Ethical Issues With an Aging Population The American Nurses Code of Ethics (2001) outlines and solidifies nurses commitment to
patients and the community. The American Nurses (ANA) Code of Ethics provision 1, 2, and 8,
reinforce nurse’s commitment to the patient, encouraging healthy and culturally appropriate
lifestyle decisions, and respecting the patient decisions (Ludwick & Silva, 2003).
Provision 1 states "The nurse, in all professional relationships, practices with compassion
and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and uniqueness of every individual, unrestricted by
considerations of social or economic status, personal attributes, or the nature of health problems"
(ANA, 2001, p. 7). Respect for the elderly patient does not end at being polite and using Mr. or
Mrs. Respect asks the patient how do they feel about (insert subject)? Respect includes the
patient in healthcare decisions. Respect asks the patient if he is hurting. Respect explains tests,
procedures, plan of care for the patient and ensures understanding. The patient wanting to
sustain life as long as possible with any means available should be allowed that option when
necessary; even in hopeless situations.
Provision 2 states “The nurse’s primary commitment is to the patient, whether an
individual, family, group or community" (ANA, 2001, p. 9). The nurse should be certain she
understands the patient’s end of life wishes - and advocate for the patient when necessary. For
example, a family insisting the patient is intubated when the patient has made clear in prior
discussions that is not his wish. The nurse obligation is to discuss and educate the family to the
effects this will have on the patient.
Provision 8 states "The nurse collaborates with other health professionals and the public
in promoting community, national, and international efforts to meet health needs" (ANA, 2001,
p. 23). Health promotion plans should be discussed with all patients-including elderly. Healthy
diet, activity, sleep, home safety, medication compliance, regular office visits to manage chronic
diseases and prevent acute exacerbations are a few subjects. The nurse must consider the
patient’s culture, lifestyle, and ability to grasp their illness, and patient choices for end of life
care.
References
American Nurses Association. (2001). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements.
Washington, DC: American Nurses Publishing. Retrieved June 1, 2007, from
www.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/ThePracticeofProfessionalNursing/EthicsStandard
s/CodeofEthics.aspx
Ludwick, M., & Silva, M. (2003). Ethics: Ethical challenges in the care of elderly persons. The
Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 9(04). Retrieved from http://www.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/ANAMarketplace/ANAPeriodicals/OJIN/Ta
bleofContents/Volume92004/No1Jan04/EthicalChallenges.html
According to Crippen and Barnato (2011), United States spent more money on health
expenditure of elderly than the education and other expenses for children and adults. The more
Americans spend on the elderly, the less we have for children. Under current policies, the present
cohort of children will be expected to pay for their children and also for past generations,
breaking the basic intergenerational compact. This class has discussed the obesity and tobacco
issues. Do you think that Americans have a moral obligation to live healthy lifestyle

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