aging
From a life-course perspective, aging is viewed as a stage of cognitive and biological development like childhood, adulthood development, and old age (Larkin, 2013). Sociologically aging is considered as social construction varying historically and culturally (Larkin, 2013). Aging is also a phenomenon, affected by political, economic, and social factors. The population of people between 55 and 64 in Saudi Arabia is projected to be about 4.3% according to WHO 2013 report. The role of caring for older people in the population is traditionally done by the extended family (Al-Shammri et al., 2000). Due to higher education levels, most family members will seek formal employment outside the family set up.
This reduces their availability as caregivers. An increase in the number of the adult in the population has a direct impact on the health system, cost of care, availability of services, and funding of the healthcare system. Young females in Saudi spend most of their time in school and no longer available to offer care to the elderly. As more Saudi students continue studying abroad, the tension between pragmatic realities and cultural ideals increases and affects the provision of the social support offered to the elders (Ajrouch, 2005). The unemployed males may lack the required finances to offer care to their elderly family members.
Many changes occur in older people such as retirement, and some disorders may develop. This creates a feeling of loneliness, powerlessness, and sadness. They may lead to the development of health disorders such as depression, hypertension, and diabetes. These age-related complications are complicated to treat and therefore practitioners use an interdisciplinary approach. Chronic illnesses incidences are higher in older adults than in younger members of the population. This increases the demand for the healthcare system in older adults.
References
Felmban W, Weil J, and Karlin N. J (2016). Aging in Saudi Arabia: An Exploratory Study of Contemporary Older Persons Views about Daily Life, Health, and Experience of Aging. Pp 1-9 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/291330196_Aging_in_Saudi_Arabia_An_Exploratory_Study_of_Contemporary_Older_Persons’_Views_About_Daily_Life_Health_and_the_Experience_of_Aging
Medici A. C (2011). How Age influences the demand for healthcare. Pp 135-189. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/280113232_How_Age_influences_the_Demand_for_Health_Care