Aging and Disability Worksheet Essay

Identify 2 or 3 issues faced by the aging population. 1 Unequal treatment in employment – Poverty 2 Face prejudice and discrimination – Ageism 3 Face isolation – Elderly Abuse What is ageism? How does ageism influence the presence of diversity in society? Ageism is the practice of prejudice of discrimination to the elderly. The way that ageism influences the presence of diversity in society is by robbing them of their of their choices, independence and treating them with disrespect. Also by treating them as if they are unable to handle things for themselves as if they have reverted back to an infantile stage. It should be noted that the elderly have a lot of knowledge and wisdom to bring to the table and are able to do the same if not more than society gives them credit for. Society also views elderly people as sickly, frail and unable to take care of themselves. What is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)? How does the ADA address issues for the aging population? The ADA is a civil rights law that was enacted in 1990 and that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. This law addresses the issues for the aging population by protecting anyone that is 40+ from being fired or from employment discrimination. It is designed to protect the aging and/or elderly from being passed over for a promotion or raise, however, it is difficult. This law does in fact protect against being fired, however, it does not do anything for helping obtain employment because of your age. This law was definitely designed to protect the elderly or aging, and in short does help to some degree, however, I personally believe that there is more that can be done to protect the aging or elderly a little more than they are. What is being done to address the issues you identified? There are political organizations that have been established for the elderly. One of those organizations is the Older Women’s League (OWL), which was founded in 1980. Then there is the largest organization is the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), which was founded in 1958. These organizations were founded for the sole purpose of helping the elderly and aging with finding discounts for health insurance, nursing home reform, pension reform, social security benefits and a muriad of other resourses for the aging and the elderly. The AAPR represents 1 in every 4 registered voters in the Untied States. (AARP 2003) Is the number of aging population expected to rise in numbers or decrease? The number of aging population is expected to rise in numbers. According to the Bureau of Census 2008c, the population of baby boomers What types of legislation may or may not be affected by the aging population? How does poverty affect the aging population? Part II Answer the following questions in 100 to 200 words each. Provide citations for all the sources you use. What does the ADA provide for people with disabilities? How have people with disabilities been treated in the past? How has the attitude toward people with disabilities changed over time? What are some unique circumstances or issues encountered by people with disabilities? What is being done to address those issues? What types of legislation have been introduced to address issues faced by people with disabilities? References: http://www.alfa.org/ Racial and Ethnic Groups, Thirteenth edition, by Richard T. Schaefer. Published by Merrill Prentice Hall. Copyright  © 2012 by Pearson Education, Inc. American Disabilities Act National Nedwork, Information, Guidance, and Training on the American with Disability Act /adata.org/