- Published: September 14, 2022
- Updated: September 14, 2022
- University / College: Arizona State University
- Level: Undergraduate
- Language: English
- Downloads: 14
The second photo is an evocative portrayal of an aged woman in the company of young children. She seems to enjoy their presence and they too seem to understand that their company is essential for her cheerfulness. The Australian policy for the aged provides an opportunity for the aged to access inexpensive and high quality care services. The policy designates the term “ aged” to imply persons aged more than 65 years. The government and non-governmental organizations are involved in provision of care to the aged (Fulmer et al. 2003).
Care for the elderly is a significant aspect of a civilized population. Gaugler et al. (2003) observed that the test for civilization in any society is the manner in which it takes care of its frail members. The policy for the aged in Australia safeguards old people in the society from fearing the young as well as feeling misplaced. If the aged are offered the necessary attention and care, their life is prolonged and opportunistic ailments in old age may be avoided thereby reducing the cost of care as well as the workload of the caregivers (Baxter 2000).
It is important to teach children and the youth that the aging were young just like them and that they too are headed for old age. Sometimes the old might be perceived as having little contribution to the society’s advancement in terms of wealth creation and social development. Nevertheless, the young need to appreciate the efforts of those who came before them in the maintenance of an enabling environment for them to act. For example, if the aged polluted the environment and caused the depletion of natural resources available at this particular time, the youth could not enjoy living on earth as they do (Fulmer et al. 2003).
Naturally, an old person who is ill treated in the society visualizes it as the young population taking advantage of the weak. Baxter (2000) cautioned that the society should not let their aging population regret their own existence. Rather, they should be made to feel loved and useful in community affairs. Furthermore, their experience is critical in molding and instilling good morals to the young. The natural wisdom they possess as a result of having interacted and worked with diverse people for a long time may have a significant impact on the conduct of future generations. Stigmatization of the aged may result in the loss of a resourceful component of the society since their capacity to actively participate in communal activities.
According to Gaugler et al. (2003), caring for the elderly is one of the most fulfilling activities that a noble person desires. It is important for a young person to feel appreciated for prolonging the life of another person, whether sick or disabled. Kouzes and Posner (2007) observe that one’s actions determine the kind of leader that can develop from him/her. Even though some qualities such as charisma are inborn, young people should be encouraged to develop leadership qualities through participating in judicious activities that promote the quality of life for all humans. Those who care for the aged should be encouraged and supported to understand the significance of their work, which sometimes could be overwhelming especially if the victim is at an advanced age in which he/she may suffer from various opportunistic ailments such as dementia (Baxter 2000).
Reference
Baxter, E. 2000, “ Caregiver assessment: Learn about the caregiver, distinct from the person with dementia”. Alzheimer’s Care Quarterly, Vol. 1 (3), pp 62-70.
Fulmer, T., Firpo, A., Guadagno, L., Easter, T., 2003. “ Themes from a grounded theory analysis of elder neglect assessment by experts”. The Gerontologist, Vol. 43 (5), pp 745-752.
Gaugler, J., Kane, R., Kane, R., Clay, T. & Newcomer, R. 2003. “ Caregiving and institutionalization of cognitively impaired older people: Utilizing dynamic predictors of change”. The Gerontologist, Vol. 43 (2), pp 219-229.
Kouzes, J. M. & Posner B. Z. (2007). The leadership challenge, Wiley & Sons