GROWING OLD GRACEFULLY

“OUTLOOK ON AGING” DISCUSSION 1. In 50 years, I will be … (describe yourself and your life as you think it will be) 2. “Elderly” is age _____ because … 3. “Old People” can’t … because … 4. When I think of “Senior Citizens,” I think of … 5. Elderly people should act … because … 6. “Senior Citizens” can provide …

WHAT IS ELDERLY? “ Ten years older than you are?” “Only as old as you feel?” Longer life span People living longer Changing roles of the elderly Nontraditional students Athletes Fast food workers Retirement as an option: Social security old age benefits at age 65 – early retirement At age 72 for full benefits

THE “THIRD” AGE Age 1-25 Devote to develop as a person Age Devote to family and career Age 51 + Devote to creative learning and personal exploration * People handling aging differently in all developmental areas

THEORIES ON AGING Gerontology- Study of the aging process Ageism- A form of discrimination and prejudice, particularly experienced by seniors Theory 1: “ Use it or lose it” active aging people cope better Theory 2: “Disengagement” elderly people naturally become more solitary and sedentary Social contacts less important Physical activity is reduced Focus is more on self than others Is it possible for both theories to be true?

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU AGE? As a group, create a chart on your paper with 5 boxes. Label the boxes the following: Physical Emotional Social Mental Moral Brainstorm as a group what changes you go through as you age. Write them underneath each box.

PHYSICAL

DEVELOPMENTAL CHANGES- PHYSICAL Gray hair and Balding Wrinkles Muscle mass loss Osteoporosis Shrinkage Slow reflexes Metabolic changes Sensory decline Lifestyle diseases Tooth loss Age spots Skin thins Sagging Bladder issues Prostate issues Voice change Hormonal decrease Hearing loss Mobility and coordination loss

DEVELOPMENTAL CHANGES- PHYSICAL Body seems to shrink Muscles and connecting tissue compresses Reactions and reflexes slow Body doesn’t replace old cells with new as quickly Internal organs and systems work less efficiently Muscles weaken, bones break more easily Loss of hearing and vision Dull sense of taste and smell Tooth loss and less saliva cause chewing issues Less caloric need Chronic disease increase Arthritis High blood pressure Heart conditions

DEVELOPMENTAL CHANGES- PHYSICAL Aging Gracefully Attitude Good nutrition Exercise

MENTAL

DEVELOPMENTAL CHANGES- MENTAL/ INTELLECTUAL Memory issues Dementia Senility Alzheimer's Slower thought process Wisdom

DEVELOPMENTAL CHANGES- MENTAL/ INTELLECTUAL Logic and Understanding improve Loss of mental ability not related to aging, but of depression grief, health, poverty and attitude Memory functions slow Receiving information into the brain Short term memory Long term memory

DEVELOPMENTAL CHANGES- MENTAL/ INTELLECTUAL Aging Gracefully part time jobs Active partici pation volunteer Join clubs Continue education Politically active

SOCIAL

DEVELOPMENTAL CHANGES- SOCIAL More isolation/ closer to home Treated like children Routines important Blunt communication More group activities Friends/ Spouse die Fixed income Less active activities More leisure time

DEVELOPMENTAL CHANGES- SOCIAL Greatest change is loss of work role through retirement Friendships gain importance- more time for friends Deaths and family relocations contribute to friend needs Tend to keep same social lives and interest from younger life Transportation can be an issue for the homebound

DEVELOPMENTAL CHANGES- SOCIAL Aging Gracefully Grand- parentin g clubs Commu nity Centers

EMOTIONAL

DEVELOPMENTAL CHANGES- EMOTIONAL Feel useless/ depressed Regret/bitter OR satisfied/content Mood swings More sentimental/ less materialistic Change is difficult Preparation for death

DEVELOPMENTAL CHANGES- EMOTIONAL Tendency toward disengagement needs to balance with activity and involvement Younger people show appreciation for them reinforces mature adult’s self worth. Reminiscing helps sort experiences and make sense of their life

DEVELOPMENTAL CHANGES- EMOTIONAL Aging Gracefully Reminiscing Sharing life experiences with others Giving back

MORAL

DEVELOPMENTAL CHANGES- MORAL Less influenced by others More rigid belief system More judgmental More religious/ spiritual Family is a big priority Need to mend emotional fences Political involvement

RELATED TERMS Hospice- program that provides physical care to people who face death and their loved ones. Bereave- in mourning Grief/ mourning- painful emotions and physical feelings after a loss.

STAGES OF GRIEF Denial May feel a strong sense of disbelief May say “This can’t be true” If the person had a lingering illness, few people are capable of accepting death without questioning, “Why?” Anger May be directed towards the deceased “Why did you leave me like this?” Bargaining If the person is still alive, the future survivor may try to prolong the person’s life “Please let him live, I will be good to him.” Depression Feelings of loneliness and isolation “What will I do now?” Leaves a person feeling helpless Acceptance Begins as the person realizes death is a fact and cannot be changed Think about what has to be done now to get on with living

EFFECTS OF GRIEF Both physical and emotional effects occur in all areas of the body Sleeping Appetite Acne Stress Reduce immunity Depression Sadness Loss Fear

WORKING THROUGH GRIEF Accept loss/ understand its reality Allow yourself to feel and work through your grief Try to recognize the full reality of what has happened Give vent to emotions Accept the comradery of your friends and relatives as a source of comfort Take time to heal Talk out your grief and cry Hang on to good memories Be thankful for the time you had together Ask for support Delay any major decisions until you have sought proper advice and can think clearly

HELPING OTHERS THROUGH GRIEF Be a good listener Write a sympathy note Help with everyday errands If necessary, help your friend get counseling

“DAD” We will be watching a movie called “Dad” Pay attention to the relationship between Jake and Bette (elderly couple) Do they live up the any “stereotypes” we discussed in class? Pay attention to how John (Ted Danson) treats his dad (Jake) Does their relationship change as the movie progresses? Why do you think that is? Think of Jake in relation to Erikson’s Late Adulthood stage. Does he have life satisfaction or does he fear death? How does this change throughout the movie?

ERIKSON: LATE ADULTHOOD (INTEGRITY VS. DESPAIR) 65 years old Reflecting back to life Task to be learned for healthy development Integrity/Life Satisfaction Results if failed Fear death Has regrets