Vulnerable Population and Self Assessment Paper

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Vulnerable Population and Self Assessment Paper Kusum Rao Nur/440 Vulnerable Elderly Population In modern U.S. society, there are many groups of people that differ in race, age, ethnic background, and wealth among many distinguishing factors. It is important to note the vulnerable populations within such a collection of people so that society may utilize its resources to help them in times of need. According to Lu Ann Aday, vulnerable populations are “populations which are at risk of poor physical, psychological, or social health” (Aday, 2009). An example of a vulnerable population that fits these criteria are the aging and elderly population in our society. Members of this population experience many difficulties and risks that are physical, emotional, and psychological and must be given care and support. The elderly population makes up a substantial amount of the general population in the U.S. and is on a rise in the coming years. “As late as 1930, America's older population numbered less than 7 million—only 5.4% of the population. Today, one out of every 9 Americans is "old"—another former youth turns 50 every 8 seconds. Those aged 65 and older now exceed 35 million. 77 million baby boomers, born from 1946 through 1964, are surging toward retirement, with more than 3.5 million Boomers turning 55 each year. An outstanding 1 in 5 people are expected to be 65 years of age or older by 2035” (Pirkl, 2009). A factor that directly influences this increase in the elderly population is the increase in the longevity of the general population. According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, life expectancy has risen to 78 years of age, resulting from effective disease control and public health initiatives (Pirkl, 2009). These numbers clearly indicate the need to address the concerns of the elderly by the total population. It is not possible or ethical to

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