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| + | +Aging Baby Boomers - Changing the Definition of Old Age= | ||
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| ==The Baby Boomers and Substance Abuse== | ==The Baby Boomers and Substance Abuse== | ||
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| ===Baby Boomers=== | ===Baby Boomers=== | ||
| - | + | One possible solution to the problem of the aging baby boomers is technology. Previous generations of senior citizens have been afraid of and opposed to technology (3); however, the boomers are characterized as a very different generation (6).The baby boomers are healthier (2), demanding (5), wealthy, educated (6) and most importantly, do not fit previous stereotypes about senior citizens and technology (3). The baby boomers were the first generation to be brought up with televisions & other profound technological advances (3). Furthermore, the baby boomers are not anxious about using technology and have experience with it to allow them to feel at ease (3). How will technology be integrated into the baby boomers lives as they age? | |
| - | ===Technology | + | ===Technology at Home=== |
| - | The baby boomers want to remain in their own homes, doing the same activities that they have been doing all of their lives (6). With the shortage of long term housing and the financial | + | The baby boomers want to remain in their own homes, doing the same activities that they have been doing all of their lives (6). With the shortage of long term housing and the financial burden the boomers will place on the healthcare system, we have to make aging in place a reality (1). Aging in place means remaining where you have lived, with the use of technology to assist you as your health conditions change (1). Technology that permits seniors to remain in their homes allows them to feel empowered, capable, involved in their own health care, and engaged in the world around them (1). Technology use leads to fewer hospital visits and shorter stays at hospitals and nursing homes (2), benefiting not only the senior but also the healthcare system. |
| ====Smart Homes==== | ====Smart Homes==== | ||
| - | Smart homes are an automated environment that uses technology to | + | Smart homes are an automated environment that uses technology to facilitate comfort and independence (4). Smart homes can include an announcement system that informs the elderly individual of the day, time, appointments, and daily tasks (1). Sensors can also be used throughout the home to turn on lights or detect motion outside of the home (1). Seniors can also wear special shirts that monitor vital signs or pacemaker function, which allows physicians to monitor the individual from afar (1). Pendants and bracelets that when activated connect the individual to 24 hr assistance provide the elderly emergency assistance when needed and peace of mind (1). Devices that shut off the stove or running water if left on can help patients who suffer from dementia (4) Home designers are beginning to build homes with smart technology built in, in hopes of facilitating aging in place (1). |
| <videoflash>fVU2mfx2kcI</videoflash> | <videoflash>fVU2mfx2kcI</videoflash> | ||
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| ====Medication Systems==== | ====Medication Systems==== | ||
| - | A common problem for seniors is | + | A common problem for seniors is remembering to take their pills at the right time and in the right amount. Technologists have created automated dispensers that dispense only the proper amount, dispensers with locks for people with dementia, and virtual pets that prompt seniors to take their pills (5). These virtual pets get sick if their owners fail to follow their medication regime, inducing an emotional response from the senior (5). Talking glucose monitors have also been developed to help seniors with visual impairments makes sure that they are managing their blood sugar appropriately (1). |
| ====Computers==== | ====Computers==== | ||
| - | Computers are allowing seniors to do their shopping and banking from home (4), which helps them cope with mobility issues. Seniors also often feel isolated in their homes and the internet has provided | + | Computers are allowing seniors to do their shopping and banking from home (4), which helps them cope with mobility issues. The baby boomers are a well educated generation (6) and computers offer an avenue for continued education in a flexible and individuated manner (2). Seniors also often feel isolated in their homes and the internet has provided a solution for this. There are now multiple seniors’ networks that allow seniors to interact through emails, blogs, and forums (1). The internet has made it possible for seniors living at home to continue to interact with the outside world. |
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| ===Technology in Nursing Homes=== | ===Technology in Nursing Homes=== | ||
| [[Image:Wii_old_folks2.jpg|left]] | [[Image:Wii_old_folks2.jpg|left]] | ||
| - | Nursing homes are embracing technology. Care networks are being used in nursing homes in which the nurses and residents wear a device that interacts with sensors throughout the home. It alerts nurses if someone falls or if an at risk resident is trying to get out of bed. The system also records information about how prompt the nurses are at responding and how long they spend with the resident, ensuring a higher quality of care. Computer games are also being used to provide recreation for the elderly & for early detection of any possible declines (4). Nursing homes are even going as far as to use Wiis to promote balance in their at risk population. The physical demands of the game allow the residents to improve their balance (7). The key to the baby boom generation is that for technology to be effective it has to be accessible (4) | ||
| - | |||
| + | Nursing homes are embracing technology. Care networks are being used in nursing homes, which involves nurses and residents wearing a device that interacts with sensors throughout the facility. The system alerts nurses if someone falls or if an at risk resident is trying to get out of bed. The system also records information about how prompt the nurses respond and how long they spend with the resident, ensuring a higher quality of care (1). Better care is also being provided with touch screens beside the residents’ beds allowing them to order food, request medication, open the window, or adjust the temperature (1). Computer games are also being used to provide recreation for the elderly & for early detection of any possible declines (4). Nursing homes are even using Wiis to promote balance in their at risk population. The physical demands of the game allow the residents to improve their balance and other motor functions (7). The only way that technology can be effective in assisting the baby boomers as they age is for it to be accessible (4). Nursing homes have made progress regarding this issue but hopefully as the baby boomers enter their care technology will be incorporated even further into daily life. | ||
Revision as of 19:11, 30 October 2011
+Aging Baby Boomers - Changing the Definition of Old Age=
Contents |
The Baby Boomers and Substance Abuse
There has been lots of research done on substance abuse in teen and adult years, but little research has been done on the use and misuse of drugs and alcohol in the elderly. Currently, the elderly population only holds a small percentage of people; however this number is growing drastically as the baby boomers reach elderly age (Dowling, Weiss & Condon, 2007). Every generation has alcoholics and drug addicts; however the problem seems much more prevalent in the baby boom generation because of such a large cohort of people entering their senior years. There is little information on how to diagnose and treat elderly individuals with substance abuse problems, a reason why many cases of abuse have gone unnoticed. However treatment costs are skyrocketing because of this massive population that is increasingly more dependent on drugs, prescription medication and alcohol. It is because of this aging population, that substance abuse in the elderly is an increasing problem in our society today.
The Baby Boomers and Technology
Baby Boomers
One possible solution to the problem of the aging baby boomers is technology. Previous generations of senior citizens have been afraid of and opposed to technology (3); however, the boomers are characterized as a very different generation (6).The baby boomers are healthier (2), demanding (5), wealthy, educated (6) and most importantly, do not fit previous stereotypes about senior citizens and technology (3). The baby boomers were the first generation to be brought up with televisions & other profound technological advances (3). Furthermore, the baby boomers are not anxious about using technology and have experience with it to allow them to feel at ease (3). How will technology be integrated into the baby boomers lives as they age?
Technology at Home
The baby boomers want to remain in their own homes, doing the same activities that they have been doing all of their lives (6). With the shortage of long term housing and the financial burden the boomers will place on the healthcare system, we have to make aging in place a reality (1). Aging in place means remaining where you have lived, with the use of technology to assist you as your health conditions change (1). Technology that permits seniors to remain in their homes allows them to feel empowered, capable, involved in their own health care, and engaged in the world around them (1). Technology use leads to fewer hospital visits and shorter stays at hospitals and nursing homes (2), benefiting not only the senior but also the healthcare system.
Smart Homes
Smart homes are an automated environment that uses technology to facilitate comfort and independence (4). Smart homes can include an announcement system that informs the elderly individual of the day, time, appointments, and daily tasks (1). Sensors can also be used throughout the home to turn on lights or detect motion outside of the home (1). Seniors can also wear special shirts that monitor vital signs or pacemaker function, which allows physicians to monitor the individual from afar (1). Pendants and bracelets that when activated connect the individual to 24 hr assistance provide the elderly emergency assistance when needed and peace of mind (1). Devices that shut off the stove or running water if left on can help patients who suffer from dementia (4) Home designers are beginning to build homes with smart technology built in, in hopes of facilitating aging in place (1).
Medication Systems
A common problem for seniors is remembering to take their pills at the right time and in the right amount. Technologists have created automated dispensers that dispense only the proper amount, dispensers with locks for people with dementia, and virtual pets that prompt seniors to take their pills (5). These virtual pets get sick if their owners fail to follow their medication regime, inducing an emotional response from the senior (5). Talking glucose monitors have also been developed to help seniors with visual impairments makes sure that they are managing their blood sugar appropriately (1).
Computers
Computers are allowing seniors to do their shopping and banking from home (4), which helps them cope with mobility issues. The baby boomers are a well educated generation (6) and computers offer an avenue for continued education in a flexible and individuated manner (2). Seniors also often feel isolated in their homes and the internet has provided a solution for this. There are now multiple seniors’ networks that allow seniors to interact through emails, blogs, and forums (1). The internet has made it possible for seniors living at home to continue to interact with the outside world.
Technology in Nursing Homes
Nursing homes are embracing technology. Care networks are being used in nursing homes, which involves nurses and residents wearing a device that interacts with sensors throughout the facility. The system alerts nurses if someone falls or if an at risk resident is trying to get out of bed. The system also records information about how prompt the nurses respond and how long they spend with the resident, ensuring a higher quality of care (1). Better care is also being provided with touch screens beside the residents’ beds allowing them to order food, request medication, open the window, or adjust the temperature (1). Computer games are also being used to provide recreation for the elderly & for early detection of any possible declines (4). Nursing homes are even using Wiis to promote balance in their at risk population. The physical demands of the game allow the residents to improve their balance and other motor functions (7). The only way that technology can be effective in assisting the baby boomers as they age is for it to be accessible (4). Nursing homes have made progress regarding this issue but hopefully as the baby boomers enter their care technology will be incorporated even further into daily life.
Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors of Aging Baby-Boomers
Human sexuality is the opportunity to experience an emotional closeness with another, as well as being an essential human right [1]. The baby-boomers grew up during the sexual revolution, a time that promoted freedom of sexual expression and exploration. Contraceptives were released in the early 1960’s which increased the number of couples practicing premarital sex, and the expansion of pornography cinemas and PlayBoy clubs in the late 1960’s made sex publically available[2].
This year, the first boomers turn 65, and for the next 20 years it is predicted that this large cohort will take their sexual attitudes and behaviors along with them into late adulthood [3]. Despite Baby-Boomers being more likely to participate in sexual activities than previous generations, we can still expect a decline in sexual activity in late adulthood. This can be due to a lack of partner in late adulthood or poor health. However, a more common cause of decreased sexual activity in the elderly population is from the lack of privacy or basic sexuality training care providers receive in nursing homes [4]. With Baby-Boomer’s bringing their attitudes from the sexual liberation with them, long-term care facilities for the elderly will have to accommodate to their needs.
Dating
Many reasons why sexual behaviors decrease in later adulthood is due to lack of partner. With over half of all marriages ending in divorce before a couple’s 30th anniversary [6], more elderly adults find themselves single in later adulthood with dating as a reasonable option.
About one third of the internet is used for sexual related websites [7], and with the expansion of the internet in the last few decades, the elder population is finding dating sites and online sex chat rooms a useful option [8]. With this increasing demand, websites have been created to target single seniors (SeniorNet.com, 4Seniors.com, ThirdAge.com, etc.) [9]. Sexual habits are also being prolonged into later adulthood due to sexual enhancing drugs that have been developed to treat erectile dysfunction disorder [10].
Risky Behavior
In a study by News Week Magazine, single Baby-Boomers reported more likely to engage in unprotected sex after a first date in fear of thinking their sexual prime was over, therefore likely to take the chance if the opportunity presented itself [11]. Another reason being post-menopause, there is no longer the risk of getting pregnant [12] . The Public Agency of Canada reported a rise in number of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) found in the elderly population over the last few years, with only 50% of these elder sexually-active singletons worried about contracting an STD [12].
[The Today Show: Dr. Laura Berman Talks About The Sexual Behaviours of The Baby-Boomer Generation
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/23340559/ns/today-relationships/t/lust-or-bust-inside-baby-boomer-bedroom][13]
Elder Sexuality in Long-Term Care Facilities
There seems to be varying views within care providers of the importance of sexual behavior in older adulthood. Care providers with little experience working in nursing homes express more negative views, viewing sexuality in older age as disturbing, and therefore making it their job to intervene any sort of sexual expression. Many of these nursing homes implement open door policies, and were found to have more single rather than double beds [8].
However, the ideas of sexuality in older adulthood are changing, and positive views are becoming more common throughout long-term care facilities. More recently, it is being recognized that older people have sexual needs and it is an essential component to maintaining one’s mental and physical health [8]. Nursing homes with a more positive view have staff undergo sexuality training, and have rules in place protecting the privacy of residents. These included providing residents with a “do not disturb” sign they can hang on their door, safe must knock before entering the residents’ rooms, or even organizing call girls for some of the younger residents [8]. Since sexual activities may also impose safety concerns, such as contracting an STD, or when one suffers from dementia [14], some care facilities hold sexual health seminars and provide counseling to educate residents on safe sex practices and issues [1].
In 2010, a survey was conducted in the United States to uncover the sex lives of elderly in institutionalized care. Over three quarters of residences from age 57-64, over half of 65-74 year olds, and a third of those 75-85 years old remained sexually active (ranging from intercourse, oral sex, masturbation, etc.)[15]. Even though this number decreased with age, it shows sexuality is still a priority in later adulthood and often remains over looked.
Elder Same-Sex Couples
With the legalization of same sex marriage in 2005 [17], same-sex couples are becoming more common in nursing home environments. The Gay Rights Movement during the 1970s, which gave liberations to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) communities, gave homosexual Baby Boomers pride instead of embarrassment, and therefore care providers will have to be sensitive to their resident’s sexual orientation [18]. Still, many care facilities are not homosexual friendly, portraying images of heterosexual couples on pamphlets, or terminology used by staff with the assumption that residents are straight [19]. Most nursing home social service directors lack training in working with lesbian, gay, and bisexual residents. Only 24% of health care providers report receiving any homophobia training in their workplace [19]. Lack of knowledge and training on such an issue has resulted in 81% of LGBT couples reluctant to reside in nursing homes [20]. Many face isolation in a nursing home centre, and are more likely to develop depression or commit suicide [21]. Recently, many urban areas are developing LGBT Aging projects with the purpose to educate care facilities on how to better integrate the needs of the LGBT elder community [21].
Notes and References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Pangman, V.C, & Seguire, M. (2000). Sexuality and the chronically ill older adult: A social justice issue. Sexuality and Disability, 18, 49-59.
- ↑ Escoffier, J., & McDarrah, F.W. (2003). Sexual revolution. New York: Thunder’s Mouth Press.
- ↑ Langer-Most, O., & Langer, N. (2010). Aging and sexuality: How much do gynecologists know and care. Journal of Women & Aging, 22 (4), 283-289.
- ↑ Gott, M., & Hinchliff, S. (2003). How important is sex in later life? The views of older people. Social Science & Medicine, 56, 1617–1628.
- ↑ Pandey, B. (2009). Restore your sex drive and spice it up in old age. Retrieved from www.babapandey.com/.../2009/12/Old-people-3.jpg
- ↑ Ottawa Divorce. (2007). Canadian divorce statistics. Retrieved from http://www.ottawadivorce.com/statistics.htm
- ↑ Cooper, A. (1998). Sexuality and the internet: Surfing into the new millennium. Cyberpsychology and Behavior, 1, 181–187.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 Shuttleworth, R., Russell, C., Weerakoon, P., & Dune, T. (2010). Sexuality in residential aged care: A survey of perceptions and policies in australian nursing homes. Sexual Disability, 28, 187–194.
- ↑ Strombeck, R. (2003). Finding sex partners on-line: A new high-risk practice among older adults. Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, 33, 226–228.
- ↑ Lindau S.T.,& Gavrilova, N. (2010). Sex, health, and years of sexually active life gained due to good health: Evidence from two US population based cross sectional surveys of ageing. British Medical Journal, 340, 810.
- ↑ Senior Journal. (2006). Boomers changing how older people view sex, romance, says newsweek. Retrieved from http://seniorjournal.com/NEWS/Boomers/6-02-13-BoomersChanging.htm
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 Vogel, L. (2010). Canadian baby boomers shirk safe sex. The Canadian Mental Association, 182 (18), 827-828. Retrieved from http://www.cmaj.ca/content/182/18/E827.full
- ↑ Berman, L. (2008). Lust or bust? Inside the baby boomer bedroom [Video file]. NBC News The Today Show: Retrieved from http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/23340559/ns/today-relationships/t/lust-or-bust-inside-baby-boomer-bedroom/
- ↑ Fox News. (2008). Nursing home sex becoming more acceptable. Retrieved from http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,454328,00.html
- ↑ Lindau, S., Schumm, L., Laumann, E., Levinson, W., O’Muircheartaigh, C., & Waite, L. (2007). Study of sexuality and health among older adults in the united states. New England Journal of Medicine, 357, 762–774.
- ↑ Howley, N. (2010, March 8). Sonoma county, CA agrees to $60k settlement for splitting up elderly gay couple. Injury Lawyers News: Retrieved from http://nicolehowley.visionsmartnews.com/sonoma-county-ca-agrees-to-60k-settlement-for-splitting-up-elderly-gay-couple_1708.html
- ↑ CBC News. (2005). Same sex rights: The supreme court and same-sex marriage. Retrieved from http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/samesexrights/
- ↑ Hughes, M. (2004). Privacy, sexual identity and aged care. Australian Journal of Social Issues, 39(4), 381-392.
- ↑ 19.0 19.1 Bell, S.A, Bern-Klug, M., Kramer, K.W.O, & Saunders, J.B. (2010). Most nursing home social service directors lack training in working with lesbian, gay, and bisexual residents. Social Work in Health Care, 49 (9), 814-831.
- ↑ McFarland, P., & Sanders, S. (2003). A pilot study about the needs of older gays and lesbians: What social workers need to know. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 40(3), 67–80.
- ↑ 21.0 21.1 Gross, J. (2007, October 9). Aging and gay, and facing prejudice in twilight. The New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/09/us/09aged.html?pagewanted=all
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