Older Americans present a double challenge: preventing disability and providing care

Article Abstract:

For years the medical profession has focused on lengthening the average life spans of men and women and older people are now living longer lives. Unfortunately, little research has focused on preventing or postponing the disabilities that occur with aging. Now medicine is faced with the task of both preventing disability and providing care for elders who are already disabled. As the elderly population increases in size and the size of the younger population remains constant, a great strain will be put on the health care system unless a greater percentage of the elderly remain fully functional. Planning must begin now for the future care of an increasing elderly population, particularly in some states where local increases in the number and proportion of elders will be much larger than nationwide. In the March 1991 issue of the American Journal of Public Health, a paper by Elston and colleagues described a model that states can use as a basis for estimating the number of functionally disabled elderly. This model provides states with a powerful planning tool, but it has some limitations. Many variables are not taken into account and the model is based on current variables that may change over time. These synthetic estimates are useful, but actual knowledge of local conditions is more important in planning for the health care needs of the elderly. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Editorial, Demographic aspects, Health planning

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Guilt, shame, and religious and spiritual pain

Article Abstract:

The need for hospice teams to consider the religious and spiritual fears of dying people is discussed.

Terminal care, Religious aspects

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Easing elders' pain

Article Abstract:

Issues concerning pain assessment and pain management in the elderly are discussed.

Care and treatment, Pain, Pain management

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