Psychological Changes of Ageing Flashcards
How does ageing positively affect confidence and self esteem?
Ageing can impact a person’s feelings of self-worth and perception of themselves:
+ see that many of their life goals have been met.
+ reflecting on past achievements can produce a sense of pride and contentment, and boost self-esteem.
+ Increased leisure time > involvement in fulfilling activities (such as caring for grandchildren).
How does ageing negatively affect confidence and self esteem?
However, some older people may suffer a reduction in their self-esteem and confidence:
- The physical impact of ageing makes doing certain tasks harder than they used to be
- Retiring from a job that provided a degree of social status can result in feelings of marginalisation (unvalued by society)
- A reduction in income (depending on the pension amount available) may alter the kind of lifestyle the person is able to live
How are older people affected by financial concerns?
If they had a well-paid job (with a good pension), have paid off a mortgage and been financially responsible throughout their lives, they may be in a good place to enjoy the leisure opportunities of retirement.
For older people on a low or state pension, paying the rent may not be easy and may result in a significant degree of stress. The costs of fuel during the winter are high for people on a low income, with many older people experiencing fuel poverty.
Not only does this added financial stress contribute to a greater risk of experiencing mental health problems, but there is also a risk to physical health as older adults are at a greater risk of hypothermia (low body temperature).
Some welfare benefits may be available to help offset the costs of heating a home, e.g. winter fuel payment.
How do culture, religion and belief affect the ageing process?
Western/British culture - usual for older adults to live in residential care homes that meet the needs of older adults. These include specialist care homes that are better-equipped to manage age-related conditions such as dementia.
Asian and African communities (eg) - place more emphasis on care being provided by the older adult’s family. In these groups, older adults are more likely to live at home or with relatives during their later years.
A person’s spiritual beliefs also influence the way they will view death. An older adult may fear death and view it as a loss, or they may have a more accepting attitude towards death and view it as an inevitable transition. Their view is likely to affect their psychological well-being.
How are older people positively affected by changes in roles?
Retirement can:
- allow more time to be spent with grandchildren
- give the person the chances to get involved with community interests
- provide the opportunity to learn new skills.
How are older people negatively affected by changes in roles?
- Increased leisure time might mean they struggle to fill the time and become bored.
- Some older adults may need an increased level of care, and they may struggle to adjust to the role of care-receiver.
How are older people affected by the loss of a partner or friends?
- Experience grief and loneliness relating to their loss.
- Their self-concept may also change – if they were with their partner a very long time, their identities may have been very strongly tied to one another.
- Some may ‘give up’, resulting in further effects on their health and well-being.
- Some will outlive their friends, which can result in loneliness and a reduction in social/emotional support.
- These events can also act as a reminder of the older person’s own mortality, possibly causing distress and anxiety.
What does Social Disengagement Theory suggest?
Cumming and Henry (1961):
Suggests that older people begin to withdraw from society as they age. Older people begin to socialise less with others, and begin to remove themselves from the constraints of social norms.
However, this does not mean that older adults do not want to socialise. Many older adults still desire an active and varied social life.
A reduction in socialising in older age may also be more to do with quality rather than quantity. Some older adults may choose to spend more time socialising with a smaller network of people close to them, rather than a wider range of acquaintances.
Technology can also help overcome some barriers of face-to-face socialising, as many older adults have the option of making video and phone calls to friends and relatives. Social media can also be used to stay in touch.
What factors make it more difficult for older adults to socialise?
- Ill health of self and friends
- Reduced mobility
- Geographical location
- Reduced finances
- Retirement – less social contact possibly, as no colleagues
What does Activity Theory suggest?
Havighurst (1961):
The psychological and social needs of older adults are the same as the needs of other adults.
Activity theory views successful ageing as involving active participation and interest in life and the things it has to offer. While older adults will need to adjust to age-related changes (e.g. to health or mobility), there are many positive benefits to taking on new roles and engaging in meaningful, enjoyable activities.
This can give older adults a sense of satisfaction and purpose during their later years.
