Haims: Being actively committed to a healthy aging process
This is the final installment of a three-part series on aging and disabilities.
In the United States during the 1970s, a movement began that was labeled the “Independent Living Movement.” As this name would imply, the idea was to have older citizens live independently for as long as possible through the use of “consumer-directed” services. This was addressed by a full range of educational programs focusing on the services (both programs and facilities), and by lowering the costs of supporting those older Americans who were becoming disabled.
The underlying theory in this movement was called “Compression of Morbidity” and was developed by , a professor of immunology and rheumatology at Stanford. In this theory, as we age and through the use of smarter living habits (more exercise, better nutrition, more timely medical care, etc.), folks would live longer without disability, thus “compressing” any disabilities into a very short time frame at the end of one’s life.
Unfortunately, according to Kenneth Brummel-Smith, the former chair of the Department of Geriatrics at Florida State University’s College of Medicine and a leader in the field for almost 30 years, “the longer we live, the greater the likelihood that we will spend an increasing percentage of our older years living dependently rather than independently.”
As we age, our abilities to function as we did throughout our youth oftentimes become impaired 鈥� our eyesight degenerates, our muscle mass reduces, flexibility suddenly vanishes, recalling names or events with clarity can be challenging, our heart weakens, etc. This is a medical viewpoint that has been widespread throughout the United States.
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This medical model of disability is in stark contrast to the social model of disability, which identifies the increasing social isolationism (from work, from friends, from family) as a functional disability. It also distinguishes social disability as a “social exclusion” versus the medical model of disability, which views disability as a body “impairment” function. But in all honesty, are they so far apart?
The reality is that although we often define aging by the chronological aging process, in today’s world, many other factors account for the degree of our aging. For example, genetics (i.e., congenital heart disease) can be responsible for carrying a disease from one generation to the next. And then there is the medical ability to alter such genetic realities.
Retirement age is yet another labeling point. Recently, to address the Social Security situation, the age for retirement (specifically, when we might be eligible to receive benefits) has been on the rise. Lifestyle changes appear to be accounting for improved health for a greater period 鈥� remember the theory of compression of morbidity? The last time Congress passed a law changing the retirement age was in 1983. At that time, Congress passed a law to gradually raise the age because people were living longer and were generally healthier in older age.
This year, the Social Security Administration has announced several key changes to the program. Now, the cost of living adjustment will be raised by 2.5%. This adjustment will amount to an average increase of $50 in monthly benefits for retired workers on Social Security. Also, starting this year, the maximum earnings subject to Social Security taxes will increase to $176,100 from $168,600 鈥� meaning more of people’s income will be subject to the tax. Also, the maximum Social Security benefit will increase from $3,822 to $4,018. Unfortunately, this move is far from commensurate to our increased costs of living.
These examples suggest that the old method of managing health care 鈥� that of linking most forms of health care to chronological age is gradually changing 鈥� albeit slowly. It is becoming increasingly important to also review the social side of aging as an important factor in funding sources.
The reality is that our society isolates our citizens. Whether it is due to disability or age, both groups are excluded from work situations and groups experience social ostracizing from normal social functions. People on average are living longer, and the longer one lives the greater the expectation for a longer life.
With this longer life expectancy comes the increased likelihood that one will encounter some form of disability. Are aging and disability inextricably linked? I certainly think they are and should be viewed as, if not similar, at least connected as a result of the aging process.
When we consider aging and disability, we should take a holistic view of:
- Lifestyle
- Medical processes
- Forms of support (both financial and educational)
- Family involvement
- Government programs
- All of the intangibles that coexist within the aging process
We need to be actively committed to a healthy aging process. An aging process that is proactive and supportive regardless of one’s chronological age or physical impairment. As people live longer, society needs to adapt by prioritizing preventative health care, rethinking retirement ages and workforce participation, ensuring affordable long-term care options, and adapting education systems to accommodate lifelong learning opportunities.
After all, once we are born, we all age. It is important to include all people, whether disabled or simply older, in our aging policies. Arbitrary limits of age and ability only serve to label and isolate potentially active, involved citizens from society. It is time we turned our attention to a proactive stance regarding our citizens, rather than seeing aging and disability as a negative force in our world.
The rise in human life expectancy over the past few decades has been a remarkable accomplishment of modern medicine, nutrition and education. However, as corporations chase astronomical profit margins from the increasing quality of life and life expectancy, our politicians and governments must take the lead and address health care costs and reimbursements that have risen much faster than social security, Medicare benefits, and cost of living.
As a society, every one of us must demand that the politicians we vote for take an immediate and active stance to make changes that put our public well-being before that of financial and political interests.
Judson Haims is the owner of Visiting Angels Home Care in Eagle County. He is an advocate for our elderly and is available to answer questions. Connect with him at jhaims@visitingangels.com.
