Unit 10 Flashcards
Describe late adulthood in terms of physical, cognitive, and social attributes, (2)and these transitions are mediated through a cultural lens that either values older adults as repositories of knowledge, wisdom, and experience, or dismisses older adults as incompetent, childlike, and dependent.
Describe the physical changes that affect people in late adulthood, including primary and secondary aging. The outer and inner changes that begin subtly during middle adulthood become unmistakable during old age. The most obvious signs of aging is the hair such as getting gray and thinning, then the face and other parts of the body become wrinkled as the skin loses elasticity, and become shorter. In addition, primary aging that involves universal and irreversible changes because of genetic programming that occur as people get older. On the other hand, secondary aging are changes in physical and cognitive functioning that ate because of illness, health habits, and other individual differences, but are not because of increased age itself and are not inevitable.
• Describe the changes that occur reaction times and the senses in this stage and the implications seniors in terms of their ability to remain independent. There are two hypotheses, first, Peripheral slowing hypothesis suggests that the peripheral nervous system, which encompasses the nerves that branch from the spinal cord and brain to the extremities. As a result, the commands from the brain to the muscle become slower with age. Second, the generalized slowing hypothesis also processes the nervous system and the brain, that becomes less proficient; consequently, slowing the body, when processing stimuli and the transmission of commands to the muscles, The sensory organs are also affected, such as vision because of changes in the physical apparatus of eye–the cornea. These changes cause problems, such as driving at night, reading, eye strain, and several eye diseases like cataracts and glaucoma. The sense of Hearing impairment affects the ability to hear higher frequencies. Unfortunately, many people think that hearing aids make them look older and fear that this can affect their social life which for some may cause them to isolate. It is also suggested that hearing loss may hasten cognitive decline. Finally, the sense of taste and smell when diminished can affect a person’s appetite which may cause malnutrition, salt intake might increases the risk of high blood pressure.
• Describe the biological underpinnings of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. What are some of the challenges in caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s disease? Dementia is a wide range of diseases surrounding serious memory loss followed by declines in other mental functioning. The symptoms are all similar in nature such as declining memory, loss of intellectual abilities, and impaired judgement. Furthermore, Alzheimer’s disease occurs when production of the protein beta amyloid precursor protein–which normally promotes the production and growth of neurons–goes awry, creating large clumps of cells that trigger inflammation and deterioration of nerve cells. the grain shrinks, and several areas of the hippocampus and frontal and temporal lobes show deterioration. Many with Alzheimer’s live out their lives in nursing homes, accounting for some two-thirds of the residents of nursing homes. If the person living with Alzheimer’s lives with a family member, this situation can be overwhelming for the primary caregiver who provides total care for their loved one and visibly watches them deteriorate, here are some steps for both caregiver and patient, first, make patient comfortable in their environment by keeping them occupied; then label everything, make lists and give reminders, keep clothing simple, no buttons or zippers, when bathing some patient can be afraid of falling and of hot water, and therefore avoid bathing, consider their emotional temperament which can be unstable, the caregiver must be self-aware at all time; for instance, monitoring phone calls so they do not agree to offers from telephone salespeople and other people’s with similar motives. Next, provide opportunities for exercise is probably beneficial to the caregiver as well as the family member. Finally, caregivers should remember to take time off and lead their own lives; seek support from community service organizations.
• Review the “Myths of Aging” table on page 389. From a social work perspective, what messages do you think are important to promote to combat pervasive ageism in Western society? Respect their knowledge and experience and just remember that most older adults have a lot to offer to families and communities.
Describe stereotypes of the elderly focus on deficits rather than strengths, both in terms of individual attributes and in terms of a societal impact on the health system, for example, as the baby boomer cohort ages
The Winter of Life, looks at the processes that can lead to personality change as we grow old. Understanding societies negative stereotypes about older adults. The power loss of power, respect, and authority for some is overwhelming. Another way to look at this stage, late adulthood can be view as ‘Venerated elders’ whose advice is sought and relied upon. Furthermore, old age can bring new freedom to do the things you want to do. (P. 387-388) stereo types and ageism
Describe Aboriginal responses to aging. Anderson describes the role of elders in traditional Aboriginal communities as key to mentoring the next generation
Elders focus on four roles and responsibilities for human, plant and animal life, as well as spiritual life. Shows the powerful positions that woman Elders had in society. Woman Elders would have to know how to minister the appropriate use of laws and traditions in the framework or their communities.
Describe what Anderson describes as the “mastery of relatedness” (p. 126) provides significant status for elders, as they are seen to have acquired wisdom and knowledge through their longevity
Earth Elders were 70 or 80 years old and could not travel or infirmed; it was the learners responsibility to go for them. This was the last level of teachings was philosophy their responsibility of all teachings of their creator. Earth Elders provided reflections and teachings on this life as well as the connection to the worlds beyond
Describe this period is also seen as productive in Aboriginal communities, and elders within traditional communities are seen not only as passive repositories of wisdom but also as active participants in knowledge and culture transmission, with leadership and governance roles
The role of ceremonial Elder. Their responsibilities were naming ceremonies, marriage ceremonies, and funeral ceremonies which they did through their spiritual practices. Furthermore, ceremonial Elders bring about closure to different things to mornings, to breakdowns in the community.
Describe, Western and Aboriginal cultures will help you to move beyond stereotypes to analyze the roles that are embedded within cultural norms
Western approaches to lifespan development describe seniors’ roles as reflecting on their past and coming to terms with impending death. Contrast this approach to Richard Wagamese’s depiction of the role of Elders in Aboriginal communities as vital factor in transmitting culture and knowledge to younger generations, including taking on the responsibility of raising grandchildren.
Describe physical changes in late adulthood, including health-related issues, for example, dementia, within a context of ageism in Western societies.
Dementia is a wide range of diseases surrounding serious memory loss followed by declines in other mental functioning. The symptoms are all similar in nature such as declining memory, loss of intellectual abilities, and impaired judgement. At this stage in Late adulthood some people look at these individuals as oddities and communicate by using baby talk which disrespectful.
Describe the process of cognitive changes in late adulthood, including memory and learning capacity
The outer and inner changes that begin subtly during middle adulthood become unmistakable during old age. The most obvious signs of aging is the hair such as getting gray and thinning, then the face and other parts of the body become wrinkled as the skin loses elasticity, and become shorter. In addition, primary aging that involves universal and irreversible changes because of genetic programming that occur as people get older. On the other hand, secondary aging are changes in physical and cognitive functioning that ate because of illness, health habits, and other individual differences, but are not because of increased age itself and are not inevitable.(P. 406-learning) fine motor skills get slower
Describe the process of social and personality development in late adulthood, focusing on Erikson’s ego-integrity-versus-despair stage and critiques of Erikson.
Erikson’s final stage, labelled the ego-integrity-versus-despair stage, this period is characterized by a process of looking back over one’s life, evaluating it, and coming to terms with it. The integrity stage when people feel they have fulfilled the possibilities that have come their way in life, and have few regrets. Versus, the despair stage when they feel they have missed important opportunities and have not come to terms with it. Peck`s alternative view, on last three final stages of life, the redefinition of self versus preoccupation with work role is the theory that those in old age must redefine themselves in ways that do not relate to their work roles or occupations. Next, the body transcendence versus body preoccupation a period in which people must learn to cope with and move beyond changes in physical capabilities as a result of aging. Last, the ego transcendence versus ego preoccupation the period in which older adults must come to grips with their death
Analyze how social supports, including family relationships and networks of friends, impact success aging in later adulthood
First, social supports, has big benefits, it can offer emotional support by lending a helpful ear. people can furnish material support such as helping with rides or picking up groceries and most importantly prepare food, accompanying them to a movie, or inviting them to dinner makes for a positive relationship. Next, family relationships, family members can provide strong emotional support because they have a long relationship with so many memories, good and bad, and bonding with siblings can enhance late adulthood. Children can help their parents with the day- to-day problems, including emotional support, and help with important matters such as medical issues and in some cases financial issues. Finally, Networks of friends, the ability to maintain relationships is beneficial they are more flexible the family relationships because they do not have that past history of different types of emotional memories. Friends can fill the void of a lost spouse and most important having the same interests and socializing.
Compare and contrast Aboriginal approaches to elders and the roles they are assigned in traditional communities to Western approaches to aging
Matrilineal roles, where knowledge is passed on by woman. Now woman are reclaiming their roles in the education concerning Aboriginal culture. Culturally woman are recognizing their roles in ceremony and helping the identity of Aboriginal children; for example, they have reclaimed the role of drumming and other traditional roles in ceremonies which is now being passed onto young woman, which reinforces the matrilineal roles of woman. In comparison, the goals of woman in western society, young adolescents and adults should be more mindful of what older adults have to offer in the context of family and community by recognizing their experience, knowledge, and abilities. instead of the old stereo type of only valuing a woman’s youthful looks and thing of older woman as over the hill and cognitively impaired.
