Abstract This document concerns itself with the knowledge of governmental agencies and how those that retire from them often leave behind knowledge gaps that are not picked up by other individuals. This is a growing problem and one that must be addressed. A review of the literature indicates that there are ways to ensure that knowledge is transferred appropriately. Studying that literature and analyzing its contents shows that there are issues that must be addressed and ways of looking at them that have not previously been utilized, which will make the transfer of information much easier. A study conducted on various individuals in governmental agencies will also indicate the importance of succession planning.
Contents
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of the Study
Importance of the Study
Scope of the Study
Rationale of the Study
Definition of Terms
Overview of Study
Review of the Related Literature
Methodology
Approach
Data Gathering Method
Database of Study
Validity of Study
Originality and Limitations of Data
Summary
Data Analysis
Summary, Recommendations, and Conclusions
Bibliography
From the Paper "This transfer of information has become vitally important in recent years because the aging population of this country will be approaching retirement age very soon. Due to this, many individuals who have held a particular job for many years or have worked their way up through many vital government jobs will find that they are about to leave and have no one to pass this information on to. This is something that must be corrected before these individuals retire so that those entering into the jobs that these individuals are leaving will have the knowledge that they need to do their jobs correctly."
Abstract This research paper specifically addresses the positive effects of water therapy-based exercise in the population of the elderly patients in Worthing Hospital. The National Department of Health has identified the need for elderly to engage in, and work toward, a physically healthy lifestyle through its National Service Frameworks. The water therapy program (WTP) consists of 6 visits for the elderly patient, during which physiotherapists work with their participation in a series of water-based exercises. This program is designed for elderly people who are experiencing muscular-skeletal difficulties, and it allows the participants to have a direct effect on their condition. In this manner, the participants are empowered to take control of their health and well-being as they are supervised and assisted thorough a wide variety of low impact, cardiovascular, aerobic exercises.
Contents:
Introduction
Purpose of the Research
Literature Review
Sociological Factors
Physical Factors
Emotional Factors
Sense of Control
Self-Esteem
From the Paper "Unfortunately, the aging process hereafter referred to as ageism, can often affect the choices people are presented with, and their ability to affect the overall psycho social dynamics of health and wellbeing. If people believe that some of the "inevitable deterioration" due to the result of the aging process is a barrier which they cannot overcome, they are likely to succumb to a diminished quality of life, and the degenerative aspects of aging. On the other hand, when the elderly person is enabled to understand the onset of degenerative conditions as preventable, they are likely to be more active in their own self-care, and seek out options regarding the improvement of their overall health and well being. Consequently, confronting ageism by enhancing positive beliefs about aging, and providing empowering activities for the aging person to engage in order to improve their quality of life is a vital component of comprehensive health services, and the responsibility of the health services community. The following factors are those which have been identified in literature regarding the aspects of a comprehensive definition of ?quality of life.?"
Abstract This paper attempts to determine from existing literature if there is a causal connection between aluminum (AL) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). The paper begins with a description of the symptoms of AD and an explanation of the physiological deterioration that AD causes. This is followed by a discussion of the reasons that hereditary causes have been ruled out, a review of the literature on AD, and the potential causal relationship to AL.
From the Paper "One of the most distressing elements of the crippling Alzheimer's disease AD is that patients have no way of determining if they are at risk for the disease, nor treating the disease once it begins to set into the brain. Patients are slowly robbed of the ability to remember small details of life, and then ultimately fail to be able to process even the simplest thoughts. Thus researchers are looking for elements which are connected to the onset of AD, and one of the most promising connections found to date is the connection between AD and the presence of aluminum (AL) in the body. Researchers do know currently know if AL is a causative agent, or appears in the tissues as a byproduct which is attracted from other parts of the body as a result of the neurological breakdowns."
This paper discusses that elective surgical intervention in the population over age 50, once considered to be a risk, is coming under new consideration.
Abstract This paper explains that, today, chronological age alone is not a limitation for undergoing any type of anesthesia due to a greater emphasis on the study of gerontology, as well as a population that is increasingly health-conscious; there is also a greater emphasis on the prevention of long-term disability and disease earlier in life. The author points out that older individuals have complex metabolic and physiological changes, which require special consideration in pre-, peri- and post-operative management. The paper stresses that it is important to remember that not only do these patients require close physical monitoring, but also psychological issues, fear, and pain must be addressed to improve long-term survival rates and improve outcomes for patients.
From the Paper "Interestingly enough, more and more studies are being started that primarily investigate anesthetic practices in the elderly population. An interesting study performed at the Mayo Clinic actually followed the postoperative course of a group of patients over 100 years old who underwent both elective and emergency surgeries. The post-operative mortality rate was compared to that of similar patients with similar socioeconomic and physical conditions of the same age. It was found that these patients were more and more demonstrating that they were living productive and independent lives before they developed the disease or injury, which required the surgical intervention. It was felt that the risk of the age was not as significant as the impact of the indication for the surgery."
Abstract This paper will provide an overview of social groups, different group roles, and social functions. Further, the paper examines the variety of social roles present with the organization of a funeral home. Finally, the funeral home is analyzed in the context of a bureaucracy.
Contents
Introduction
Social Groups
Funeral Home
Conclusion
From the Paper "Many of the negative ramifications of operating within a bureaucratic structure can be overcome. The creation of an informal organizational process within the bureaucracy, while seemingly an odd fit, can help the organization to run smoothly by increasing communication and innovation within the organization. Further, programs like flextime, employee ownership, and employee participation can help to humanize bureaucracies."
This paper discusses the effects of spinal vs. general anesthesia on the projected outcome for patients undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).
Abstract This paper explains that the majority of research indicates that anesthetic choice has little impact on the outcome of surgery for patients undergoing TURP and related procedures. The author points out that physicians should instead take into consideration the likelihood for increased overall morbidity and mortality rates in patients due to the nature of the surgery and increased likelihood that patients are coming into a procedure with increased complications prior to surgery. The paper states that general and spinal anesthesia both carry risks, and both carry adverse side effects; which side effects a patient is best equipped to handle should be the determining factor for the majority of patients undergoing TURP.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Literature Review
Implications to Practice
From the Paper "There is research indicating that adverse effects may result from anesthetic choice during prostatectomy, or at least evidence indicating that in general this procedure is more risky and likely to result in a greater likelihood for poor outcome. The Department of Urology at Freeman Hospital in Newcastle, UK conducted a study that examined complications and morbidity resulting from prostatectomy in 1400 men. The patients were examined for a period of 8 months, with patients undergoing TURP examined from 12 separate institutions. Data was collected related to "factors potentially affecting mortality and morbidity" which included the American Society of Anesthesiologists co-
morbidity scores. Complications post-surgery included 8% of patients developing sepsis, with a large percentage of patients having a "significantly increased rate of deaths and complications" and emergent situations requiring re-admission to the hospital . The study concluded that due to the increased likelihood of complications, which were seen across population groups of varying ages, it is essential that care providers further examine potential increased causes for morbidity rates after prostatectomy. The increased likelihood of complications was not directly tied to anesthetic technique, but this possibility was also not ruled out."
Abstract This paper discusses the distinguishing types of bereavement: complicated and uncomplicated and the various responses in both cases. A classification of the forms of grief is provided along with an extensive analysis of each form. The mourning process is also dissected into several categories and leads into the presentation of the adjustment to the aftermath. The key points from above highlight how the response to bereavement is a physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioural experience.
From the Paper "Bereavement is always a painful experience, but some people return to their normal life rapidly, experiencing uncomplicated bereavement, while others never go back to their previous way of life before their loss. Death is a powerful cause of stress; even those going through uncomplicated bereavement are likely to experience many symptoms of anxiety and depression and undergo physiological changes which reduce the body's ability to fight off disease (Phillips, 1994). Popular options suggest that the progression through bereavement is often steady and orderly, yet people grieve in highly individualized ways. Depending on prior losses and the severity of the current loss, symptoms of anxiety may be most evident and can mix or overshadow symptoms of depression (Rogoff, 1989)."
Abstract The work force in America is rapidly aging. This rapidly aging work force creates challengers for organizations that must manage an aging work force. This paper explores the challenges of managing an aging work force within any given organization. It focuses on the fact that many older Baby Boomers are retiring, while others are choosing to work well passed the retirement age. Managers must devise ways to manage such a work force. Employers must understand the challenges that may arise, as an aging work force becomes part of the fabric of the organization. If employers do not attempt to understand and implement solutions for managing an aging work force, their organizations will suffer greatly. The paper begins by explaining why the aging work force is such an issue in the current work force.
From the Paper "The organization that we will focus on during the course of this discussion is the federal government. Many employed by the federal government will either reach retirement age or be eligible for retirement. These retirements will create a huge disparity within the federal government and will bring into question how an aging workforce should be managed. As we all know, changes in technology and communications have created varying skill sets amongst the generations. For instance, many baby boomers came into the workforce when mainframe computers were the newest technology. On the other hand, today's generation is configuring wireless networks that can be accessed anywhere at any time. On the other hand, the aging segment of the workforce also has valuable work experience that cannot easily be replaced. They also possess managerial and leadership skills that the younger generation has not yet acquired. For this reason, many employers both federal and private have been attempting to keep and recruit retired persons or those close to retirement."
Abstract This paper discusses how middle-aged and senior individuals are increasingly beginning to appear as vibrant actors in society and culture, boosted both by the demographic change in the nation and the significant advances in gerontology that have so lengthened the senior years of life. It examines the question of whether people moving from middle age to old age reduce their number of interpersonal relationships and contacts with society in general or whether old age can be consistent with active participation in the creation of society.
From the Paper "It would be absurd to suggest that aging follows the same processes in all cultures, or that it is even sociologically similar in various subcultures. The experience of a native man or woman growing into an elder of a tribal society is surely vastly different than the experience of an third-world industrial worker becoming elderly, which in turn is different than the experiences of our postmodern elderly in the information society that rules America. So this work will limit itself to discussing the phenomena of aging within mainstream American culture. Yet even within mainstream America, it appears that there are at least two distinct sorts of senior cultures, with distinct styles of aging."
Abstract This paper describes the symptoms, the research, and the diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease. The paper explains the symptoms and stages of Alzheimer's, the medication available to Alzheimer patients which slows the onset, but does not cure the disease, the method of diagnosis, which is through the elimination of other possible illnesses rather than positive identification of the disease, and the ongoing research into Alzheimer's disease of which there is biologically-based research and a cognitive-behavioral approach to research.
From the Paper "Alzheimer's Disease currently affects more than four million Americans. Alzheimer's is a disease characterized by the progressive degeneration of areas within the brain, resulting in cognitive and physical decline that will eventually lead to death. It is important to emphasize that Alzheimer's disease (AD) is not a normal part of aging. Although AD typically appears in those over sixty-five, it is a neurodegenerative disease, quite distinct from any aging-related cognitive decline. Because Alzheimer's is eventually fatal, and because the decline typical of an Alzheimer's patient is so devastating, much research is currently being done to investigate potential treatments. With the elderly population the fastest growing segment of North American society, Alzheimer's threatens to be an even greater health concern in the future decades. For patients exhibiting mild cognitive impairment, research is being done on ways to slow the disease's progression. The two main thrusts of Alzheimer's research are biological, which seeks to determine organic, systemic contributing factors to the disease, and cognitive-behavioral, which examines whether the disease can be held at bay by engaging the brain in novel functions. Pharmaceutically, there are a few drugs approved for the treatment of Alzheimer"s. These drugs just postpone the dementia-related declines, however, they don"t offer any cure."
Abstract This paper examines Tennyson's belief that aging can be both a positive and negative way of life, depending on how one views it and accepts its reality, as presented in his poems, "Ulysses", "In Memoriam", "Tithonus", and "Crossing the Bar". The author points out that the best scenario of aging, according to Tennyson in "Ulysses", is to grow old in a normal way and yet still retain the physical ability and spirit to continue pursuits. The paper relates that Tennyson's concepts about aging are still reflected in today's culture in the terms ?Plague of "Tithonus"? and the Ulyssean Society, which refer to the need to make maturity rich and wholesome.
From the Paper "Tennyson had well begun his literary career when on September 15, 1833, his close friend Arthur Hallam died. The news had come even more of a shock to Tennyson, because the death was very sudden and unexpected. The poet and Hallam's relationship had been "passing the love of women." The poet began to honestly look at the inconsistencies of life and what it had to offer. He began to question death, asking, "Is this the end"? He was unconvinced that this stage of life was indeed all there was to existence and later wrote the poem "In Memoriam" in remembrance."
Abstract This report addresses and analyzes the controversial issue of whether it is practical to incarcerate elderly offenders. The paper presents both sides of the debate and then presents arguments in support of the position that it is practical to incarcerate elderly offenders.
From the Paper "Physical activity is definitely a factor that can contribute to positive aging and has been researched methodically and thoroughly, and this can be applied to the correctional institution in terms of programs that are geared for elderly offenders with the perspective of preventing future conditions that may require expensive healthcare options. Many researchers have focused on the mental and physical benefits that activity can bring to the elderly, who may be able to stave off physical deterioration by engaging in an active lifestyle that highlights exercise and fitness. Although some studies have gone so far as to set the minimum time and intensity for physical activity, most agree that in terms of exercise, anything is better than nothing."
Abstract This paper explains that Alzheimer's is a degenerative disease of the brain that has a profound impact on behavior and memory. It looks at how it is primarily a disease of individuals over 65 years of age and how it impacts on a significant portion of the population of the United States, either directly or indirectly. While the cause of Alzheimer's disease is unknown, and there is no current cure, on-going research and a number of new treatments are improving the outlook for those with Alzheimer's.
From the Paper "There are two main types of Alzheimer's disease: familial Alzheimer's, and sporadic Alzheimer's. Genes are directly linked in cases of familial Alzheimer's disease, which is often called early-onset Alzheimer's disease. Most cases of familial Alzheimer's occur before the age of 60, while cases of sporadic Alzheimer's mostly occur after the age of 60. Sporadic Alzheimer's disease, which is sometimes called late-onset Alzheimer"s, is not necessarily linked to genes. In familial Alzheimer's disease, individuals have a mutation or abnormal variation that is apparent in one of three genes: PS1, PS2, and APP. There is a 50% chance that an individual with one of these mutated or abnormal genes will pass the gene onto their children. All of these three genes influence the production of beta amyloid protein, which is seen in beta amyloid plaques in the brains of Alzheimer's patients (Alzheimer's Association, Facts About). In approximately 10% of Alzheimer's cases there is a genetic link (Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer"s)."
Abstract This paper describes retirement planning as an ongoing process that a person needs to keep up with if goals are to be met. The paper contends that for those at or near retirement age, the planning process goes from accumulation of wealth to making the right decisions about assets. While one will still continue to accumulate money from investments, one will also be looking at using that money for day-to-day living expenses. The paper explains that the right choices are imperative in order to have the retirement lifestyle one desires.
Table of Contents
Early Financial Planning for Retirement
Financial Planning for Retirement: The 30s
Financial Planning for Retirement in Middle Life
Financial Planning for Retirement in the Later Years
Financial Resources for Retirement Planning
Social Security
Pension and Profit-Sharing Plans
Other Retirement Accounts
Other Resources
Retirement Strategies
Summary
References
From the Paper "Credit card debt should also be evaluated when one is in their 20's. Many credit cards have interest rates of 20% or higher. Over time, a concerted effort should be made to lower balances on these cards. Continuing to maintain high balances and high interest rates delays
putting money aside for retirement. Financial goals should be shared with one's partner. It is of critical importance that each person is involved in the planning and agree on what type of lifestyle he or she wishes. Once the goals are mutually agreed on, both parties should be involved in carrying out the financial strategies necessary to achieve those goals. Each person should know and understand which investments to have and why. This is a critical period to educate oneself about how to handle finances."
Abstract This paper examines the efficacy of alpha lipoic acid (ALA) in helping the elderly overcome the deleterious effects of the aging process in terms of its impact on cognitive and physical functions, as well as their ability to remain in their own homes as long as possible in an independent living arrangement. The findings of the research are followed by a summary and recommendations in the conclusion.
Chapter 1: Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of Study
Importance of Study
Rationale of Study
Overview of Study
Chapter 2: Review of Related Literature
Background and Overview
Physical and Cognitive Problems Associated with the Aging Process Gender and Racial Factors in Aging
Components of a Successful Aging Process
Impact of Aging Process on Caregiver and Family
Efficacy of Alpha-Lipoic Acid in Resolving Age-Related Problems
Chapter 3: Methodology
Description of the Study Approach
Chapter 4: Data Analysis
Table 1. Summary of Identified Benefits of Current Anti-Dementia Pharmacological Approaches.
Chapter 5: Summary, Conclusions, and Recommendations
Bibliography
From the Paper "World-wide figures on aging reveal the increasing size of the global older population (Kinsella & Velkoff, 2001). The elderly, who are generally defined as over the age of 65 years, number approximately 420 million today and will exceed one billion world-wide by the year 2030. In virtually every country in the world, the elderly population is growing faster than the overall population (United Nations, 2000). This phenomenon is occurring in both developed and non-developed countries (Gort, 1988; Kinsella & Velkoff, 2001; United Nations, 2000). In terms of absolute numbers the United States, together with China, the former Soviet Union, and India, will have over half of the world's elderly population in the 21st century (Kinsella & Velkoff, 2001; United Nations, 2000). In fact, by 2025, it has been estimated that there will be over one billion older people worldwide. Social gerontologists and geropsychologists have also identified significant changes in the social contract and how the effects of globalization are increasingly impacting the elderly in America."
Tags: aging, alternative, america, elderly, graying, medicine, memory, security, social
