Asian Elderly Female - Research Paper Example

Asian Elderly Female Introduction Elderly females often encounter various physical and psychological mental health issues. Natural biological issues often impact on individuals with advancing age. Most of these issues are chronic care diseases. Mental health issues including problems on depression, despair, anxiety, and senile dementia often have the greatest impact on these elderly individuals. This paper shall explore the social, biological, and psychological influences on the female elderly Asians. It will explore all aspects of the elder population’s well-being, wealth, health, happiness, sadness, level of respect, level of involvement with family members, and other people. This study will also express why I would not like or like to be an elder in this group. This paper is being carried out in order to establish the general health conditions of Asian elderly females, especially in the context of their biological, psychological, and social well-being as a means of establishing early and efficient health services for this group. Body General well-being (biological) The Asian elderly females often suffer from the usual biological and mental health issues, including high blood pressure, diabetes, gouty arthritis and a host of other chronic illnesses. However, these elderly Asians do not receive as much medical care as their adult and younger counterparts (Chee, et.al., 2009). More often than not, their home countries do not provide Medicare services for their elderly. As a result, these elderly females often suffer through various illnesses without any medical care and assistance (Chee, et.al., 2009). The fact that they have endured hard work in their youth can also expose them to various occupational illnesses which can limit their mobility and normal daily functions (Chee, et.al., 2009). As a result, their limited mobility can also increase their risk for falls and for the development of pressure ulcers (Chee, et.al., 2009). Their physical hardships also increase their chances of suffering from other illnesses in their older years, including rheumatism, back problems, and osteoarthritis. Psychological These elderly Asians also go through periods of depression due to fact that most of their children have already left home and have been started their own families (Pritchard and Baldwin, 2002). With untreated depression, the risk for suicide can be high. However, it is important to note also that many of these elderly Asians are cared for by their children or their grandchildren. It is a significant part of Asian culture, part of the extended family life to have grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, children, and grandchildren living in one household (Kramer, et.al., 2002). In close-knit households, less anxiety and depression is suffered by the elderly females because they are surrounded by family members. For the poorer households however, they often end up suffering the same physical and psychological burdens which the family in general is suffering (Kramer, et.al., 2002). For elderly Asian females migrating to other countries, migratory grief and depression seem to be common issues. Their inability to speak English can be a major issue for them, preventing socialization and practical daily activities including grocery-shopping, driving, or eating out (Chan and Zhan, 2002). The cultural differences can be a major shock to them and can cause much confusion and anxiety. Being placed in nursing homes is also less of an option for Asian families and this can either go well or not work well for the family who can be burdened significantly by the personal care of the elderly (Chan and Zhan, 2002). In some instances, this situation can work favorably for the elderly who would likely feel less depressed or anxious in the company of her family. However, their presence can also cause additional burdens on the family. Medical assistance Elderly Asian females are also less likely to seek medical help when they feel any symptoms of disease, in fact, they only opt for medical attention when there is already a major crisis. There are also no preventive measures available with services being underutilized because these women often do not discuss personal health issues with each other or with other people for fear of bringing shame to their families (Stoll-Hadayia, n.d). Moreover, even where these women would seek medical assistance, resources available to them are limited. Seeking services for them is exacerbated by the significant ethnic diversity of the Asian communities as well as their varying cultural practices and experiences (Stoll-Hadayia, n.d). Some local organizations and churches often provide support for Asian families, however, essential services on suicide and depression are often not available. The underreporting of depression and suicide also makes the intervention process for these elderly Asian females difficult. The data on elderly Asian females and their mental status is also inaccurate as a result of the underreporting (Stoll-Hadayia, n.d). Elderly Asian females have one of the highest suicide percentage risks as compared to any other racial groups in the US. According to the New York Coalition for Asian American Mental Health (New York CAAMH, 2002), most of their social risk factors include their isolation which is often exacerbated by acculturation difficulties, limited financial resources, limited knowledge of mental health symptoms, as well as limited access to culturally competent mental health care. Many of these elderly females also do not want to feel like a burden to their families, and as a result, fail to seek medical help or attention for any illnesses they feel. Although they may also feel depressed and may need mental help, they have a negative connotation and perception of mental health, and they believe that seeking mental help would bring shame to their families (CAAMH, 2002). As a result, they opt not to seek mental help. Other issues Donaldson (1986) also reveals a community profile of elderly Asians. He was able to establish that about 95% of the interviewees preferred to be interviewed in their own languages. Half of the respondents came from India and others were from East Asia. Half of the respondents were unable to carry out their independent activities of daily living and about a fifth of the respondents were suffering from urine incontinence (Donaldson, 1986). Very few had access or had awareness of the presence of social services, including meals, social workers, or home help (Donaldson, 1986). Language was a major barrier for them with only a small percentage able to speak English. Many of these women were also illiterate and could not read or write in their language and in the English language (Donaldson, 1986). Social security A report by the United Nations Human Wrongs Watch (2012) also revealed that Asia has the highest percentage of the elderly population, and more than 65% of the population belongs to the female gender. Funding allocations for the elderly in these countries are insufficient and the governments have not established any plans to increase their budget for their elderly population. Most of these elderly females are not also likely to have any social security when they would retire and their chronic illnesses would make matters worse (UN Human Wrong Watch, 2012). The rates of dementia, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and depression are high within this population and many of them do not have the financial capability to ensure adequate and quality health services (UN Human Wrong Watch, 2012). Experts declare that loneliness, feelings of abandonment, feelings of worthlessness, poor mental health and disorientation are major issues for these elderly Asian females. The fact that they are often socially isolated exacerbates issues on their general well-being (UN Human Wrongs Watch, 2012). Educational attainment A survey by the Asian American Federation of New York Census Information Center (AAFNY, 2005) also reveals that most elderly Asian females have a low educational attainment, with more than half of them not having finished high school. Only a small percentage has finished college or speaks English (AAFNY, 2005). In general however, as was already previously mentioned above, majority of them do not speak English, and some have a rudimentary understanding of the English language. These elderly Asians also have lower incomes as compared to the general population and many of them rely on their families for support (AAFNY, 2005). Rates of poverty among this population are also high and many of them have inadequate housing facilities, with majority renting or living with their children or other relatives (AAFNY, 2005). Barriers to treatment Many Asian elderly females also opt to seek traditional treatment for their illnesses and they choose these services first before considering any Western medicine sources (Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum, 2010). When they eventually seek medical attention, their diseases are already in the chronic stage or have gotten more severe after delays in treatment. The non-English speaking elderly females also do not seek medical treatment at all because of the language barrier and because they feel that the doctors would not understand them or their disease (Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum, 2010). Barriers in the access to medical care among this population include economic barriers, lack of awareness on health, especially mental health services, stigma against mental illness, lack of accurate data on Asian elderly, cultural barriers, lack of appropriate interventions, lack of involvement of consumers and their family members, shame, and in some instances, fear (Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum, 2010). Personal thoughts I would not like to be a member of this group because this group suffers from various social, economic, and health issues. In their home country, they are exposed to harsh living and economic conditions. They also have very traditional beliefs and cultural practices which limit their general opportunities in life. In the United States, they are bound and limited by these same traditions; moreover, they have inadequate means of support here in the US. They are generally considered of poor health and are unable to address their health issues with their limited income. The fact that they speak limited English makes their socialization difficult and very limiting. In general, this language barrier can also hamper activities of daily living. I would not want to be a member of this population because I would be facing various physical, mental, social, cultural, and psychological difficulties which may eventually cause depression, anxiety, and in some cases, suicide. I would also feel shame when options for seeking mental health would be presented because I would not want to bring my family shame and embarrassment. I would also not want to burden my family. For which reason, as a member of this group, I would likely keep my feelings and my illness to myself. I would not want to be a member of this group because my options for self-care and independence would be limited. I would have limited financial, social, health, and wellness options. Society and even the government in general is not kind to these women; they provide limited options for them, and these women often end up not considering these options. For which reason, rates of suicide and depression seem to be the highest in this population. Conclusion The above discussion indicates how elderly Asian females are experiencing various health, economic, and social challenges. These women have faced significant economic hardships throughout their adult life and in their elderly years continue to face these same challenges. They hardly have anything stored for retirement and as a result have to bear sparse living and difficult economic conditions. Outside their home countries, they speak little English and find it hard to socialize and function in English-speaking countries. Due to their difficult economic and health conditions, they are also likely to suffer from mental health issues which relate to depression, stress, loneliness, and anxiety. For which reason, the suicide rate is also high within this population. Considering the personal circumstances of this group, I believe I would not want to be a member of this group because they are suffering from various economic and health issues. They need all the care and assistance which the government can provide, however, with the current economic and health budget crisis, such help would not be forthcoming. References Asian American Federation of New York. (2005). Census profile: New York City’s Asian American elderly population. Retrieved from http://www.aafny.org/cic/briefs/elderly.pdf Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum. (2010). Mental health disparities: Asian Americans. Retrieved from www.psychiatry.org/.../Practice/.../Fact-Sheet---Asian-Americans.pdf Chan, C. and Zhan, L. (2002). A survey of health services and identification of needs for Asian American elderly women in the greater Boston area. Institute for Asian American Studies Publications, Paper 17. Retrieved from http://scholarworks.umb.edu/iaas_pubs/17 Chee, M., Chen, K., Hui Zheng, and Chan, K., et.al. (2009). Cognitive function and brain structure correlations in healthy elderly East Asians. NeuroImage, 46, 257–269 Donaldson, L. (1986). Health and social status of elderly Asians: a community survey. Br Med J, 293(6554), 1079–1082. Kramer, E., Kwong, K., Lee, E., and Chung, H. (2002). Cultural factors influencing the mental health of Asian Americans. West J Med., 176(4), 227–231. New York Coalition of Asian American Mental Health (CAAMH). (2010). Elderly Asian women suicide prevention skills training workshop. Retrieved from http://www.aaari.info/notes/10-06-02Elderly.pdf Pritchard, C. and Baldwin, D. (2002). Elderly suicide rates in Asian and English-speaking countries. Acta Psychiatr Scand., 105(4), 271-5. Stoll-Hadayia, J. (n.d). Asian American women and depression. University of Hawai'i. Retrieved from http://www.hawaii.edu/hivandaids/ UN Human Wrongs Watch. (2012). Over 65 percent of Asia’s elderly population will be women. Retrieved from http://human-wrongs-watch.net/2012/02/17/poverty-and-isolation-for-an-aging-population-in-asia/ Read More