Following the American Psychological Association’s Guidelines
Modern medicine is now used to keep people alive longer than ever thought possible. Ironically, however, what has happened is we are now more unhealthy than ever before. We deteriorate more quickly in old age because we do not care for ourselves throughout our lives and the health care system cannot keep up with the demands of emerging chronic illnesses. Obesity related illnesses such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, lung disease, cancer, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease, among others, are plaguing humanity .
The health care system struggles to care with those suffering from chronic illnesses. These illnesses cause seven in ten deaths in the United States, showing how prevalent the issue is with the elderly . Unfortunately, people do not often die simply of old age. Furthermore, Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia, heart disease, and other chronic diseases are the leading cause of disability in the U.S., causing a detrimental drain on monetary resources through the government and families, as well as healthcare resources . There is not enough to go around. Cost of healthcare for those suffering from these illnesses has risen ¾. It has risen almost 80% for individuals suffering from heart related conditions .
The expenses alone for those suffering are staggering. Out-of-pocket expenses have risen nearly 50% for the uninsured, and 25% for the insured. Many cannot afford to take care of themselves even when they do have insurance, partially because only part of their treatment is insured, while many aspects of their care is not. Those suffering from chronic illness face lower quality of care. There are not enough healthcare staff to meet demands. People are living long which unfortunately leaders to more pain and suffering (Pandya, Gaziana, Weinstein, & Cutler, 2013).
The cost of caring for elderly patients with heart conditions in 2011 was over $300 billion (Pandya, Gaziana, Weinstein, & Cutler, 2013). Diabetes costs were over $250 billion in 2012 (Kongstevdt, 2013). Including nursing home costs, not spent out-of-pocket by families, $400 billion was spent caring for elderly patients with neurological related chronic illnesses (Thorpe & Philyaw, 2012).
Government expenditure for chronic illnesses was exponential. For the elderly in nursing homes, $300 billion was spent only on healthcare. That is not food or facility upkeep. Out-of-pocket expenses for families was also significant. An estimated $400 million was spent on healthcare alone, with another $100 million being spent on food, clothing, and amenities .
Fortunately, there are ways to prevent chronic illnesses from impacting one in old age. Exercise is important. More than 50% of Americans do not exercise enough to avoid cardiovascular issues later in life (Pandya, Gaziana, Weinstein, & Cutler, 2013). Diet is also a significant factor. Many individuals do not monitor their blood pressure or cholesterol, leaving them open to stroke or other issues, some cardiovascular or neurological. Fruits, vegetables, and grains are important to remaining healthy. Smoking and drinking damage internal organs such as the lungs, liver, kidneys, and heart. Regular check-ups while one is young in order to detect any issues that may impact a person in old age are also important. This can save a person money in old-age, while making life more comfortable over-all.
References
Kongstevdt, P. R. (2013). Essentials of Managed Health Care. Chicago: Jones and Bartlett Publishing.
Pandya, A., Gaziana, T. A., Weinstein, M. A., & Cutler, D. (2013). More Americans Living Longer With Cardiovascular Disease Will Increase Costs While Lowering Quality Of Life. Biomedical Journal, 1706-1714.
Thorpe, K. E., & Philyaw, M. (2012). The Medicalization of Chronic Disease and Costs. Annual Review of Public Health, 409-423.
=
