Tthe numbers of older people with cognitive impairment and associated depression will rise significantly over the next 30 years. The implication is that there is a need to develop, and make widely available, better treatments to slow down the progressive decline .
Tthe numbers of older people with cognitive impairment and associated depression will rise significantly over the next 30 years. The implication is that there is a need to develop, and make widely available, better treatments to slow down the progressive decline .
Subject terms:
medical treatment, ageing, cognitive impairment, depression;
International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 15(9), September 2000, pp.848-852.
Publisher:
Wiley
This article examines the methods of fatal self harm (FSH) used by the elderly compared to young adults. Compares the methods of FSH used by all the elderly over 60 years of age to those used by all younger adults, over 16 and under 60, in the city of Birmingham and Solihull over a period of 4 years, 1995 - 1998. The study shows that the most common method of suicide in the elderly is poisoning by drug overdose. It raises the question about the quantity of drugs prescribed for the elderly, e.g. antidepressants, sedatives and pain killers. The study did not confirm previous reports that violent methods are used more frequently with increasing age.
This article examines the methods of fatal self harm (FSH) used by the elderly compared to young adults. Compares the methods of FSH used by all the elderly over 60 years of age to those used by all younger adults, over 16 and under 60, in the city of Birmingham and Solihull over a period of 4 years, 1995 - 1998. The study shows that the most common method of suicide in the elderly is poisoning by drug overdose. It raises the question about the quantity of drugs prescribed for the elderly, e.g. antidepressants, sedatives and pain killers. The study did not confirm previous reports that violent methods are used more frequently with increasing age.
Ageing International, 25(4), Spring 2000, pp.58-64.
Publisher:
Springer
Place of publication:
New York
Brazil is experiencing a rapid and intense demographic transition. The industrialisation that started in the 1940's brought on fast urbanisation. The country is characterised by considerable socioeconomic inequalities and significant regional variations in the demographics of ageing. The pre-eminent role of the family as caregiver is in jeopardy even as more people are living to older ages
Brazil is experiencing a rapid and intense demographic transition. The industrialisation that started in the 1940's brought on fast urbanisation. The country is characterised by considerable socioeconomic inequalities and significant regional variations in the demographics of ageing. The pre-eminent role of the family as caregiver is in jeopardy even as more people are living to older ages seeking family care. Health and social services are grossly inadequate. The Ministry of Health launched the first National Health Policy for the elderly with functional capacity as a keyword. Manpower training in the area of gerontology is very little. All these necessitate an urgent focus on the needs of the fast growing elderly population.
Ageing International, 25(4), Spring 2000, pp.65-79.
Publisher:
Springer
Place of publication:
New York
This article discusses the health, caregiving, socioeconomic, and service needs of elderly persons who live in Ghana. Brief sociodemographic information on the population is given. Challenges brought about by population ageing are discussed. Barriers to the provision of services to address the needs of the population are examined. Finally, measures are proposed to meet the challenges
This article discusses the health, caregiving, socioeconomic, and service needs of elderly persons who live in Ghana. Brief sociodemographic information on the population is given. Challenges brought about by population ageing are discussed. Barriers to the provision of services to address the needs of the population are examined. Finally, measures are proposed to meet the challenges of providing services to elderly Ghanaians.
Journal of Aging and Social Policy, 11(2/3), 2000, pp.1-17.
Publisher:
Routledge
Place of publication:
Philadelphia, USA
This article introduces this special issue of the journal that concludes a collection of issues relating to ageing and social policy. Subjects covered include: the potential for advancing ageing policy, employment of older people, aspects of long-term care, end of life issues, and a range of subjects from international perspectives. Together the essays illustrate the wide range of issues
This article introduces this special issue of the journal that concludes a collection of issues relating to ageing and social policy. Subjects covered include: the potential for advancing ageing policy, employment of older people, aspects of long-term care, end of life issues, and a range of subjects from international perspectives. Together the essays illustrate the wide range of issues affecting older people that deserved attention from policy makers.
This article focuses on researching quality of life in old age. Based on a review of the relevant literature, it argues that research has not reflected sufficiently the multifaceted nature of quality of life and has relied too much on the judgements of professionals rather than older people. It concludes that quality of life research in general has under-emphasised the importance of material factors in people's lives. With regard to older people, research shows that relatively poor quality of life, as reported by older people themselves, is associated with only a minority and, among this minority, twice the proportion of older women to men. The article ends with an outlines of the new Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Growing Older Research Programme on Extending Quality Life, which in three years time promises to provide usable information for policy makers and practitioners about the determinants of quality of life in old age.
This article focuses on researching quality of life in old age. Based on a review of the relevant literature, it argues that research has not reflected sufficiently the multifaceted nature of quality of life and has relied too much on the judgements of professionals rather than older people. It concludes that quality of life research in general has under-emphasised the importance of material factors in people's lives. With regard to older people, research shows that relatively poor quality of life, as reported by older people themselves, is associated with only a minority and, among this minority, twice the proportion of older women to men. The article ends with an outlines of the new Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Growing Older Research Programme on Extending Quality Life, which in three years time promises to provide usable information for policy makers and practitioners about the determinants of quality of life in old age.
Subject terms:
literature reviews, older people, policy, quality of life, ageing;
... together in one place the information, conclusions and recommendations from thirty-four Alzheimer’s Disease projects supported by the European Commission; and to help raise public awareness about facts concerning dementia, especially the fact that dementia is the end product of disease, not an inevitable feature of ageing, and that the problem is increasing dramatically.
This book is a synthesis of recent European research on dementia care. It is directed towards informal carers, health professionals, journalists and policy makers. The book has three objectives: to discuss in the plainest possible language one of the most significant social questions of the contemporary world – how we are going to deal with the increase in incidence of dementia; to bring together in one place the information, conclusions and recommendations from thirty-four Alzheimer’s Disease projects supported by the European Commission; and to help raise public awareness about facts concerning dementia, especially the fact that dementia is the end product of disease, not an inevitable feature of ageing, and that the problem is increasing dramatically.
Extended abstract:
Authors
MARKS David F.; SYKES Catherine M.;
Title
Dealing with dementia: recent European research.
Publisher
Middlesex University Press, 2000
Summary
This book is a synthesis of recent European research on dementia care. It is directed towards informal carers, health professionals, journalists and policy makers. The book has three objectives: to discuss in the plainest possible language one of the most significant social questions of the contemporary world - how we are going to deal with the increase in incidence of dementia; to bring together in one place the information, conclusions and recommendations from thirty-four Alzheimer's Disease projects supported by the European Commission; and to help raise public awareness about facts concerning dementia, especially the fact that dementia is the end product of disease, not an inevitable feature of ageing, and that the problem is increasing dramatically.
Context
CONTEXT This book states that in the years to come the health care systems in Europe will be put under increasing pressure and that cries for reforms in social and health care will become louder. The main reasons for the strain on the health care system are: the population is ageing and there has been a drop in the fertility rate, meaning a decrease in the active population; health care technology is improving, meaning increased mortality among older people; and expectations of health services are increasing. Tax increases to support this strain could be counterproductive by having a negative impact on employment and subsequently on tax revues. In the course of this century developed countries have witnessed a dramatic increase in life expectancy. At the turn of the century it was 40-50 years; at the new millennium it has reached 75-80 years.
Method
This book draws together and summarises a huge amount of research from many different research projects. It would be impossible to list all the methodologies here, however the thirty-four Alzheimer's Disease projects funded by the European Commission are summarised in the conclusion.
Contents
The book is divided into three parts. Part one introduces the field of dementia and describes the main medical conditions associated with dementia symptoms and changes in a clear and easily understandable language. This section also briefly discusses: theories of the causes of Alzheimer's Disease; the methods used in assessment; and diagnosis. Part two summarises and discusses recent European research on dementia care drawn principally from thirty-four projects co-funded by the European Commission Directorate-General V in 1995 and 1996. New findings from these studies are discussed under the headings: informal care, formal care, communication and information, treatments and interventions, policy and equity, and the future. Part three presents a brief outline of the thirty-four projects, some final conclusions concerning the methodology and management of projects of this kind, Alzheimer Europe's declaration of the needs and rights of people with dementia and their carers, and a recommendation to the European Commission. The book ends with a glossary of terms, bibliography, and addresses of relevant organisations.
Conclusion
"An imbalance in the age distribution of a population is not a new factor. What is new about the present situation is that the modified age structure of Europe's populations, as of the rest of the world, will eventually threaten the very existence of the so-called modern societies as we know them and oblige us to change. It is evident from the debate on savings in the health sector that unless we begin to change our attitude towards ageing, we shall very soon reach the point where we see the ageing population as a 'burden' and forget that older people are an asset."
A shift is occurring in British government policy from State planning to individual planning. This emphasis on individual planning makes assumptions about people's capacity to plan for the future; in particular, it assumes that people have similar capacities to plan ahead. In-depth interviews with 41 people of different ages and social groups by the researchers at the University of Bath explored people's views on and current plans for their future lives. Presents the findings.
A shift is occurring in British government policy from State planning to individual planning. This emphasis on individual planning makes assumptions about people's capacity to plan for the future; in particular, it assumes that people have similar capacities to plan ahead. In-depth interviews with 41 people of different ages and social groups by the researchers at the University of Bath explored people's views on and current plans for their future lives. Presents the findings.
Subject terms:
pensions, planning, social policy, ageing, attitudes;
Ageing International, 25(4), Spring 2000, pp.47-57.
Publisher:
Springer
Place of publication:
New York
Hong Kong experienced a massive increase in its elderly population in recent decades with an average life expectation of 80 years and a majority of them being widows the need for elder care services has risen considerably. A variety od services are being provided to them. This article examines the demographic pictures of the elderly in Hong Kong and the variety of services made available to them.
Hong Kong experienced a massive increase in its elderly population in recent decades with an average life expectation of 80 years and a majority of them being widows the need for elder care services has risen considerably. A variety od services are being provided to them. This article examines the demographic pictures of the elderly in Hong Kong and the variety of services made available to them.
Subject terms:
needs, older people, social care provision, ageing, demographics;
Journal of Social Service Research, 26(3), 2000, pp.77-95.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Place of publication:
Philadelphia, USA
Examines the relationship between sociodemographic factors, stressors, and resources, and the perception of stress by grandparents caring for their grandchildren using face to face interviews. The findings suggest strategies for social work intervention.
Examines the relationship between sociodemographic factors, stressors, and resources, and the perception of stress by grandparents caring for their grandchildren using face to face interviews. The findings suggest strategies for social work intervention.