Aging Is a Natural Phenomenon, Research Paper Example

Abstract

Aging is a natural phenomenon, yet it is challenging for many individuals because it contributes to a gradual loss of independence and an overall decline in health. Therefore, the concept of “aging gracefully” is significant to many people, particularly as they aim to preserve their livelihood for as long as possible. Nonetheless, aging introduces many changes that require further consideration, such as the loss of freedom and autonomy, as well as a greater dependence on others as a means of survival. This process is very difficult for some individuals and requires a delicate balance between preserving these interests for as long as possible and in caring for an individual who requires additional assistance because he or she is no longer fully independent. This is a bioethics issue because it examines the ethical rights of older adults and how to care for their physical, mental, and psychological needs in an effective manner.

Introduction to the Topic

The natural progression of aging is complex and multifaceted on many levels; therefore, it requires a high level understanding of the challenges and opportunities that impact older adults who require medical care and treatment. There is a strong bioethical framework to the care and treatment of older adults, particularly in Western countries as aging contributes to a slow decline in physical and mental function (Abma, Bruijn, Kardol, Schols, & Widdershoven, 2012). In this context, older adults who experience this level of decline require additional attention and focus because their independence is slowly minimized, and as a result, they require an extended level of support from other human beings (Abma et.al, 2012). There are a number of significant challenges that older adults face that ultimately compromise their health in many cases, and these issues may lead to bioethical discussions regarding whether or not they are given the proper attention and treatment during this stage of life. This argument is relevant because it provides a basis for exploring new approaches to supporting and preserving the quality of life of older adults, in spite of the issues that they face during this stage.

The number of older adults in Western countries continues to increase, and at the same time, chronic disease and dementia continue to rise (Abma et.al, 2012). Therefore, it is important to identify specific resources that are available to preserve the independence of older adults, in spite of these challenges (Abma et.al, 2012). Older adults who can no longer care for themselves independently often require relocation to different types of facilities, which is known to have a “depersonalizing effect and stimulates passivity” (Abma et.al, 2012, p. 22). In this context, the aging population may benefit from the clinical care that is provided within a facility, but their freedom and autonomy suffer in the process (Abma et.al, 2012). This is a difficult position to be in from an older adult’s perspective because it limits his or her ability to make decisions independently and to have full control over life (Amba et.al, 2012). It is expected that these issues will create new challenges for older adults, particularly as they realize that they want to preserve their freedom and do not want to be a burden to others in any way, and this juxtaposition of events is difficult to address and to manage on many levels (Abma et.al, 2012).

Significance of the Topic for Bioethics

There is a sense of duty applied to the older adult population that is deeply rooted in bioethical discussions; therefore, this requires a high level understanding of the core values and beliefs may translate into the care and treatment of older adults, particularly when there is a perceived duty to provide care (Abma et.al, 2012). The following discussion will address the care of older adults in greater detail and will identify a struggle that often exists within the older adult population that involves their loss of independence and the necessity for other adults to provide adequate care to meet their needs. One of the most important issues to consider is that the express wishes of older adults are not always realized or accepted. Therefore, they are placed into a situation that is emotionally and psychologically unfavorable, even if it is the only option. This process requires a greater understanding of how human beings relate to older adults and how bioethics plays a role in this natural occurrence within the human condition.

Autonomy and the Older Adult

As they gradually age and begin to lose some of their independence, it is inevitable that many older adults also lose some of their autonomy and require additional levels of support from those within their circle (Abma et.al, 2012). This set of circumstances is often very difficult to accept and it limits the opportunities that are available to them as they age; therefore, the loss of autonomy and independence are largely felt on many levels (Abma et.al, 2012). One of the areas to examine in regards to loss of autonomy is to better understand how to minimize some of the loss that is experienced by patients as they age and lose their independence, and to determine how to maintain as much freedom as possible at this level (Abma et.al, 2012). Many older adults who have been social throughout their lives also want to continue to be noticed; therefore, they require a high level of attention that will

It is known that self-determination is the primary emphasis in making decisions that impacts older adults, and this process requires a high level understanding of the issues and challenges that impact autonomy in a positive manner (Dreger, 2012). This set of circumstances also requires those working with older adults to protect their dignity as best as possible, given the situations that they face (Dreger, 2012). This is an important step in the discovery of new strategies to protect autonomy and to reflect upon the needs of patients who require some degree of assistance due to a loss of independence in their lives (Dreger, 2012). These factors have a significant impact on older adults and their overall wellbeing; therefore, this requires an effort from caregivers to address the challenges related to caring for these adults in a manner that demonstrates a high level of respect and commitment towards their needs in a dignified and respectful manner (Dreger, 2012).  For many older adults, autonomy is perhaps the most important factor in their lives, particularly as they begin to realize that they no longer function at the same level as when they were younger, and as a result, it is necessary to determine how to overcome some of this frustration and allow individuals to be as autonomous as possible at this stage of their lives (Dreger, 2012).

It is also known that “Care ethicists emphasize that autonomy can only be developed in relationships with others, in situations of dependence…autonomy can be fostered through intervention from others and that people need other people to develop their identity, integrity and dignity” (Abma et.al, 2012, p. 28). This perspective is relevant because it captures the essence of the relationship between older adults and those who provide care to them, whether it is family members, friends, or healthcare providers (Abma et.al, 2012). This perspective is also critical because it shapes the response to older adults who wish to remain autonomous in spite of recognizing their own limitations and how this impacts their lives and their way of being (Abma et.al, 2012). With respect to the ethical complications of growing older, it is important to identify the resources and challenges that are involved in this process and to focus on other methods that will have a negative impact on this population, using the tools and resources that are available to guide older adults in preserving some degree of autonomy in this process.

Vulnerability and the Older Adult

Older adults who struggle with the changes that they are experiencing with respect to personal health may encounter a higher level of vulnerability than they are accustomed to, which requires them to accept support and take direction from other people. This is a difficult reality to accept because it strips them of their integrity and self-worth in many ways and also leads them to a highly vulnerable state that is difficult to overcome (Rogers, Mackenzie, & Dodds, 2012). From a bioethical perspective, older adults must be protected from unnecessary risk or harm, particularly as they struggle with the changes in their lives (Rogers et.al, 2012). Furthermore, it is not surprising that some older adults who experience these difficulties may be resistant to change, particularly those who are of sound mind and body, as this is often a devastating blow to their self-confidence and their ability to be proactive in meeting their needs effectively (Rogers et.al, 2012). From this perspective, individuals require a high level understanding of the challenges that older adults face as they attempt to retain some of their quality of life, even as their physical, psychological, and emotional needs change (Rogers et.al, 2012). This process also requires individuals to be proactive in working with older adults to meet their desired expectations as best as possible, using the tools and resources that are available in this context (Rogers et.al, 2012).

The level of vulnerability that many older adults experience is jarring and difficult to accept on many levels, particularly as it presents a new set of requirements for this group to which they are unaccustomed. In this context, many older adults do not feel as if they are able to maintain the freedom that they deserve, and this creates a new set of issues that require ongoing consideration and focus. The development of a successful framework for caregivers must ultimately recognize vulnerability and determine how to best move forward in order to accomplish optimal health and wellbeing, even with the aging process. This is an important step in determining how to best move forward to support the growth of respect and determination for older adults so that they are able to recapture some of their spirit and also recognize how they might remain valuable contributors to their worlds. In addition, it is necessary to examine the risks associated with vulnerability, as this may increase the potential for a new set of discoveries that may impact health and wellbeing in a negative manner. This process requires a high degree of support and encouragement in order to accomplish the desired objectives and to be mindful of the issues that many older adults face as they become increasingly vulnerable to poor health and possible injury. These circumstances must support a collaborative framework in which to work with older adults so that they are able to recognize the value of developing new ideas and approaches to encourage older adults to be active contributors during these years. This process also encourages caregivers and family members to recognize the vulnerability of older adults and to be mindful of the changes that are taking place at this stage of the life span. This process will also encourage individuals to be respectful of older adults and to recognize that in a state of high vulnerability, there must also be an opportunity to explore new means of addressing issues that may impact older adults in different ways that require the assistance of other persons.

Conclusion

Older adults experience many challenges that contribute to an overall decline in health and a reduction in their quality of life. This is a difficult issue because it impacts other areas of existence and requires a high level of understanding and support from healthcare experts and others in order to protect this population from unnecessary risk or harm. At the same time, it is important to consider how to maintain the dignity and respect of older adults as best as possible, given the conditions that emerge during this life stage. As a result, older adults represent a means of examining bioethical issues with greater focus and scrutiny, particularly as older adults must be able to remain as autonomous as possible and aim to preserve their freedom as best as possible. This process requires an ethically responsible approach that must demonstrate a commitment to employees and must provide a basis for examining new methods to treat older adults with dignity and respect.

When older adults are unable to function at the level of their younger years, it is inevitable that they will also experience other challenges that require their full attention and focus and that demonstrate a high level of support and understanding of the values and beliefs of this population. With this framework in mind, it is important to identify specific methods that will work effectively to meet the needs of older adults and that will retain their spirit for as long as possible. The concepts of vulnerability and autonomy must be addressed at the same time in order to accomplish the desired objectives and to recognize how to be effective in meeting outcomes, particularly when older adults are unable to cope with the changes that are taking place within their lives. These practices require a practical approach to ensure that older adults remain confident and at a low risk of harm, in spite of a decline in health. It is expected that when older adults receive the attention and focus that they deserve, they will be provided with opportunities to preserve their spirit and autonomy to the point that their quality of life will also improve over time.

References

Abma, T., Bruijn, A., Kardol, T., Schols, J., & Widdershoven, G. (2012). Responsibilities in elderly care: Mr Powell’s narrative of duty and relations. Bioethics, 26(1), 22-31.

Dreger, S. M. D. (2012). Autonomy Trumps All. The National Catholic Bioethics Quarterly, 12(4), 653-654.

Rogers, W., Mackenzie, C., & Dodds, S. (2012). Why bioethics needs a concept of vulnerability. International Journal of Feminist Approaches to Bioethics, 5(2), 11-38.