Identify the characters which make the aged a unique entity.

Essay by katrinawolfendenHigh School, 12th grade March 2004

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There are many special characteristics that show that the Aged is a unique entity.

The aged population spans over an age group of 30 to 40 years, and so therefore the needs and wants of the aged will be very diverse which makes this group quite unique.

There are many health issues and chronic illnesses associated with the aged, such as; dementia, Parkinson's disease, stroke, heart attack, arthritis, vision and hearing problems, high blood pressure, varicose veins and diabetes. It is safe to say that because the aged population spans over so many years and is growing that they have the most health issues in our society.

The aged population is increasing; especially considering the baby boomers will be reaching retirement age over the next 10 years. With such a large group of people in retirement, the rest of the working population will have to support them. In N.S.W.

the aged population is increasing at a faster rate than the rest of the population.

The aged have the highest percentage of home ownership in society with 75% of the aged owning their own homes. The elderly prefer to live in their own homes rather than a nursing home but they need a lot of support and services to enable them to stay there. Older people are less likely to move house than younger people.

The number of people over the age of 75 living alone is increasing and this has implications for the health and welfare services that must be provided in order to assist the aged living alone, such as; home modification services, home visiting, housekeeping, person care, meals on wheels, and home nursing. The amount of older people living alone is expected to rise to 29% by 2006.

Many elderly people don't have family around to look...