Geriatric care advocacy
As the world’s population ages, advocating for quality care of older adults is increasingly important. Geriatric care advocacy involves supporting policies and programs that promote dignity, health, and independence for seniors. This article will discuss the need for geriatric advocacy, key issues advocates address, and ways individuals can get involved in the advocacy process.
The Aging Population
Advocacy for older adults has grown in relevance due to rapid population aging worldwide. According to the United Nations, the number of people aged 60 years or older will more than double from 962 million globally in 2017 to nearly 2.1 billion in 2050 (United Nations, 2019). Many nations now have “super-aged” societies where over 20% of their population is elderly (World Health Organization, 2021). This demographic shift creates both opportunities and challenges.
On one hand, seniors represent a vast store of wisdom and experience. Many remain active contributors to their families and communities well into their later years. However, population aging also increases demands on healthcare systems and social services. It brings greater risks of age-related illnesses, disabilities, and cognitive decline. Ensuring dignified, affordable support for the growing senior population requires advocacy and policy changes.
Key Issues in Geriatric Care
Some of the most pressing issues advocates work to address through legislation, programs, and community awareness include:
Access to affordable long-term care: As disabilities and chronic conditions become more common with advanced age, many seniors require some level of long-term care assistance. However, costs for nursing homes, assisted living, and in-home care can be prohibitive. Advocates push for expanded public long-term care insurance and community support programs to make care more accessible and affordable (Congressional Budget Office, 2013).
Elder abuse prevention: Sadly, an estimated 1 in 10 Americans aged 60 and older have experienced some form of abuse, neglect, or exploitation (National Council on Aging, 2021). Advocates work to strengthen legal protections, increase funding for adult protective services, and educate the public on recognizing and reporting signs of elder mistreatment.
Ageism and social isolation: Negative stereotypes about aging can negatively impact seniors’ well-being and limit their opportunities for meaningful social roles (World Health Organization, 2021). Advocates promote intergenerational programs and policies countering ageist attitudes in healthcare, employment, and the community. They also support initiatives addressing loneliness and social isolation among older adults.
Healthcare access and affordability: Medical costs are a leading cause of bankruptcy for American seniors (Himmelstein et al., 2009). Advocates lobby for expanded and affordable health insurance options like Medicare and Medicaid. They also promote low-cost community health programs helping seniors access preventive care, chronic disease management, and other services.
Elder economic security: Many seniors struggle with inadequate retirement savings and rising living expenses. Advocates support policies like Social Security cost-of-living adjustments, increased minimum wage, and property tax relief programs to help low-income older citizens meet basic needs.
Elder-friendly community design: Features like accessible housing, transportation, sidewalks, and public spaces can empower seniors to remain active community members as they age. Advocates promote “livable community” initiatives and the removal of architectural and transportation barriers that isolate older residents (AARP, 2018).
These are just some of the key issues addressed through geriatric advocacy efforts. By bringing attention to seniors’ needs and rights, advocates work to shape policies and attitudes supporting healthy and fulfilling aging.
Advocacy in Action
There are many ways individuals and organizations can get involved in geriatric advocacy work. Some options include:
Contacting elected officials: Writing letters, making phone calls, or meeting with representatives encourages them to consider senior issues in policymaking. This can include supporting proposed bills, voting records on relevant legislation, and budget appropriations.
Volunteering: Many advocacy groups rely on volunteers for tasks like administrative work, community education, event planning, and more. This is a hands-on way to contribute time and skills to the cause.
Joining advocacy organizations: Formal membership in advocacy-focused nonprofits like AARP, the Alzheimer’s Association, or state Councils on Aging provides opportunities to participate in campaigns, attend conferences/trainings, and stay informed on issues.
Educating others: Sharing information through social media, presentations, and casual conversations raises awareness of challenges facing seniors and the advocacy work making a difference.
Attending public meetings: Speaking up at local government and agency hearings brings seniors’ lived experiences to the policymaking process. This can involve issues like long-term care funding, transportation access, and community programs.
Making donations: Financial support enables advocacy groups to conduct research, launch public awareness campaigns, hire staff, and take policy positions. Even small donations make an impact when combined with those from others who care about the issues.
Caring for an older family member or friend is itself a form of advocacy, as daily challenges faced can provide valuable perspectives to share. Overall, there are many entry points for individuals to advocate for quality geriatric care through direct participation, education, and philanthropic support of relevant organizations.
Conclusion
As the world’s population ages rapidly, advocating for policies and programs that support healthy and dignified aging takes on growing importance. Key issues addressed through geriatric advocacy efforts include access to long-term care, elder abuse prevention, ageism, healthcare affordability, economic security, and elder-friendly community design. Individuals have many options to get involved through contacting elected officials, volunteering, joining advocacy groups, educating others, attending public meetings, and making donations. Together, these actions can help shape a society that meets the needs of our growing senior population.
References
AARP. (2018, October 10). What are livable communities? AARP. https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/network-age-friendly-communities/info-2014/what-are-livable-communities.html
Congressional Budget Office. (2013, April). Rising demand for long-term services and supports for elderly people. https://www.cbo.gov/publication/44363
Himmelstein, D. U., Thorne, D., Warren, E., & Woolhandler, S. (2009). Medical bankruptcy in the United States, 2007: Results of a national study. The American journal of medicine, 122(8), 741–746. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2009.04.012
National Council on Aging. (2021). Elder abuse facts. https://www.ncoa.org/article/elder-abuse-facts
United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division (2019). World Population Ageing 2019: Highlights. ST/ESA/SER.A/430.
World Health Organization. (2021, June 1). Ageing and health. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ageing-and-health