Abstract "The purpose of this research is to examine E.B. White's essay "The Ring of Time." The plan of the research will be to set forth in general terms the theme of the essay, and then to discuss its meaning, engaging in an analysis of the pattern of ideas in the work and the means by which these ideas are elucidated.
From the Paper "The purpose of this research is to examine E.B. White's essay "The Ring of Time." The plan of the research will be to set forth in general terms the theme of the essay, and then to discuss its meaning, engaging in an analysis of the pattern of ideas in the work and the means by which these ideas are elucidated.
Although White does not arrive at the theme of his essay until its closing paragraphs, this theme is time and age, or more exactly a meditation on time in general and age, or the prospect of the consequences of aging, in particular. The metaphor for time is White's reported observation of the shape of a circus ring and the content of activity going on in it, a metaphor that is established not only by the title of the piece but also by the carefully observed and, as it seems, carefully described details of ..."
Abstract This paper explores what it means to grow old in today's often uncompassionate society. It discusses the perception that aging is not only seen as being "one step closer to death", but it is traditionally associated with images of physical illness, senility and helplessness and shows ,in contrast, that the elderly are a vastly diverse group of individuals that cannot be so easily classified. It provides a brief history of the science of aging and of the stereotypes that have contributed to the attitude of ageism in society today. It examines how the older population is forever expanding, its economic and political bases are becoming stronger and its technological sophistication is growing at a remarkably swift pace and how the images most of society holds of the senior sect have not evolved at the same rate.
From the Paper "For example, recent studies have shown that changes in mental abilities of older people vary as much as their physical abilities and that mental decline is not inevitable. Learning a new language in later life, for example, might require more effort, but on the other hand the older language learner may be perfectly capable of exerting that effort. Studies also show that physical activity, along with a strong social support system and a belief in one's ability to handle what life has to offer, can all make significant contributions to strong mental function in old age (Matcha, 1996)."
This paper is a review of Keebler-Ross? book on the stages of death, "On Death and Dying: What the Dying Have to Teach Doctors, Nurses, Clergy, and Their Own Families".
650 words (approx. 2.6 pages), 1 source, 2002, $ 26.95
Abstract This paper focuses on healthcare provision for the elderly. It analyzes the fact that while the current health care changes are restructuring the system they're not focusing on the largest segment of the population-the elderly, which needs the most health care.
Abstract This paper examines how the incidence of substance abuse among the elderly will continue to grow as the medical community continues to improve the length and quality of life. It looks at how, as the elderly age and begin to lose friends and develop their own health issues, it is important that they have plenty of resources available to them for the purpose of support. Doctors need to be careful about the number and type of prescriptions they are prescribing, and family members who suspect their elderly loved one is developing a substance abuse problem should seek help from professionals.
From the Paper "The senior wants to be numbed to the fact that they are losing their friends, getting closer to death and their quality of life may be reduced because of these factors. Those who drink to eliminate loneliness isolate themselves even further which causes the cycle to continue. Those who live in chronic pain can become addicted to the pain medications they are given and even when the pain subsides they have a craving to feel the numbness or the euphoria that the pills provide."
Abstract Discusses the increase in number of grandparents taking on the roles of primary caregivers for grandchildren. Examines the reasons for this trend and the physical, emotional, mental, and economic affects on grandparents.
From the Paper "Grandparents resuming the role of parents of young children is a growing phenomenon today, with grandparents raising their grandchildren in the absence of the biological parents. Although many grandparents have always informally cared for their grandchild..."
Abstract This paper explains that Alzheimer's is a degenerative disease of the brain that results in memory loss, impaired thinking, difficulty finding the right word when speaking, and personality changes. It explains that it is found predominantly in the elderly population and discusses specific characteristics, symptoms, and treatments. Focus is placed on different treatment options available.
From the Paper "Alzheimer's illness is common in the elderly population. Studies (Knopman, Boeve, & Petersen, 2003) reveal that over three million people living within the United States have been diagnosed with the disease. As a person ages, the condition worsens and usually people having Alzheimer's also have a long life expectancy. Except for advancing age, a family history of Alzheimer's and cardiovascular disease, there is no evidence to support that environmental or health-behavioral factors strikingly increase a person's risk. There continues to be ongoing arguments that the onset of the disease may be a result of low education, head injury, and being of the female sex."
Abstract This paper delves into what the word 'hospice' means and the history of the program. It looks at the current concept of the program, costs involved, and the statistics relating to hospice care in the health industry. The author of the paper also uses personal examples.
From the Paper "Hospice care is not just for the patient; it also includes the whole family. Emotional, spiritual, physical, social needs, and practical care are provided following the patient's wishes and family needs (Aupperle, MacPhee, Strozeski, Finn, & Heath, p.430). Hospice provides personalized services and a caring community so that patients and families can attain the necessary preparation for a death that is satisfactory to them. The nature of dying is so unique that the goal of the hospice team is to be sensitive and responsive to the special requirements of each individual and family. Hospice provides continuing contact and support for caregivers for at least a year following the death of a loved one. Most hospices also sponsor bereavement groups and support for anyone in the community who has experienced a death of a family member, a friend, or similar losses".
This paper discusses Alzheimer's disease and dementias, neurological disorders involving problems with memory and thinking, which affect emotional, social and physical functioning.
Abstract This paper explains that Alzheimer's and other dementia characterized by gradual deterioration of memory and personality, is not part of the normal aging process and is marked by plaques of B-amyloid protein and tangles in the brain. The author points out that Alzheimer's is more likely to occur during the later years; but, when Alzheimer's disease begins in middle-age, it usually progresses quickly, reaching the last phase within 3-5 years. The paper relates that Alzheimer's disease progresses through a series of five developmental stages characterized progressively by absentmindedness, confusion, severe memory loss, need for full time care and, finally, complete withdrawal emotionally and physically leading to death.
From the Paper "People with Alzheimer's disease are unable to care for themselves and to communicate their needs. They become very confused when it comes to the most simple activities and often alienate their family members because they accuse them of stealing the possessions that they have misplaced due to their inability to remember where they put them last. Eating becomes a problem because the person may eat multiple meals or forgot to eat entirely. Therefore, their meals need to be supervised. The personality that dominated during earlier life is likely to become more dominant at this time. Therefore, they are capable of having angry outbursts and/or becoming very dependent and clingy to others. Depression is also common in this population. Researchers are still struggling to find out the causes of Alzheimer's disease and there is always the hope that a cure is not far away. There has been some evidence for genetic factors involved in Alzheimer's disease; however, this does not apply to all cases."
Abstract The paper explains that stereotyping is an attempt to claim that each individual in a certain group shares a set of common qualities. The paper shows the impossibility of this, since no two individuals are alike. The paper looks at stereotypes of politicians and discusses the belief that tattoos are related to gangs, drug heads and motorcycle groups. The paper examines stereotypes of feminists and of the elderly community. The paper shows just how cruel judgments are when they are made about groups of individuals that people know little about.
From the Paper "Beliefs and values play a large role in society today, and eventually they will evolve over time. There are many different expressions of beliefs and values directly associated with stereotypes. Euphemism and dysphemism are rhetorical terms that are widely used in conjunction with stereotypes. Stereotyping is a natural function of the human and social mind. Essentially, the natural functions of stereotypes are actual sketches of how a group of people is perceived and how they perceive themselves. The stereotypes within this paper are normally viewed as erroneous. These are attempts to claim that each individual in a certain group shares a set of common qualities. No two individuals are alike, so this would be logically impossible."
Abstract A descriptive essay about the effects of Alzheimer's Disease and how to best treat the patients. The author discusses the mental, behavioral and emotional difficulties experienced by carriers of the disease, exposing the roles to be played by the caretakers.
From the Paper "Alzheimer's Disease is a progressive disease affecting an estimated 4 million people in the United States. According to GW Small in a consensus view on Alzheimer's Disease, ?between 6% and 8% of all persons over 65 have the disease.?(1) Caring for a parent with Alzheimer's Disease can be one of the most challenging positions a person can experience. The person who was once the primary caregiver is now dependent on the child as their caregiver. Although the caregiver still loves this parent, she begins to dislike and resent the person her parent has become. The behavior changes associated with Alzheimer's Disease can cause embarrassment and anger at the parent's behavior. This confusion in emotions can cause much anguish for the caregiver. The immediate family will also be affected by Alzheimer's Disease as well. Children and spouses may feel neglected because they?re not receiving the caregiver's full attention. The caregiver should prepare herself by knowing what the impaired person can and cannot do and anticipating problems by planning ahead. The caregiver should also know where to go for help. Family or another means of support become a necessity. Alzheimer's Disease is a debilitating disease that can rob not only the quality of life from the victim, but the caregiver as well. Knowing what to expect and how to respond will help the caregiver function successfully in her role."
Tags: sick, ill, old, elder, care, patient, hospital, mental, emotional, slow, behavior, doctor
From the Paper "Robert Butler, the first director of the National Institute on Aging, coined the term "ageism" in 1969 and likened it to other forms of bigotry such as racism and sexism (Robinson, 1994). Butler defined ageism as "a process of systematic stereotyping and discrimination against people because they are old" (Robinson, 1994). Today, ageism is more broadly defined as any prejudice or discrimination against or in favor of an age group (Robinson, 1994)."
From the Paper "Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder which causes the destruction of certain brain cells resulting in a decline in mental functions. The damage occurs in the association area of the cerebral cortex, the hippocampus and the middle and temporal lobes, and result in a decreased concentration of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (Sadovsky, 2000, p. 877). Alzheimer=s disease affects the memory, thinking, language, and behavior. It usually occurs in people over the age of 65, but can occur in those as young as 40 years of age. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and when dementia occurs, patients are often placed in full-time residential care. It is estimated that about 10 percent of the population over the age of 65 suffer from Alzheimer=s disease (Alzheimer=s, 1999). Of these, between five percent and 10 perce..."
From the Paper "Introduction
The Social Security system, developed during the Great Depression as a way to supplement income for those not protected by pensions and savings, is facing long-term funding difficulties. Baby boomers, who represent the largest age group in American society, are rapidly approaching retirement age when there will be more Social Security recipients than there are contributors. There is significant concern regarding how Social Security can be funded over the long-term, and several different proposals have been made by politicians and economists alike. This research considers one such proposal, which is that individuals be permitted to make contributions to individual retirement accounts without jeopardizing their Social Security payments."
