Name a few transitions that elderly people may go through.
- loss of independence
- loss of spouse and friends
- retirement
Name 3 categories of loss elderly people experience.
- physical
- cognitive
- socioemotional
What is the most damaging loss that an older person can experience?
people losses
What are two negative affects losing people can have on an older person?
- isolate the older person
2. diminish number of meaningful relationships and may make the older person scared to develop new relationships
In order for an older person to successfully age what are 3 things they must do? and give examples
- integrate loss into their lives (ie. after a stroke walk with a cane or walker)
- deal with them effectively (ie. counselling, support groups or talk with family)
- move on
What are some coping strategies that can be used?
helping others making new friends adopting a pet maintaining sense of humor avoiding isolation and self pity maintain independence setting goals
Name some factors affecting older adults ability to cope with loss.
age past experience with loss previous coping methods existing support systems state of health spiritual beliefs ability to maintain some control over related factors
What is gerontology?
scientific approach to all aspects of aging
most often a multi-disciplinary approach
What are 5 categories of gerontology?
health sociological economic behavioural environmental
What is geriatrics?
sub field of gerontology
studies the medical aspects of old age
What 5 aspects is geriatrics concerned with?
- preventative
- clinical
- remedial
- rehabilitative
- continuous surveillance
What is prejudice and stereotypes of the elderly classified as?
ageism
What is an attitude people might exhibit if they are using ageism?
derogatory attitude
What might characteristics might some people think of when they think of an elderly person?
sick
senile
useless
burden to our economy
Where does ageism stem from?
Our societies anxiety re: aging and our cultural emphasis on youth, beauty and vigor
What are the 2 categories that ageism presents?
- covert / subtle
2. active / negative
What might some actions be of someone who is presenting with subtle ageism?
- appears as positive concern for elderly
- portrays elderly as helpless victims who need help
- perpetuated by educated people, professionals, elderly advocates
What might some actions be of someone who is presenting with negative ageism?
- denied jobs
- given inadequate financial support
- limited social services available
- mandatory retirement
What are some consequences of ageism?
- missing out on someones experiences and knowledge in life
2. creation of inaccurate & distorted views of aging
What is the counter reaction to failure model that defines a person with unique qualities but are not set apart from normal humanity?
Normal person model
What is the counter reaction to failure model that views aging as time of growth, increased function rather than failure?
Personal growth model
What are some other consequences of ageism?
- may not be hired for jobs
- referred to as “cute”
- shunned socially - perceived as being senile or boring
- edged out of family life by children
What is the maximum number of years an individual can live called?
lifespan
What is the number of years that will probably be lived by the average person born in a particular year?
life expectancy
