Ethical Approach to Aging

Introduction

Advancements in education, technology, medicine, food distribution, and sanitary conditions are

factors begetting the longevity of life than ever before. As a result, meeting people in their 70s,

80s, 90s, and even close to 100 years old is not uncommon nowadays. However, “living for more

years” does not imply “adding more life to the extra years.” Living for a more extended period

does not imply an increase in the quality of life at a later age. As many older citizens suffer from

age-related ailments and weakness, this tendency poses an ever-increasing medical and economic

burden on society. Coping with these issues necessitates adequate medical care and social

assistance and considerable research in a variety of aging domains, ranging from biology to

sociology, with older people serving as research subjects. This has paved the way for several

collaborative research works to answer the rising challenges orchestrated by the increasing old

age figures across the globe. Being of age, in many cases, ushers in challenges that go beyond

health-related issues; it extends to the sociological and unique ethical problems. The solutions,

most times, stretch to carefully identifying and following some principles to handle – going

beyond the drips and injections of the medical world.

Concept of Aging

Aging is a lifetime process of maturation and decline. It starts at conception and continues until

death. As a result, we are all aging from the moment we are born. Aging was known by many

titles when we were younger. In the different stages of evolution from birth to death, aging has

been called different names from growth and development, maturation, to senescence. With

aging, the body’s physical functioning starts to deteriorate against the loss of body functioning

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due to diseases. Changes such as skin wrinkles, losing eyesight focus on close objects, hearing

defects, grey hair, and shivering hands are likely to occur as humans begin to age. Aging comes

with different shades of changes, such as biological, psychological, and social changes.

Biological changes involve the gradual deterioration of biological organs and body cells. In

contrast, psychological sees to the memory-related losses and social changes involve losing

one’s offspring to the society, loss of economic capacity, losing friends to death, etc. [ CITATION

Cha19 \l 1033 ].

Ethical Approach to Aging

Ethics refers to the deciding line between what is acceptable and what is not, carefully decided

by a body of professionals for specific professional practices. Ethics are fundamental as it is how

many groups, societies, or professions define themselves and identify their members and the

values in ethical systems, reflect and promote strong human relations, mutual respect, and trust.

There has to be an ethical approach duly followed in gerontology to address the aged and older

adults adequately. There are principles, values, and codes o conducts that guide gerontologists’

conduct and extend to guard the older adults in society. The ethical framework provides

principles for gerontologists, and these principles guide in deciding on ethical ways of action in

various situations. They represent the pinnacle of professional ethics. The principle of

competence hammers on the high level of competence of professionals while identifying their

limitations of the multidisciplinary capacity. Integrity, respect for people’s right, dignity and

diversity are ethical boundaries which should be watched and not overstepped—taking

responsibility and adhering to scientific and professional standards while taking up social and

professional responsibilities in the society.

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Autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice are also ethical principles to adopt when

handling older adults as it upholds the professionalism and ensures that rights are not hampered

on.

Promotion and protection of health, prevention from a hazardous environment, and keen

attention are few of the needs of older adults, emphasizing evidence-based best practices and

current clinical practice standards. Integration of biological, psychological, and social factors

when putting older adults into consideration is highly regarded as ethical, including emphasizing

the importance of showing respect, compassion, and the essence of holding values that are

generally accepted.

These ethical approaches do not come without issues and dilemmas that pose to be challenging

for gerontologists when trying to strike a balance between carrying out duty ethically and not

infringing on the rights, freedom, and lives, especially the older adults.

Ethical Issues in Aging

Older adults represent a diversified and lively group that is a natural extension of our social

function but presents some unique problems in delivering biopsychosocial services as

gerontologists. It has been stated previously that ethical endeavours do coincide with personal,

professional, and social issues; thus, leaving gerontologists with ethical dilemmas. Ethical

dilemmas are circumstances in which a tough decision must be made between two options, one

of which involves violating a moral standard [ CITATION Jor09 \l 1033 ].

Dealing with older adults regarding health issues might involve needing to make them

understand the consent form, which may seem tasking, and inability to do so reflects

infringement of freedom of choice. Another issue can be with the clearance of bills as adults in

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the later years might not earn and have difficulty clearing bills of treatment, accommodation, and

other obligations. Older adults are typical with hearing or sight impairments. When there is a

decision-making situation involving them, it becomes difficult as it is their legal right to decide

independently. Making decisions for them may seem overzealous on the part of the gerontologist

[ CITATION Mue04 \l 1033 ].

Similarly, when dealing in research involving adults in their later years, gerontologists willing to

expand their knowledge scope find it challenging to gather data and information. Older adults are

more difficult to converse with, especially when it involves sophisticated subject matters.

Authorities across countries till present pay less attention to older adults, and this has always

been an issue as it restricts their accessibility for critical attention by expertise – gerontologists.

Families mainly cater to them.

Solutions

The problem only becomes solvable when critically explored in its entirety to allow for solutions

that are fitting, sustainable, and well implemented. The issues arising from taking care of older

adults can be extensively catered for if: (i) age discrimination is addressed critically. (ii)

strategies and policies that aid healthy aging are in place (iii) a system that meets the necessities

of the older adults is built. (iv) creating an avenue that eases communication between the older

adults and the caregivers. (v) more researches that expose technologically inclined approaches to

caring for older adults be carried out.

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Conclusion

It is reasonable to think that more older adults will be taken care of adequately if gerontologists

adhere strictly to the ethical guidelines of their profession. Every older adult desires to live the

later years of their lives peacefully. That can be efficiently handled if all stakeholders, including

the government, the gerontologists, and others, pay keen attention. Taking a critical interest in

the care of older adults will result in extending life expectancies.

References
Chalise, H. N. (2019 ). Aging: Basic Concept. American Journal of Biomedical Science &
Resources, 1(1). AJBSR.MS.ID.000503.
Jordan, V. B. (2009). Ethical Issues with Older Adults. The California Psychologist.
Mueller, P. S., Hook, C. C., & Fleming, K. C. (2004). Ethical Issues in Geriatrics: A Guide for
Clinicians. Symposium on Getriatics, Vol. 29.