Research Paper on:
Senior Citizens and Public Places

Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
elderly often have problems with incontinence, flatulence and loose bowels due to myriad health conditions, which makes it difficult to go for long periods of time without having access to  a bathroom. The convenience of having public washrooms in virtually every major retail store and shopping mall provides the elderly person with a much greater sense of independence knowing  there will not be a problem associated with their bathroom needs. Problematic or hazardous characteristics of this location might include such handicapped concerns as wheelchair accessibility, height of toilets and  sinks, and oversized stalls. The issue of handicap access has become a significant concern to those who must use public washrooms yet cannot do so because of antiquated structuring.  Prior to the Americans for Disabilities Act, wheelchair-bound elderly were on their own when it came to finding public facilities they could use without having to leave their chairs,  which was not only tremendously inconvenient or impossible but it was also very dangerous. The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) was a monumental implementation in the history of fairness  and equality. According to President Bush, who was the instrumental party in getting the act passed, "its up to us to reach out to those Americans disabled by ignorance  or handicapped by prejudice and teach them a better way" (Bush, 1993, p. 35). Since that time, owners of public washrooms have been mandated to upgrade their facilities so  that they comply with ADA requirements. "Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a general civil rights law that was enacted primarily to provide individuals with disabilities  equal opportunity to participate fully in activities afforded to individuals without disabilities. This act was patterned after similar statutes prohibiting racial and sexual discrimination. Before enactment of Section