Who Are Our Vulnerable Populations?

Vulnerability is a broad concept that refers to “susceptibility” and, in healthcare, specifically denotes being “at risk for health problems.” According to Aday (2001), vulnerable populations are those at risk for poor physical, psychological, or social health. While many groups fall into this category, among the most vulnerable in American society are children from low socioeconomic backgrounds, including those in the foster care system, and the impoverished elderly. This document will focus on the poor elderly, as they represent the fastest-growing segment of the American population. 

Barriers

The poor elderly face numerous barriers, including financial, physical, and mental health challenges. Financial insecurity is a major concern, exacerbated by government program reductions that delay full retirement benefits until after age 65. As a result, many elderly individuals must continue working beyond this age, placing additional stress on their aging bodies and increasing their risk for health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. 

Mental health is another significant concern, as prolonged financial and physical stress can contribute to depression and anxiety among the elderly. The burden of working past retirement age takes an immense toll, often leading to a diminished quality of life and increased susceptibility to chronic illnesses. 

Personal Experiences with Vulnerable Groups

Having worked with the elderly for the past 28 years, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges elderly individuals face within the healthcare system. There is often little tolerance or support for aging individuals, and the recent economic downturn has made it increasingly difficult for middle-income families to care for their aging parents at home. As a result, many turn to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) to provide care. 

While SNFs offer essential services, they also present emotional and ethical challenges for both families and patients. In my experience, approximately 57% of SNF residents are prescribed antidepressants or antipsychotic medications, highlighting the emotional distress prevalent in these facilities. Furthermore, issues such as neglect, abuse, and theft are unfortunately common within SNFs, further exacerbating the vulnerability of elderly residents. 

Conclusion

According to Pearlman (2014), the elderly constitute one of the most vulnerable populations in society. Although there have been efforts to improve healthcare for the elderly, the social and psychological challenges of aging remain largely overlooked (Social Problems and Issues of the Elderly). Given that individuals aged 60 and older represent the fastest-growing demographic in the United States, policymakers must implement measures to improve access to care and services that allow older adults to maintain their independence and well-being outside of institutional settings. Without prompt action, the nation risks facing a significant crisis in elder care. 

References 

Pearlman, R. A. (2014). The Vulnerable Elderly. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nim.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2561878 

De Chesnay, M., & Anderson, B. A. (2012). Caring for the Vulnerable: Perspectives in Nursing Theory, Practice, and Research. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning LLC. 

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