BLUF: Addressing the concern around shortages in quality care for the aging population requires a systemic change in societal norms and practices, cutting through profits-driven strategies of negligent institutions and focusing on transparency, accountability, and human touch in caregiving.
OSINT:
Society, at large, is unprepared to meet the challenges brought about by an aging population. This revelation comes from M.T. Connolly, a seasoned lawyer and former coordinator of the Elder Justice and Nursing Home Initiative at the U.S. Department of Justice. Connolly’s new book, “The Measure of Our Age: Navigating Care, Safety, Money, and Meaning Later in Life,” addresses the current problems in elder care from a system and cultural perspective.
The book highlights the lack of preparedness in caring for an aging population living longer due to advancements in medicine. Financial institutions seem to act predatory towards the elderly while resources for navigating the complexities of elderly care remain sparse. Many advocates say that systems need to be proactive rather than reactive in these situations. Connolly emphasizes the need for better transparency in regulation and understanding of elder care environments and highlights the dismal conditions of residential care facilities.
Giving significant attention to financial exploitation of seniors, Connolly raises serious concerns about