CH 4: Life transitions and story

Question 1

Defined as the prejudices and stereotypes that are applied to older people sheerly on the basis of their age

Answer 1

ageism

Question 2

ageism predisposes aging person to:

Answer 2

disappointment, as aging is believed to lead to purposelessness and decline

Question 3

considerations of loss from older adults parenting

Answer 3

Adjustment to independence of their children
Separate family units may help parent-child relationship develop on an adult-adult basis
Freed from responsibility of parenting, but also freed from meaningful activities with child rearing and providing
sense of loss

Question 4

positives of grandparenting

Answer 4

Grandchildren bring considerable joy!
Grandparents can share life experiences and family history and traditions
Can assume childcare responsibilities to a greater extent than previous generations
Today’s grandparents may have an active career and social life and don’t want grandparenting burden
Increase rate of grandparents raising grandchildren

Question 5

nursing considerations for grandparenting

Answer 5

Suggest activities to connect with grandchildren
Communication frequently (email, social media, text, handwritten letters)
Keep diaries, scrapbooks, and family recipes for future generations
Allow their own children to make traditions; respect their children as parents and not interfere

Question 6

consequences of loss of a spouse

Answer 6

can be intolerable
sexual desires are unfulfilled
age, limited education, lack of skills, and long period of unemployment are limitations
higher portion of women widows
one spouse may have been financial dependent on the other

Question 7

nursing considerations for pt who lost a spouse

Answer 7

Facilitate the adjustment to widowhood
Encourage involvement in long-time friendships and organizations
Help enjoy new freedom and lifestyle

Question 8

phases of retirement

Answer 8

pre-retirement
retirement
contentment
disenchantment
reorientation
routine

Question 9

adjustments for older adults in retirement

Answer 9

Loss of the work role with adjustments to income
Older adults view work as dues required for society
People who define themselves by their work role have difficulty adjusting to retirement
Alternative/delayed retirement

Question 10

nursing considerations for retirement

Answer 10

Assist in retirement preparations
Educate to practice good health habits & counseling
Be supportive
Encourage engagement in family, leisure, learning, and service activities
Reflect on your views of retirement and how it can influence the client

Question 11

phase: people being to think seriously about what they want and the lifestyle they desire in retirement

Answer 11

pre-retirement

Question 12

phase: you transition from full-time work to you own dream retirement

Answer 12

retirement

Question 13

phase: a positive phase when you get to enjoy all you’ve worked for

Answer 13

contentment

Question 14

phase: ‘after-honeymoon’ feeling - money is there but a feeling of uselessness may occur

Answer 14

disenchantment

Question 15

phase: this can be a challenging phase as retirees being to refocus and redefine who why are and their role in society

Answer 15

reorientation

Question 16

as retirement becomes more familiar, people adjust to lifestyle and their routines they’ve built
renewed sense of daycare

Answer 16

routine

Question 17

retirees live on a reduced income; examples

Answer 17

Retirement income is less than half of employed income
Supplemental social security

Question 18

retirement income can trigger other adjustments

Answer 18

Relocation
Altered dietary practices
Viewing healthcare as a luxury
Reduction in leisure pursuits

Question 19

nusring considerations for reduced income

Answer 19

Encourage retirement plans in younger age
Be aware of economic impact on welfare of health status

Question 20

changes in health and functioning

Answer 20

may be adjusting to a new body image and self concept
can deny, resist, or exaggerate the change
fear of dependency
children may have difficulty with exchanging dependent roles

Question 21

nursing consideration for changes in health and functioning

Answer 21

Encourage healthy behaviors
Preserve as much independence and dignity as possible

Question 22

difficulty of shrinking social world

Answer 22

loss of connections and increased risk of loneliness
sensory deficits contributing
needs personal contact, love, extra support, and attention

Question 23

nursing considerations for shrinking social world

Answer 23

Telephone reassurance and home visits
Faith Community
Locate and help to join social groups
Relocation
Pets
Readjust energy and maximize socialization
Readjust needs (give pain meds before social activity; adjust fluid intake and bathroom visits and breaks)

Question 24

Process of intentionally reflecting on past experiences to assess one’s life in totality

Answer 24

life review

Question 25

positives from facilitating a life review

Answer 25

Elicits life story
Promotes self-reflection
Strengthens older adults’ inner resources
Important process to facilitate integrity
Can be therapeutic
Recognizes the impact of an aged person’s life

Question 26

Awareness of the realities of mind, body, and spirit of who one is

Answer 26

self-reflection

Question 27

how to complete self-reflection

Answer 27

Journaling
Writing letters and e-mails
Reflecting through art

Question 28

how can nurses facilitate empowerment

Answer 28

Active participation of older adults in care planning
Avoid ageism mannerisms
Provide a variety of options
Advocate
Offer feedback, positive reinforcement, encouragement, and support