44 The QUEE NS Courier • wellness • july 23, 2015 for breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com wellness s PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT AND AGING – Part II Many of the designs to improve living conditions for the elderly can also be valuable ARE YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW O VER THE age of 18 years with Type II Diabetes? If so, you may be eligible to participate in a research study to assess the safety and effectiveness of a non-insulin, injectable anti-diabetic medication. All study medication, supplies and of ce visits would be provided at no charge. IF INTERESTED PLEASE CONTACT: Dr. Issac Sachmechi, M.D., F.A.C.E., F.A.C.P Chief of Endocrinology Director of Diabetes Center of Excellence M.D, F.A.C.E, F.A.C.P Located at Queens Hospital Center 82-68 164th Street, Jamaica Call for more information: 718-883-3372 for others. As society continues to plan safe environmental settings for the aging population, it also can produce ideas and techniques that have broader applications. Nevertheless the particular arrangements I’ve been describing in Part I, would not necessarily appeal to all older people. No single type residential setting will suit the lifestyle of all the aged. How could it? The aging population should have a range of options from which to make personal choices. Yet there is often little choice for many. They are forced to cling anxiously to housing that is far from ideal. Higher taxes, unbearable inflation, illness (chronic and/or acute), and the hope of “progress” that involves tearing down residences and changing the character of neighborhoods, are among the threats to an older person trying to maintain his/her lifestyle in today’s world. Now let’s look at what can be an ordinary day in the life of an elderly individual. Yes, it’s an ordinary day, yet even in its ordinariness there is pleasure: • The morning shower, not too hot, not too cold; • Breakfast and the newspaper at the front door; • An attractive lobby with visual security; • A nearby park with its friendly and familiar faces; • Shops within walking distance and reliable transportation; • A place where the door can be opened for companions with the secure knowledge that the aged person is a part of a network that ensures mutual protection, physically as well as emotionally. As important as the physical setting of daily life is, what I have presented in Part I and now in Part II, are but a few aspects of the numerous issues that are currently burgeoning an aging society. This is clearly demonstrated with a major demographic shift and the rise of the baby boomer generation. Ten thousand older Americans are already entering the Social Security marketplace in the United States which has profound implications for our economy, social system and family life according to the Federal government. We must, therefore, prepare to anticipate the coming of the elder boom in an ever-changing societal landscape. Our vision must stay focused on the changes that I’ve already stated. A final thought: all is not necessarily gloom and doom. Researchers are finding that as we get older, friendship, creativity and satisfaction with life can still flourish. Sheldon Ornstein Ed.D, RN Dr. Sheldon Ornstein is a registered professional nurse with a doctoral degree in nursing organization. He has specialized in the care of older adults and has published many articles on the subject. He has done post-graduate work in gerontology and has taught at several universities. In 2013, he was inducted into the Nursing Hall of Fame at Teachers College, Columbia University.
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