregivers to cope varied with the severity of the dementia and whether or not the caregiver considered that he or she was caring as they had always done, caring for physical needs, or dealing with a mentally ill partner. For many the use of formal and informal services was minimal, sometimes through ignorance of available services, sometimes through choice where career and partner deliberately limited outside contacts. These are situations where abuse can easily occur."
Abstract The paper explains that although dance does not directly cause arthritis, improper techniques in dance can cause injuries that result in arthritis. The paper relates, however, that dance can also serve as a means of physical therapy for arthritic sufferers by increasing their range of motion, muscle strength and overall physical and mental health. More specifically, the paper discusses the relationship of dance at a young age to the development of arthritis as well as dance's therapeutic effect on arthritic sufferers.
From the Paper "Many dancers experience aches and pains though out their dancing careers. Despite the cause of the pain, many find it commonplace, and therefore ignore it. Others choose pain-dulling drugs to overcome the pain. However, pain and "discomfort should not be considered a normal result of dancing. If an ache or pain recurs after a few hours of rest or a good night's sleep, it must be confronted and the source examined." (Horosco, Cures and Myths about Arthritis 108) The causes of these pains are too many to number, but one that many do not realize may be linked to arthritis."
Abstract This paper looks at legal recommendations for laws relating to care options for senior citizens with dementia and Alzheimer's disease from the perspective of a representative of a congressional district, which has a large senior population. The paper presents the background, statistics and costs relating to both of these conditions. The paper also reviews three care options and recommends a law that restricts the number of family members formally assigned to care for an elderly relative with Alzheimer's or dementia.
Table of Contents:
Problem Statement
Background
Dementia
Alzheimer's Disease
Landscape
Pertinent Statistical Data
Cost of Alzheimer's Disease
Options
Subsidize Specialized Diagnostic Testing for Alzheimer's Disease
Allow Limited Opportunities for Employment
Restrict the Number Of Family Members Formally Assigned to Care for an Elderly Relative with Alzheimer's or Dementia.
Recommendation
From the Paper "Similar to the tenets of the Ryan White Act, the congressional district could allow certain individuals below the retirement age who are diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer's disease closely-monitored employment opportunities. These should target specific areas of the Alzheimer's patient which have been least affected by the disease. This option will not only ease the financial burden associated with Alzheimer's but will also delay the individual's confinement to an elderly institution as he or she is still contributing significantly to society."
Abstract The paper reviews three articles on the effects of human growth hormone (HGH) on aging. The paper looks at B. Bowers' "Human growth hormone", J. Life and A. Mintz's "Growth Hormone" and J. Copeland, S. Chu and M. Tremblay et al's "Aging, Physical Activity, and Hormones in Women". The paper notes that HGH and its effects on aging is not an issue that has a definitive answer. The paper points out that the association or causal relationship is not denied by any of the sources; the points of contention seem to be more about actual application of change and questioning the various HGH uses.
Outline:
Summary of Theory
Article 1
Article 2
Article 3
Consistency of Findings and Associations
From the Paper "Human growth hormone (HGH) has been in use for a relatively short amount of time, so there is still a lot of lively debate in peer reviewed journals about its possible uses and misuses. One factor upon which HGH has a debated effect is age or longevity. On the one hand, when it is given to some clients, HGH can promote growth and fight some of the effects of aging; on the other hand, it is not as useful the older the person taking it is, and there are other limiting factors. "Growth hormone is clearly our master hormone because of its ability to affect all other hormones, organs and the cells of our body. It has truly amazing reparative and restorative powers that can reverse cellular and tissue damage and even help re-grow failing organs" (Life and Mintz, 2004). Science has also always been looking for the proverbial fountain of youth, ever since the roots of modern medical science in alchemy; no one has yet found it."
Abstract The purpose of the article is to determine the degree to which people with Alzheimer's Disease exhibit depressive symptoms and to investigate the discrepancies between patient and care provider symptom reports.
From the Paper "The experiment studied 233 patients that were found to have Alzheimer's Disease. In addition to these, they also studied 47 patients that were depressed, but did not have dementia and 20 people of comparable age to the Alzheimer's group who were healthy as comparison groups. All subjects in the experiment were psychologically evaluated and rated on the Hamilton Depression Scale."
Abstract A discussion about government policies over retirement protection. The author examines the issues such as retirement funding, schemes, individual savings, investment and social welfare. The author focuses on retirement plan developments in Hong Kong.
From the Paper "In Hong Kong, discussions about government policies over retirement protection have spanned a lengthy period of about 30 years. It was only until recently that the decision has been made to institute the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF). However, in other countries, various schemes of retirement protection have been practiced over the past decades, with all kinds of experience that Hong Kong could beneficially refer to. Since retirement funds could be either fall into two categories 1. Pays-as-you-go/ 2. Fully-funded. They could either be managed by the government or the private sector. Yet, this is crucial to understand the pros and cons of these different kinds of schemes, and determine which is the most appropriate for Hong Kong. Furthermore, retirement protection is closely related to the issues of individual savings, investment, and social welfare. It affects the economic well being of all members of society, and also the performance of the economy as a whole. In this research paper, several comprehensive views and findings would be addressed, and some discussions on the impacts of MPF after the Asian Financial Crisis would also be stated for conclusion. "
Abstract This three-page paper examines the way elderly people have been depicted in various media. The writer uses songs, television shows, and movies to illustrate the fact that elderly people are often portrayed in much the same derogatory manner as the African-Americans were on stage at one time.
From the paper:
?The elderly people in this nation deserve the utmost respect. They have worked hard, raised at least one generation of community participants if not several and they have provided the world with their worth and value. When they reach the golden years they have learned a lot about life along the path and have many valuable insights that they can share with those who are still traveling.?
Tags: respect, generation, community, value, golden, years, elderly, wisdom, older, people
Abstract This three-page paper examines the way elderly people have been depicted in various media. The writer uses songs, television shows, and movies to illustrate the fact that elderly people are often portrayed in much the same derogatory manner as the African-Americans were on stage at one time.
From the paper:
?The elderly people in this nation deserve the utmost respect. They have worked hard, raised at least one generation of community participants if not several and they have provided the world with their worth and value. When they reach the golden years they have learned a lot about life along the path and have many valuable insights that they can share with those who are still traveling.?
Tags: respect, generation, community, value, golden, years, elderly, wisdom, older, people
Abstract This paper addresses the needs of the elderly in American Society. Using a book by Tracy Kidder called "Old Friends" the reader of this paper is given a detailed outline of various elderly concerns. Social relationships, doctors and patient needs as well as nursing home discussions are all included.
From the Paper "Medical science has grown in leaps and bounds over the last century. Today, we are living longer than ever before and we are having a premium quality of life while doing so. Doctors are able to mend and cure problems that would have killed us even 50 years ago. With the increased longevity, comes a new set of problems for society as the geriatric population finds growing in numbers each year. While it is encouraging that we can now incorporate long-range plans for our lives well into our golden years, the ability to do so comes with its own set of trouble. Senior citizens are faced with limited incomes, failing health and the need to be cared for as the years advance. In addition, many of their social contacts disappear as their peers either die or move to other areas to be taken care of by their children."
Abstract This paper summarizes and critically analyzes David Foster Wallace's "A Supposedly Fun Thing I'll Never Do Again: Essays and Arguments". Using the particular essay of "Getting Away From Pretty Much Getting Away From" the writer looks at the relaxed attitude that the author has to getting old and how he does not regret anything in his life. The writer comments that it is a young refreshing attitude that could do everyone some good.
From the Paper "This essay written by the well-known David Foster Wallace brings to light many things that are taken for granted. Wallace uses his typical style to create an essay based on razor sharp wit and dry sarcasm. He sprinkles the essay with things that are supposed to be fun but in reality are not fun at all. "I have seen sucrose beaches and water a very bright blue. I have seen an all-red leisure suit with flared lapels. I have smelled what suntan lotion smells like spread over 21,000 pounds of hot flesh (Wallace, 1998)."
A discussion on the ethical responsibility of the elder generations to ensure that every individual of the forthcoming generation is enlightened to help make the world a better place in future.
Abstract The following paper describes the necessary observations and ethical actions that an individual from an elder generation needs to take, with the help of available tools in society, for the positive grooming of his / her future generations ? children ? to make world a better place.
From the Paper "The basis of the world being a better place depends on the kind of forthcoming generations that will inhabit it. Being a member of the senior generation, it becomes incumbent on every individual to ensure a proper upbringing of these torchbearers (The Ethical Society of Northern Westchester). This task is not for institutions to fulfill on collective grounds, but an individual effort that can determine the impact of one's positive character on the new generations, and show them the way to mould their lives on.
Franklin D. Roosevelt was correct in saying: ?We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.? He saw the hope in the eyes of the youth, and those who understood the philosophy responded to the challenge ? not by making or saving fortunes for their forthcoming generations, but by building characters on basis of individual interactions, relationships and practical teachings ? and were victorious."
Abstract This paper evaluates the economic requirements of the elderly today such as health plans and pensions and discusses what will happen when those born in the baby boom of the 1950s and 1960's become pensioners. It examines the foreseen drain on the economy and the effects it has on Medicare and pension plans as well as Social Security. The paper includes statistics and a graph.
From the Paper "Modern Canada is also suffering from many of the issues that currently plague the United States. According to a statistical analysis provided by Canada's Daily report, ?One out of every eight Canada's citizens reported that they had unmet health care needs in 2000/01, up from one in twenty-four in1994/95. Prolonged waits and unavailability of services were the most frequently reported reasons for such unmet needs.? If this pattern continues in its hostile direction, these painful statistics will grow in coalition with its offset pattern. The problem with treating Canada's elderly is that the Canadian hospitals do not have the money or the room for such a large number of older people needing health care (sound familiar). In a recent health care study done by the University of Toronto, states that ?80% of young people between the ages of 18-45 are given higher priority in health care over those between the ages of 45-80.?"
Tags: babyboom, medicare, social, security, seniors, hospitals, health
Abstract The paper shows how death stands as a continuous presence in the two books, serving as a motivator, a metaphor, a threat, and a theme all at the same time. The paper gives a brief summary of "Lolita" and explains that it portrays American culture as a denial of death. It shows how the main character is an aging man trying to return to youth and in so doing so trying to escape death. The paper then summarizes "Catch-22", and details how the characters are surrounded by death and the threat of death at all times. It shows how the characters are haunted by the image of death. The paper then compares the two novels showing that death is both a threat and a way out in both stories.
From the Paper "The entire structure of the army in war becomes a metaphor for life, with death always hanging over everyone, and with no way of escaping it. Numerous characters die in the course of the novel, some in seemingly normal ways during wartime, hit by enemy fire, and others in inexplicable ways, like Clevinger, who just flies into a cloud and disappears. Doc Daneeka becomes a living metaphor for what has happened to everyone--he is made "dead" by a bureaucracy that can make a man seem to die by writing it in a report. He is truly a dead man among the living, just as they are all living men constantly among the dead."
