Abstract
Employment for aging is a significant aspect shaping the aging processes during formative years. Therefore, work opportunities combined and consequential impacts later in life merit special consideration. Given that population aging has become a global pattern with ensuing changes in labor markets far and wide, there is increased concern about the impacts of retirement around the globe and the macroeconomic advantages frequently connected with delaying retirement. It is fundamental for nations with aging populations to maintain profitability, given an aging workforce. Governments must make it simpler for individuals to maintain a significant presence in the workforce. This contribution focuses on improving the quality of life for aging individuals instead of only focusing on adding years to their lives.
TopBackground
Gerontology Vs. Geriatrics
Gerontology and geriatrics differ in their core functions. There are critical differences between gerontology and geriatrics, yet they work in concert to mitigate issues involving older adults (Robnett & Chop, 2013). Gerontology is the scientific analysis of aging that assesses the biological, psychological, and sociological factors correlated with aging (Kleineidam et al., 2019). The elements that affect how we age are extensive in range and varied. For instance, biological aspects include genetic background and physical health; psychological influences incorporate levels of cognition, mental health status, and overall well-being; sociological factors extend from interpersonal relationships to society's cultures, policies, and infrastructure (Gilles et al., 2022). In comparison, geriatrics is a medical expression for analyzing, diagnosing, and treating diseases and health problems pertinent to older adults (Huot et al., 2022). Gerontology and geriatrics work to mitigate issues involving older adults by challenging how older adults are perceived in society.
A Sense of Independence
Older adults value their independence and like to be in control of their own lives. There are four challenges that caregivers and older adults face as the older adult's role evolves (Schumacher et al., 2006). For example, cultural perspectives on caregiving and older adults include the fact that older adults value their independence; family members are not always prepared to take on the role of the caregiver; caregivers are typically the eldest daughter or daughter-in-law of the family, yet, other family members are more capable or have the desire to assume the role of the caregiver; older adults tend to maintain their autonomy until they can no longer do so, and financial challenges of being a caregiver to older adults dictate how finances are managed so that older adults who are often on fixed incomes live with other family members.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Geriatric: A medical expression for analyzing, diagnosing, and treating diseases and health problems pertinent to older adults. Gerontology and geriatrics work to mitigate issues involving older adults by challenging how older adults are perceived in society ( Huot et al., 2022 ).
Quality of Life (QOL): This principle is understood from the individual's perspective and embodies feelings of well-being, basic needs are met, opportunities to achieve personal goals and challenges, autonomy, a sense of community, and multidimensionality ( Ranzijn, 2002 ).
Gerontology: Is the scientific analysis of aging that assesses the biological, psychological, and sociological factors correlated with aging ( Meléndez et al., 2022 ; Kleineidam et al., 2019 ).
Telomere Erosion Theory (TET): Age and cell mortality are caused by the gradual loss of the protective telomere nucleotide sequences at the ends of the DNA strands within chromosomes with each new cell division and the resultant inability of those cells to continue to divide ( Libertini et al., 2017 ).
Aging in Place: Means “the individual's ability to continue to live in his or her abode safely, as independently as possible, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level” is observed so that older people can continue their lives with family and friends ( Ortiz-Barrios et al., 2022 ; Stones & Gullifer, 2016 ).
Pharmacokinetics: The study of how drugs travel through the body over time ( Qualls, 2022 ; van den Anker et al., 2018 ).
Pharmacodynamics: A drug’s existent effect on the body ( Qualls, 2022 ).