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Technology and the Elderly, 2002. This paper examines the ways that technology has benefited the lives of the elderly. 1,135 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 3 sources, MLA, AU$ 59.95 »
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Abstract This paper explains that one of the earliest evidences of technology benefiting the elderly was the advent of reading glasses. The author relates that improving vision at night is an important safety advancement; therefore, Cadillac has created a night vision program that provides additional information to what the eyes can see. The paper stresses that another possible technology for the future would be robots that can perform basic housework tasks.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Past
Present
Future
Conclusion
From the Paper "Another excellent technological invention from the past was the invention of the wheelchair. The wheelchair allows mobility. In the same way the aging process reduces the ability to see, it often reduces the ability to be mobile. Whether it is arthritis, a broken bone, or other physical problems, causing the inability to get around, a wheelchair can assist. Using a wheelchair allowed those who would otherwise have been bed bound to continue their lives. Past wheelchairs were large and bulky so the elderly who used them still had restrictions about where they could go."
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Managed Care, 2002. A look at the issues concerning fee-for-service vs. managed health care in relation to the elderly population. 1,435 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 10 sources, MLA, AU$ 71.95 »
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Abstract This paper examines how in recent years, managed health care has flourished, particularly in relation to the elderly population. It shows how how, after the change in Medicare services from fee-based to managed care, senior citizens have seen a number of changes to their health care, both in terms of their options as patients and in the services received. It looks at how these changes impact the patients, their families, and the medical staff responsible for their current state of health. It also analyses how, with the extended use of advanced practice nurses, tighter ethical control, and more participation of health care providers, there is hope that the managed care system can still function as designed and how, if steps are taken to ensure quality and quantity of providers, the managed care system can lead to lower costs and better care for our elderly population.
From the Paper "By definition, managed care is as a combination of insurance and a health care delivery system. The goal of managed care is to organize all health care services received by a patient in order to maximize the benefits of those services, and to minimize their costs. By using a predetermined network of health care providers, the managed care system can avoid over inflated costs. In addition, by requiring prior approval from a primary care doctor for certain services, managed care also avoids unnecessary health related tests and other costs. Managed care plans use their own network of health care providers and a system of prior approval from a primary care doctor in order to achieve this goal."
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Isolation in the Elderly, 2002. An examination of the physical and psychological factors that lead to elderly depression and isolation. 2,024 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 8 sources, MLA, AU$ 97.95 »
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Abstract This paper covers some of the factors that cause isolation and loneliness in the aging population. It provides a few examples of how these problems can be reduced or eliminated through the acquisition of needed medical instruments, such as hearing aids, pharmaceuticals like anti-depressants, and support from social workers and health care workers. It also emphasizes the importance of lifetime education for the elderly to learn new skills and teach others from their own past experiences in order to build self-esteem and considerably lessen their feelings of alienation and isolation.
From the Paper "Mental disorders affect 15 to 25 percent of the senior population. Such psychological factors can also lead to feelings of isolation. Medications, genetic predisposition, chronic medical conditions, pain or the fear of chronic discomfort, stress and chemical abuse can all cause depression. This, in turn, leads to isolation and despondency. With such a wide spectrum of etiological causes of depression, caretakers must be alert to changes in mood in the individuals under their care and report it to health professionals. Medical specialists cannot assume that such a condition comes naturally with age and will go away on its own, but be attentive and provide treatment that is necessary."
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Alzheimers, 2002. An explanation of the disease known as Alzheimers including its cause and how it is treated today. 2,533 words (approx. 10.1 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 115.95 »
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Abstract This paper defines Alzheimer?s as a progressive, degenerative and irreversible brain disease that stifles the normal cognitive and functional abilities of the affected person. The paper studies the disease in a detail by analyzing the symptoms and the etiology along with the diagnostic approaches as well as the currently available treatment methods. In the process, the paper also includes a discussion of some other common forms of dementia and how AD can be differentiated from them.
From the Paper "The main cause for the disease is the destruction of the brain cells particularly in the cortex region. In the first stage of the disease the region in the cerebral cortex that is associated with memory is affected. Then as the disease progresses other regions in the cerebral cortex also undergo progressive deterioration leading to total impairment of functional and cognitive abilities. Though as in any other form of dementia syndrome memory loss is one of the chief and noticeable problems the effect of the disease extends to much more than memory loss and in most of the cases there is a total crippling of the brain functions thereby affecting the individuals ability to relate and respond appropriately to the outside world."
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Social Security, 2002. An overview of the American Social Security program and the challenges it faces. 1,333 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 67.95 »
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Abstract Since its inception, the Social Security system has provided benefits to augment the income of people upon their retirement. However, current projections point to a crisis in Social Security. Experts believe that by 2038, the Social Security trust fund will have been depleted. This paper presents an overview of the current social security crisis and evaluates the plans to address this problem. The first part of the paper provides a history of the Social Security system, from its inception in 1935 to its current status under the federal government. The next part then studies how the Social Security system is funded. In the final part, the paper studies the problems facing many retirees who stand to be adversely affected by the Social Security deficit. It looks at the pitfalls of privatization and other methods now being used to address the problem, such as proposed tax credits, simplifying the tax process and key changes in retirement policy.
From the Paper "A privatized pension allows employers to manage the plan's assets, while promising to credit the worker's pensions with a corresponding interest rate. However, employers have often changed this rate, reducing the value of their employees' pensions. For example, when companies like IBM, AT&T and Citibank switched from traditional pensions to cash balance plan, the pensions paid to longtime employees were significantly reduced. Because of the potential for abuse, conversions to cash-balance plans were banned in 1999. The Bush plan for privatization, however, would allow employers to return to such practices, under the guise of augmenting the Social Security trust fund (Leone)."
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Retirement Plans, 2002. An in-depth look at three types of retirement plans to see which provides a person with better coverage in later years. 12,194 words (approx. 48.8 pages), 14 sources, APA, AU$ 354.95 »
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Abstract Almost one-third of American workers are failing to prepare themselves for a comfortable retirement, according to a new survey conducted by American Express. Lack of knowledge and expertise causes many Americans to make poor choices regarding their retirement options.
The paper shows that saving for retirement is a major challenge for millions of Americans today. With an abundance of retirement options, including tax-deferred retirement plans, 401(k)s and IRAs, investors are often confused about which option will make the most of their savings dollars. This paper provides a review of the fundamental of these powerful retirement options in an effort to provide future retirees with the information needed to start investing in their futures. The study examines three major retirement options?Social Security, 401 (k) plans and IRA Accounts?in an effort to determine whether one type of option is superior over another. This research is based on existing literature, collected from a variety of sources, as well as empirical research derived from the opinions of financial professionals. Basically, this paper reveals whether or not there is a single best retirement option or if different people require different types of investment.
The paper includes tables, graphs and illustrations.
Table of Contents
Chapter One?Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of the Study
Scope of the Study
Rationale of the Study
Definition of Terms
Overview of the Study
Chapter Two?Literature Review
Introduction
All About Social Security
About 401 (k) Plans
How a 401(k) Plan Works
About 401(k) Plans
Advantages of 401 (k) Plans
Maximizing the Potential of a 401 (k) Plan
About IRAs
The Benefits of an IRA
IRAs in a Nutshell
The Traditional IRA
The Roth IRA
Chapter Three?Methodology
Approach to Study
Data Gathering Method
Database of Study
Validity of Data
Originality and Limitations of Study
Chapter Four?Data Analysis
Chapter Five?Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations
From the Paper "Because Social Security provides benefits to millions of Americans, it is often perceived as a like a simple retirement savings account (National Center for Policy Analysis, 2003). Many believe that if they simply contribute through payroll deductions, they will get that money back at retirement. However, Social Security is a complex social program rather than a retirement plan. By design, Social Security involves massive subsidies from retirees, from single workers to married couples, from two-earner couples to one-earner couples, from high-income earners to low, and from those who die early to those who die late."
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Medicare, 2002. An overview of this main source of healthcare for the elderly. 2,859 words (approx. 11.4 pages), 10 sources, APA, AU$ 127.95 »
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Abstract This paper details how the American healthcare system, Medicare, plays an important role in the protection of the elderly. The paper shows the flaws in Medicare's system but argues that its goals to meet the health needs of all America's elderly are being attempted to be met. The paper discusses how Medicare is discarding its original plans and striving to meet the challenges of today's rising costs and changing populations. The paper also looks at the impact of managed care, the similarities between Medicare and Medicaid and the future of Medicare.
From the Paper "One way that Medicare is thinking of cutting costs is by shifting the risk of cost increases to beneficiaries. This is used to stimulate competition and to also change the way that Medicare services are organized. Allegedly, it would deliver the same high level of care but at a lower cost. The two main options for this service are offering vouchers for beneficiaries so that they can purchase the care of their choice, and requiring that beneficiaries enroll in managed care plans. These could potentially be combined with each other, or they may be treated as separate approaches. There are, naturally, both right and wrong ways to reform the Medicare system, and even the definition of right and wrong can vary, depending on who is being asked the question".
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Healthcare Facility, 2002. Discusses the strategic management of a healthcare facility in St. Louis. 1,436 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 15 sources, APA, AU$ 71.95 »
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Abstract Due to changing socio-demographics, the demand for health care and advanced medical technologies is growing consistently in St. Louis, with a concomitant rise in health expenditure. This paper introduces the strategic management of a healthcare facility in St. Louis, based on the micro and macro analysis of demography and economics.
From the Paper "Medicaid and Medicare were implemented in 1965 to provide health and custodial care for people who could not afford it themselves. As Medicaid pays for half of the nursing home expenditures these costs have been rising steadily with the changing demography, and longer life expectancy.[Author not available, 1997] A growing population and rising cost of health facilities has added to the Medicaid expenditure.[Author not available, 1997]
Insurance seems to be a better alternative for providing nursing home care as a vast majority of people over 65 years will not require nursing home care, and the duration of stay for the remainder will likely be short, only 9% remaining more than 5 years.[Author not available, 1997] But expensive premiums, less incentive to purchase insurance due to the availability of Medicaid and desire to remain with family and thus transferring funds to other individuals that could have been used for insurance used on long term nursing care, keeps the burden on Medicaid.[Author not available, 1997]"
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Terminal Dehydration, 2002. This paper reviews the article ?Voluntary Death: A Comparison of Terminal Dehydration and Physician-Assisted Suicide? by Franklin G. Miller and Diane E. Meier. 940 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 50.95 »
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Abstract This paper presents the pro?s and con?s of terminal dehydration, the total withdrawal of food, water and treatment methods from the patient that hastens his death. The author points out that terminal dehydration may prove to be a stressful and excruciating experience for the patient as well as the caregivers because death by terminal dehydration can take as much as 3 to 4 weeks and is crueler than physician-assisted suicide. The author believes that whatever the reasoning we still cannot justify terminal dehydration or any other form of foregoing life as an acceptable clinical practice and stresses the importance of palliative care based on love and a sense of collective responsibility of taking care of the incapacitated elders.
From the Paper "Since it is within the legitimate rights of the patient to either refuse or accept treatment, terminal dehydration is legally admissible. Hence, there are no real legal conflicts or controversies involved in terminal dehydration. On the other hand, it is a breach of the fundamental rights of the patient and a compromise on his autonomy to coerce him to undergo painful, restrictive and intrusive treatment methods. However, we have to understand that the absence of legal restrictions does not suggest an automatic approval of terminal dehydration as an acceptable clinical practice. In other words, terminal dehydration is not absolved of the ethical and moral controversies which surround other active forms of euthanasia."
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Women and Retirement, 2002. Examines the growing fiscal health problem many women face upon retirement. 3,775 words (approx. 15.1 pages), 13 sources, MLA, AU$ 156.95 »
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Abstract Recent reports highlight how the gender gap in wages affects women's retirement as well. According to a report from the Women's Institute for a Secure Retirement (WISER), older women are twice as likely as men to be poor after retiring. Compared to their male counterparts, older women have to make do with less Social Security benefits, fewer and smaller pensions and less individual savings. This paper examines the growing fiscal health problem many women face upon retirement. Instead of having a nest egg to live upon, many women face the real possibility of poverty, even after retiring from a lifetime of hard work.
The first part of the paper presents a general picture of the fiscal resources available to and problems faced by women upon their retirement. In addition to this general picture, the paper pays special attention to the problems faced by minorities like Hispanic and African-American women. The next part of the paper looks at the factors behind these problems, such as divorce, widowhood and women?s care- giving duties. The main factor behind many women?s inability to save for retirement, however, remains the gender gap that continues to plague much of the working world. The third part of the paper thus explores the effects of gender on the pay scales of men and women across disparate fields, from academia to management to blue-collar operations. It also looks at how these unequal pay scales continue, despite legislation that mandates equity in pay. The fourth part of the paper examines the link between the gender gap in wages to the phenomenon of women?s poverty upon retirement. It shows how pay inequity means that women work more, earn less and as a result, often have less money for their retirement. Finally, the paper looks at the steps women can take to address these issues and prepare for their retirement.
From the Paper "In a study of wage differentials across the service professions, Margaret Gibelman found that the median salary for both sexes is higher in service occupations that are predominantly male, such as construction and surveying. Conversely, the mean wages for both sexes is significantly lower in occupations where women comprise more than 75 percent of the workforce, such as nursing and receptionists (Gibelman). Gibelman?s study implies that women suffer from two forms of discrimination in the service and sales industries. First is discrimination on an individual level, where women get paid less than their male counterparts for the same work. Second, there is a marked discrimination against occupations that have a large female employee base and could therefore be labeled as ?women?s occupations.? It is difficult to make comparisons between occupations like cashiers, 90 percent of whom are women, and janitors, 70 percent of whom are men. However, the fact remains that even male-dominated professions that utilize unskilled labor generally still command higher median incomes."
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Depression in Old-Age, 2002. Discusses the myth that most elderly individuals suffer from depression, disillusionment and lack of well-being. 1,588 words (approx. 6.4 pages), 7 sources, APA, AU$ 77.95 »
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Abstract While it is true that a greater proportion of individuals in nursing homes have depression than the general population, the majority of these individuals are over 80 and experience chronic illness and pain. In addition, many of them have lost their loved ones and are alone most of the day. This paper discusses the factors which lead to the popular belief that depression and lack of well-being affect anybody over the age of 65. Some of the factors discussed include media attention on the negative aspects of aging, the focus on youth and beauty and general stereotyping. The paper also looks at several studies done on the myth about a clear-cut link between growing old and losing one?s sense of well-being. The paper concludes that depression and despondency are not preset characteristics of all aging individuals. Rather, they are symptoms of other problems such as boredom, economic or social disadvantage or chronic illness.
From the Paper "Lucille B. Bearon, Ph.D. recommends that a two-tiered approach to defining successful aging (one for healthy older adults and one for the frail) more accurately fits the realities of aging. As the older population increases in diversity, the concept of successful aging may become even more difficult to define without expanding the number of models. One solution may be to return to an earlier theme that successful aging is in the eye of the beholder. In this case, successful aging is measured by indicators of subjective well-being such as life satisfaction, happiness, morale, perceived quality of life or other related measures of negativity such as depression, anxiety, etc."
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Employee Retention, 2002. Examines the problem of employee retention in a long-term care facility. 5,133 words (approx. 20.5 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 193.95 »
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Abstract Using the example of Silver Falls Long-Term Care Facility, the paper discusses what can be done to reduce the alarming statistic for the annual turnover of nursing aides which is above 100%. The paper examines the facility and its management staff and gives an overview of the job description of a nursing aide. The paper then details some of the reasons for the high turnover percentage, including lack of mental stimulation, long hours, low pay and personal conflicts within the work-place. Finally, the paper offers solutions for this problem such as benefit packages, tuition reimbursement plans and higher wages.
From the Paper "Onsite training both helps and hurts the retention in the facility, as we are not allowed to require nursing assistants to work for us for any amount of time based on the completion of the course work. For this, reason our facility as well as the other facilities. are often seen as a first step into the industry rather than a place to continue employment. Yet, the benefits of direct training outweigh any cost associated with loss of employees. The goal is to develop the education program to such a degree that it offers real answers to the real challenge of the industry and expresses the commitment of the organization to employee retention and benefits."
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Female Sexuality, 2002. Examines many of the aspects of female sexuality including female sexual identity, sexuality and aging and female sexual dysfunction. 2,950 words (approx. 11.8 pages), 25 sources, MLA, AU$ 131.95 »
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Abstract This paper reviews several articles discussing female sexuality. It reviews articles on what female sexuality is, what is involved in the sexuality of females, what helps aide in feminine sexuality and what hinders a women's sexuality. The paper looks at some of the problems associated with women's sexuality and whether these are perceived, physical, or medical problems. Finally,it examine how women see their own sexuality.
From the Paper "Before the advent of the ?sexual revolution? in the 1960s the subject of female sexuality was considered taboo in so called polite society. Discussion of sexuality by females was viewed as an aberration. Women were taught and told that the normal reaction of women towards sexual intercourse was that they generally did not feel any physical or emotional pleasure from it. Sex was a means to an end; by performing their wifely duty to please their mates women were subjugated to the role of baby maker. This severe repression of female sexuality and its total submission to reproductive functions determined the limits of knowledge for untold generations of women (Gomex 1995)."
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Retirement Planning, 2002. A review of the options available for sound planning towards the retirement age. 1,868 words (approx. 7.5 pages), 3 sources, MLA, AU$ 89.95 »
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Abstract This paper explores different strategies for developing a financial and retirement plan. The paper takes into account the realities of today?s economy, worker career mobility and phased retirement. Tradeoffs between working longer before retirement, aggressive investing and the role real estate play in an investment portfolio will be highlighted.
Contents:
Financial Planning ? Working Toward the Future
Retirement Planning
401(k)
Traditional IRAs
Simplified Employee Pension
Savings Incentive Match Plan
Portfolios Need Real Estate
From the Paper "There are 76 million Americans who were born between the years 1946 and 1964, they are the so-called baby-boom generation. Fifty-five million Americans are age 55 and older, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Within that number, there are 35 million who are 65 and older, and by 2030 that amount will double to 70 million. Surprisingly the fastest-growing segment of senior citizens is of those who are 85 years old or older."
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Financing Long Term Care, 2002. This paper discusses that the United States most develop an adequate system for long-term care to meet the long-term care needs of an aging population. 2,735 words (approx. 10.9 pages), 15 sources, APA, AU$ 122.95 »
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Abstract This paper states that concerns about anticipated demographic changes are escalating the financing problem of long-term care for the elderly. The author relates that nursing home care costs can average approximately fifty-five thousand dollars annually per person with many nursing home residents paying the bulk of the rates out of their own pockets. The author believes that a legitimate solution to resolve the problem is to go to a single payer national health insurance program, a single government fund within each state, which pays hospitals, physicians and other health care providers.
From the Paper "Some alternative financing options for long-term care financing can emerge from homeownership but the financial industry has to agree that there is a viable reason in pursuing these options. For example, the public in recent years has pursued the home equity conversions but banks have made these instruments remain limited. In the case of fixed-term reverse mortgages, which I discussed earlier, the lending institutions have shown a reluctance to enter into these nontraditional relationships. ?The banking industry may have considered the fact that in the situation of where the elderly live longer than expected, it may force the financial institutions to foreclose or postpone claiming their assets. Banks do not like waiting to be repaid, and foreclosing on elderly widows conjures up the worst image of bankers. Neither option is attractive to the financial community.? "
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Aging, 2002. This paper points out the many problems of the aging population. 835 words (approx. 3.3 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 44.95 »
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Abstract This paper states that the United States will be seeing a dramatic increase in the elderly population as the ?baby boomer? generation reaches retirement age. The paper explains that there is no evidence to show that the brain begins to show signs of wear in old age thus resulting in mental illness. The author concludes that the cost of medical care is a major problem for most older people.
From the Paper "Not all people age at the same rate. While living 65 years or longer may give a person a greater probability of contracting a debilitating, chronic disease, old age does not cause chronic illness. Living a great number of years just increases the probability of contracting one. It is necessary to distinguish what can be considered normal wear and tear on the body, or the natural result of aging."
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