Facing Challenges
Not Dead Yet: Engaging Young Adults in Advance Care Planning Using Continuity and Successful Aging Theoretical Frameworks
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Chesney Ward
Although young adults tend to have a positive attitude toward advance care planning in the United States, few actually engage in the act of completing advanced directives. Young adults are more than capable of discussing end-of-life wishes, and with the exposure to early death due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important to have these discussions earlier in one’s life rather than wait until older adulthood. This conceptual paper utilizes the theoretical frameworks of successful aging and continuity theory to examine perspectives of younger adults’ attitudes on end-of-life planning and propose strategies for engaging this population in end-of-life conversations. Preliminary results from the literature show that young adults are ready and willing to engage in end-of-life planning discussions; and facilitating these discussions through innovative approaches will enhance the quality of life. Over time, through a pilot-longitudinal study (that this conceptual paper is the foundation for), we expect to find that young adults felt they aged successfully to middle and older adulthood.
Featured Addressing the Vulnerability of the Elderly Population in Bangladesh: Policy Options for Active Ageing and Sustainable Social Protection
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Saiyedatun Nesa
Population ageing is an emerging global challenge, exacerbated by increasing life expectancy and declining fertility rates. Bangladesh, like many countries, is experiencing demographic ageing, with 9.21% of its population currently over 60 years of age. The growth rate of the elderly population is more than three times higher than the overall population growth, and projections suggest that by 2050, one in five people in Bangladesh will be elderly. This demographic shift presents significant social and economic challenges, including a reduced working-age population, increased demand for healthcare, and higher pension and social security costs. If these issues are not addressed, they may undermine the country's fiscal stability and economic growth. This paper examines the vulnerability of Bangladesh's elderly population and proposes potential solutions. Through qualitative and quantitative research methods, including literature reviews, stakeholder analysis, and surveys, the paper identifies key factors such as social isolation, economic insecurity, and health challenges that contribute to elderly vulnerability. Four policy options were evaluated, with the establishment of senior centers emerging as the most feasible solution. These centers would provide a range of services, including health programs, skill training, and community engagement, to improve the physical and mental well-being of elderly citizens. The paper outlines an action plan for the implementation of this policy, emphasizing the need for collaboration between the government, community organizations, and the private sector. Effective implementation could enhance elderly well-being, reduce healthcare costs, and support Bangladesh's development goals, including those outlined in the SDGs and the 8th Five-Year Plan.
Our Workforce - We Can Curse the Darkness or, Light a Candle : The Critical Importance of Creating Psychological Safety in the Workforce
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Arif Padamshi
The absence of psychological safety in the workplace has a direct impact on the quality of care provided by staff, and received by residents/patients. In today’s challenging financial and economic environment, staff often have to juggle the demands of caring for children, aging parents, multiple jobs, and navigating through multiple generations in the workforce. Stress in the workforce is extremely high and the slightest tension can create sparks and conflict. Leaders play a critical role in ensuring psychological safety in the workforce, and there are a myriad of ways leaders do this. Deep listening, acting on concerns, ensuring staff have the right tools to perform their work, addressing conflict, and harassment/bullying, are examples of concrete things leaders can and must do. Demonstrating to staff that they are trusted and that leader’s care for them is vital, and, this must be balanced with responsibility and accountability…i.e. we must move away from a culture of blame and fault. To support staff, and create psychological safety, leaders must first and foremost work on centering themselves. This requires a high degree of self-awareness and emotional/social intelligence to guide others. This study focuses on what is required of leaders today, and how creating a psychologically safe workplace where employees feel valued, and cared for, matters. This translates into caring and compassionate care for our residents/patients, their families, and raises job satisfaction.
