Abstract This paper summarizes an article and discusses some possible solutions for preparing the current Canadian Medicare system for the aging babyboom population. It focuses on the reasons why a privitized health care system would not be beneficial to the majority of Canadians, and the alternatives that could be adopted to end the Medicare crisis.
From the Paper "The possibility of the aging baby boom flooding the health system, and rendering it impossible to fund has been a topic of particular interest recently. Medicare has been the pride of the Canadian welfare state, and concerns for it's future have led to many propositions. It is predominantly a publicly financed, privately delivered health care system that combines the entire country's insurance plans (Macionis 346). One extreme is to abandon Medicare altogether, and replace it with a privatized system. Conflict theorists, who feel that it would only benefit profit-seekers, the wealthy, and a small minority of powerful capitalists, have criticized this suggestion. The majority of theorists, particularly functionalists, seek solutions that are less radical, and could include the present Medicare system, but improve it's efficiency, and availability (Manga 182). Research has shown that an aging population does not pose a threat to the present health care system, but changes could be made to reduce the risk of Medicare becoming increasingly costly in the future (Poplin 49). The imposition of a private health care system would not be to the advantage of most Canadians, but reforms could improve the efficiency of the current system. "
Tags: aging, baby, boom, canadian, care, health, medicare, sociology
Abstract This paper outlines the post-Word War II lifestyle of American families, the conditions that resulted in the BabyBoom, the trials and tribulations of the average baby boomer over the course of their adolescence, the hippie movement, and the impending Social Security issue.
From the Paper "World War II and the Great Depression greatly impacted the average American's life. While battling for a world free from Nazism and struggling to make ends meet during the most significant economic recession in American history, libido met its match in the United States. During the high tension 1940s, cathedrals and cradles were left empty as marriage and birth rates plummeted. Man's sense of inadequacy in supporting his family during the Depression left him just as inadequate in the bedroom. His disappointment in society left him and his spouse reluctant to bring a child into a world overrun by Nazism and Communism. Fortunately, a burst of confidence came after the war, and in 1946 birth rates skyrocketed. In the eighteen years after World War II, more than 78 million children were born, creating a new generation that greatly impacted American society and culture - a group called the Baby Boomers."
Abstract By showing how socially charged issues seem to adversely affect the babyboom generation, we can see how they deal with these issues in the economic forecast in the studies that have been done.
Abstract This paper explains that the Baby Boomer generation creates a medical problem, especially in the Medicare system, because of its size, potential of living so long, altered traditional family structures and a large segment, almost 20 percent, at the low end of the income scale; in addition, the generation after them is small. The author points out that seniors have no alternative but Medicare, which should be restructured to more closely resemble the rest of the nation's health care system especially PPOs (Preferred Provider Organizations). The paper recommends that, if institutions focused on decreasing the cost of each medical procedure and ceasing to carry out senseless, wasteful procedures; funds would be available for senior care plus wellness education and preventive care.
Table of Contents
Introduction
BabyBoomHealth Care Issues
Who are the Baby Boomers?
Dependency ratio
Baby Boomer Expectancy
The Political Realities
Health Gestapo for Retiring Baby Boomers
Medical Services Delivery Problems
Recommendations
From the Paper "There are several diametrically opposed factors involved in the future of health care for Baby Boomers, not least of which is the fact that the senior-oriented health care delivery systems were "geared for a time when people died early." In addition, Baby Boomers constituted the largest generation ever, to be subsidized-as have all generations been-by the ones behind them; the ones behind them are very small. They are expected to live longer than previous generations, partially because of the advances in medicine; however, there are already signs that the problem with the advances in medicine lies in the ability to find enough qualified people to run the machinery of medicine, the CAT scanners and whatever other advances appear. These two dichotomies would be problematical enough without the other troublesome possibility on the horizon, that of having to decided upon a practical and ethical way to deliver health care when there are not enough personnel to go around, nor enough funds to pay for equal treatment options for everyone."
Abstract This paper examines how health care costs are rising rapidly, forcing companies to reduce benefits in other areas or require employees to contribute more to the cost of the premiums. It shows how some programs have cut benefits, while others have raised the co-pays for both doctor's visits and prescriptions. It analyzes some of the reasons for these increasing costs, such as federal spending and the aging of the babyboom generation.
From the Paper "The fact that insurance pays so many medical bills has economic impact on the cost of that medical care. Most insurance pays at least 80% of the cost, greatly reducing the financial liability insured individuals incur when they receive medical care. By comparison, consider what cars people might buy if their auto insurance paid 80% of the cost (Fuchs & Garber, 2003). Then imagine that everyone gets such a price break whether they have auto insurance or not, with those who do have insurance absorbing most of the cost of that car for those with no insurance (Fuchs & Garber, 2003). People would be more likely to chose a Mercedes than a no-frills Chevrolet, although both would get them to work and back reliably."
This paper is a literature review of peer-review journals and professional publications to explore the impact of the aging baby boomers on the future healthcare system.
Abstract This paper explains that the aging babyboom generation, who are characterized by prevention and wellness values resulting in longer life expectancy, will have a significant effect on the number of elderly needing long-term healthcare services. The author stresses that the Medicare system does not provide protection against catastrophic or long-term events, many drugs and prevention services, all of which will be needed by the aging babyboom generation. The paper concludes that, along with the concern for this cohort, there is the continued need for the entire population--the rich and the poor, the young and the old--to have healthcare coverage; the social system may offer the most adequate solution.
Table of Contents
The Problem
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of the Study
Importance of the Study
Scope or Delimitations of the Study
Review of the Literature
Introduction
Overview
Aging Trends For Baby Boomers
Future of Healthcare Funding
Future Healthcare Costs
Future Healthcare Funding
Changing Ratios Between Current and Future Funding Contributors
Access to Services
Medicare, Current Access to Care
Changes Needed for Care Access
Healthcare's Future
New Demands For Care
Quality of Care
Baby Boomers Define Care
Current Changes and Future Possibilities in Care Quality
Baby Bloomers Are Dissatisfied
Baby Bloomers Want More
Long-term Care
More Information Availability
Alternative Therapies
Summary
Conclusion
Implication of the Study
Position of the Author
From the Paper "Baby boomers have redefined quality of care, demanding preventative measures for optimal health. This generation demands more service, more information, and more options. Since they are the largest buying population, they have changed the healthcare system and will continue to do so. Among the changes needed is improvement in long-term-care coverage. Private insurance for this coverage has increased but presents problems such as how to market a high-cost policy to those with little money. Public-private partnerships are another alternative. However, this type of assistance may end up raising Medicare costs without offering enough assistance to the public. Social insurance is also discussed. In this case the costs would be disbursed among the total population, including those 65 years and older."
Abstract This paper discusses how the baby-boom generation is approaching retirement age and is going to be in need of medical and health care. It examines the importance of the government establishing a universal health care system. It discusses the advantages and disadvantages of this issue from social, economic, and political view points.
From the Paper "Behind this struggle, health care costs are skyrocketing, and two primary reasons for the increase find their roots in these same two groups. Life expectancies in the country are getting longer, and the aging boomers will require more health care for longer periods of time. Funding for the existing government health care systems is declining due to the same reasons that Social Security is facing implosion. More citizens receiving benefits are fewer citizens are paying into the system. The simple equation of higher demand ?plus- lower funding ?plus- longer lives ?equals- higher costs."
An exploration of existing literature, including peer-review journals and professional publications, regarding the impact of aging baby boomers on future healthcare.
Abstract This paper examines how the babyboom generation, born between 1946 and 1964, is reported to be the largest generation in U.S. history. It looks at how this group is very diversified and characterized by their disease prevention and wellness values and how, as the group becomes older there are concerns for the future of healthcare. It analyzes how as the boomers become aged 85 and older, there will be a dramatic change in the numbers of elderly and needs for long-term care services. It looks at how the baby boomers were followed by a group with an exceptionally low birth rate and how as a result healthcare for the pending group of elderly boomers will be supported by a smaller population.
Outline
The Problem
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of the Study
Importance of the Study
Scope or Delimitations of the Study
Review of the Literature
Introduction
Overview
Future of Healthcare Funding
Access to Services
Quality of Care
Summary
Conclusion
Implication of the Study
Position of the Author
From the Paper "The year 2010 will bring the time when the first baby boomers begin to turn age 65; by then one in five Americans will be over 65 (Friedman, p. 36). In 1990, the oldest baby boomers were 44 years old, and concerns for old age were upon them. Butler (1990) reports that this generation will need to take matters into their own hands if they are to end the fragmented health care system that currently exists. New alternatives need to be sought that include a single-payer approach rather than various prices for identical procedures and services, clinical autonomy and opportunity, collaboration within health-care providers, and goals that meet the needs of all Americans (p. 13). New principles need to include the whole being with its connection to the environment, empowerment which enables internal and external healing resources to be utilized, and views of all involved (Meleis, 1992, p. 117)."
Abstract The paper examines how boomers are driving selected real estate purchases. It discusses home purchase choices, including primary home for families, second or vacation home, retirement homes, and communities in the future. It also provides data on Baby Boomers.
From the Paper "Baby Boomers and Real Estate Choices
Introduction
Members of the so-called "Baby Boomer" generation of Americans born in the first two decades following World War II are beginning to enter their retirement years, or to experience earnings peaks that ..."
Abstract This paper discusses long-term care and its affect on the health care industry today and in the future. It explains that long-term care is becoming much more prevalent in American society because people are living longer. It points out that as the BabyBoom generation ages, there will be even more elderly and infirm that will need this special type of health care.
From the Paper "Long-term care is changing the way America looks at health care. Because new ways of caring for the elderly are clearly necessary, there is more interest in this topic, and more research is being done on how to correct the problems associated with long-term care. Experts have found some alternatives to long-term care, which include in-home services, assisted living, and/or some form of assistance from family members or friends. Studies indicate that these in-home interventions, if started early enough, can reduce the need for long-term care. One study notes, "personal care services can prevent inappropriate institutionalization and that these services need to be a component of policies for future elder care because the majority of personal care services now provided for individuals are performed by female family members" (Palley & Hollen, 2000, p. 181). Other alternatives include group homes and adult day care, which are both becoming more popular, too."
Abstract The paper discusses the three significant changes of the babyboom generation, that were the increase in civil rights, the increase in women's rights and the overall change in the traditional family form. The paper posits that overall, the changes associated with the babyboom generation have been significantly positive and have helped to raise the current generation of young people, who themselves challenge the ways and values of those older than they.
From the Paper "Every generation seems to change massively from the previous generation. Often the older generations criticize the younger generations for a loss of values or morality, and view the young as frivolous and immature. However, over time, the new values of the younger generation take hold, and history repeats itself, with the old giving way to the new, and again, the older generation criticizes the new, even younger cohort. The change that occurs between generations can be viewed as good or bad, often depending on the perspective from which the change is being viewed. The baby boom generation has come a long way from its parents, having learned about the futility of war, and developed its own sense of right and wrong with respect to the rights of human beings."
A discussion of the affects of World War II on American culture,focusing on popular music, visual arts, literature and our worldview for the years between the 1940s and 1950s.
Abstract This paper explores the great social and cultural changes that took place in America following the Second World War. It examines music, art and literature to show the changes in cultural trends. It looks at the shift in the job market and new opportunities for women in specific labor fields. The paper also discusses the babyboom era where many women returned to the home and focused on child rearing and homemaking. Changes in healthcare are also mentioned which came with progress in medical practices.
From the Paper "World War II changed the way we lived in America, and how we looked at the world. It also changed the way the world looked at us. We were a world power, who had won the war, and had a devastating weapon at our disposal. Our economy was booming, and life was good in the United States."
This paper discusses the book "Homeward Bound: American Families in the Cold War Era" by Elaine Tyler May, which analyzes influence of the family during the 1950s and 60s from from Civil Rights to marriage and conformity.
Abstract This paper discusses the book "Homeward Bound: American Families in the Cold War Era" by Elaine Tyler May who used contemporary magazines, journals, and films as some of her research material to present a picture of family life in America during the Cold War and the way it shaped the nation. The author points out that this was the period of reproduce, which created the "babyboom", an entire generation of children who never had to want for anything. The author explains that any kind of sexual deviancy was taboo; in fact, many believed sexual deviation was the road to Communism and distrust.
From the Paper "One of the important points she uses in the book is how suburbia grew up during this time in our history, and suburbia almost exclusively consisted of a white, middle-class population. Racial lines were drawn during the Cold War, and race was still a very important issue for most Americans. As she notes in her Introduction, "People of color were excluded from these suburban communities, and denied the benefits of American prosperity even if they could afford them" (May xix). May clearly shows how the Civil Rights movement of the 1950s and 60s was created out of the white suburban middle-class of the 1950s. As blacks were excluded from owning property and attending schools in the middle-class suburbs, their unrest grew, and they began to fight back for their equality. The author goes on to state, "So while white working class Americans prospered and joined their middle-class peers as suburban homeowners, African-Americans lost ground economically. They were forced to reside in substandard urban housing, left out of postwar prosperity, and denied the government subsidies available to whites" (May xx). May continues later in the book to build on this premise that blacks were barred from the "good life" in their exclusion from mortgages in the white suburbs. As whites grew more prosperous, blacks continued to live in the inner city and continually were kept from creating their own American dreams."
Abstract This paper describes the USA in the aftermath of WWII. The paper first relates that the aftermath of the Second World War saw the beginning of the "babyboom" generation as well as the end of the Great Depression. The paper also relates that the United States and the Soviet Union emerged as the world's two leading superpowers, which also led to the beginning of the Cold War between the Western powers and the Communist-bloc nations. In addition, the paper relates that World War II played a key role in ending racial segregation and in expanding America's suburbs.
From the Paper "As it is common antebellum, the United States experienced what is referred to as a "baby boom". "Baby boom" is a term used to refer to the time when couples reunite after war and begin building families. (At this time in history, birth control was not widely available, which could also have something to do with the number of children families were having.) More so, the use of this term refers to the time prior to 1945 when it was more difficult for people to have families, not only because husbands were away at war, but because from the year 1929 up until the onset of World War II, The Great Depression, a time when jobs and food were scarce, left people unable to financially take on another mouth to feed. The baby boom occurred at a time when there weren't as many economic and social pressures to keep people from having families."
Tags:baby, boom, Great, Depression, superpowers, Cold, War, segregation
Abstract This paper explains that, because investors lost confidence, the Asian financial crisis was not just a domestic problem but rather spread to other parts of the, world especially Third World countries. The author posits that the recovery from the crisis was dependent on the macro economy prior to the crisis within each country. The paper relates that South Korea and Malaysia have different internal structures, were at different levels of development before the crisis and have different survival rates with very different 'after crisis' scenarios. The author points out that the crisis in Malaysia was more of a currency crisis, which had spillover effects within other sectors of the macro economy; however, South Korea faced more of a banking crisis. The paper discuses the role of the International Monetary Fund, the government's role in each region and the Asian Monetary Fund to present a policy outline for preventing future crises.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
A Historical Debate
Asian Financial Crisis: A Closer Look at South Korea and Malaysia
Role of the IMF
Figure 1: Malaysia's and South Korean Unemployment Worsened by IMF Policies
Asian Monetary Fund: Policies and Procedures for Future Crises.
Figure 2: Economic Growth, the Main Aim of the AMF: Implications for Asia
From the Paper "There were a lot of issues that caused the financial crisis. Mainly, investors lost confidence in the Asian market and started to remove capital from South Korea and Malaysia. The onset of the loss of confidence by investors began when the economies, such as Mexico had crises that preceded the Asian crisis. Similarly, the United States was increasing interest rates during the period to lower inflation as part of its monetary policy. Investors prefer to invest in the United States versus Asia, since the former is considered less risky."
