Journal 2: Disability, Aging, Policies, and Caregiving Insights

This journal entry reflects on the student's personal perspective on disability and aging, emphasizing the increasing number of older adults with disabilities and the potential for discrimination in healthcare. The student discusses the importance of caregiver support and the role of policies like the Older Americans Act in protecting the rights and wellbeing of older Americans. The journal highlights the significance of community-based services, transportation, and legal services for older adults. The author believes that individuals with disabilities can contribute to the development of the population and stresses the importance of promoting their dignity and encouraging their participation in the community. The journal references the Family Caregiving Alliance and the United Nations reports on aging and disability, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with an aging population and disability.

Running head: JOURNAL
Disability studies
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1JOURNAL
Disability and aging
It is generally estimated that more than 1 billion individuals suffer from one or more
disabling health conditions and majority of them are aged 65 years or more. In this personal
journal I will elaborate on my perception about disability and aging, and its impacts on health
and wellbeing.
Personal point of view
Data from the World Population Prospects also highlighted that there has been a
substantial increase in the number of older adults in recent years, owing to numerous health
risks such as, chronic illness or injury (UN, 2019). I think that older people who have
disabilities encounter discrimination at the time of seeking medical care. I am well aware of
the different policies existing in the USA, in relation to providing protection to the wellbeing
and rights of older Americans. While the Older Americans Act (OAA), provides community-
based services, like transportation, meals-on-wheels, and legal services, the National
Committee aims to increase funding for providing protection against elder abuse
(Ncpssm.org, 2018). I also hold the opinion that all of us can act as caregivers for people
suffering from disability by providing them necessary assistance in conducting activities of
daily living. Roughly 44 million Americans offer 37 billion hours of voluntary, "informal"
care every year (Family Caregiving Alliance, 2019). Thus, I feel that with an increase in life
expectancy, individuals with disabilities surviving into old age can contribute to the
development of the population.
Conclusion
Hence, I consider it imperative to protect and promote the dignity and rights of older
people, suffering from disabilities, while encouraging their complete participation in the
community.

2JOURNAL
References
Family Caregiving Alliance. (2019). Caregiving. https://www.caregiver.org/caregiving
Ncpssm.org. (2018). Law to Protect the Rights and Well-being of Older Americans.
https://www.ncpssm.org/documents/older-americans-policy-papers/older-americans-
act/
United Nations. (2019). Ageing and disability- Overview.
https://www.un.org/development/desa/disabilities/disability-and-ageing.html