poltultimate.blogg.se

European countries in large part mirror these trends ( Mudrazija et al., 2020). In the U.S., about half of older women (45%) age 75 and above live alone ( The Administration of Community Living, 2018). Living alone no doubt increases with age due to the loss of a spouse. Census Bureau, the fraction of people ages 65 years and over living alone has increased substantially in recent decades, and it now represents about 30% of individuals in this age group ( U.S. During the global pandemic individuals in most countries are confined to their residencies if possible, but this may be challenging for older adults due to dramatic changes in family living arrangements for aging Americans over the past half century. Death rates from COVID-19 are highest among older adults, especially among those with underlying medical conditions. It concludes with a discussion of what governmental and non-governmental leadership can accomplish in situations such as that brought about by the current crisis.Īs the coronavirus crisis sweeps through nursing homes, our nation is reminded that where we live and with whom we live matters, especially for those of advanced age. It reports the case example of Austin, Texas, a city with a rapidly aging and diverse population of almost a million residents, to ask how we can assess the success of municipalities in responding to the changing needs of older adults in the community due to COVID-19. This essay provides a brief overview of public support and the financial and health benefits for older individuals who remain in the community during the pandemic.

This situation draws attention to the need for benevolent intervention on the part of the state should older adults become ill or lose their sources of income and support during the crisis. Given the shockingly high rates of infections and deaths in nursing homes, staying in the community appears to be a good option for older adults in this crisis, but in order for some older adults to do so much assistance is required. As the coronavirus crisis spreads swiftly through the population, it takes a particularly heavy toll on minority individuals and older adults, with older minority adults at especially high risk.