Aging, Death, and Dying

Aging, Death, and Dying Aging Traditionally described as the patterns of life changes Opinions of when the aging process actually begins vary Gerontology The study of individual and collective aging processes Explores the reasons for aging and the ways in which people cope with and adapt to this process

What Is Successful Aging? Characteristics of People Who Age Successfully: They avoid serious debilitating diseases and disabilities. They function well physically, live independently, and engage in most normal activities of daily living. They maintain cognitive function and are actively engaged in mentally challenging and stimulating activities and in social and productive pursuits. They are resilient and able to cope reasonably well with physical, social, and emotional changes. They believe that they have control over circumstances in their lives. How do you see yourself as you age?

Older Adults: A Growing Population By the year 2030, it is estimated that there will be 72 million people aged 65 and over, representing 20 percent of the population. There will be a greater need for community resources designed to assist with mental, social, spiritual, psychological, and physical needs of older adults. In what ways does our society attempt to delay aging?

Number of Americans 65 and Older (in millions), Years 1900- 2006, and Projected 2010-2050

Health Issues for an Aging Society Health Care Costs Questions arise about the solvency of Social Security Since 1996 out-of-pocket medical costs have risen by 62 percent. As people live longer, the chances of developing a costly chronic disease increase, and as technology improves, chronic illnesses that once were quickly fatal may now be treated successfully for many years.

Health Issues for an Aging Society Housing and Living Arrangements Income-based disparities exist in caring for the elderly. Questions arise about how we as a society will make certain that people will have access to safe and affordable long-term care options. Ethical and Moral Considerations Questions have surfaced regarding the efficacy of hooking up a terminally ill older person to costly machines that prolong life for only a few weeks. The debate continues over stem cell research funding.

Theories of Aging Biological Theories Wear-and-tear theory Cellular theory Genetic mutation theory Autoimmune theory

Physical and Mental Changes of Aging Typical Physical Changes Skin Bones and joints Head and face Urinary system Heart and lungs Senses Sexual changes (men and women)

Normal Effects of Aging on the Body

Physical and Mental Changes of Aging Typical Mental Changes Memory Dementias and Alzheimer’s disease Key to maintaining memory is keeping your mind active. Those people who engage in reading, solving mental puzzles, and learning to play musical instruments have a better chance of keeping their memory sharp

Alcohol and Drug Use and Abuse Alcohol Use and Abuse A person who is prone to alcoholism during his or her younger years is more likely to continue that pattern during later years. Alcohol abuse is 5 times more common among older men than among older women. Prescription Drug Use Overuse or misuse prescriptions Polypharmacy—use of multiple medications To avoid drug interactions and other problems, older adults should use the same pharmacy consistently, ask questions about their medications and dosages, and read directions carefully.

Strategies for Healthy Aging Develop and Maintain Healthy Relationships Social bonds and support lend vigor and energy to life Enrich the Spiritual Side of Life Developing bonds with nature, the environment, a higher being, and yourself is important Improve Fitness Sarcopenia—age-associated loss of muscle mass

Exercise Recommendations for Adults over Age 65

Strategies for Healthy Aging Eat for Health Calcium Vitamin D Protein Healthy diet should help meet all other nutrient needs Are you beginning today to prevent problems with bones and muscles, heart, and mental health later in life?

Understanding the Final Transitions: Dying and Death Defining Death The final cessation of vital functions Brain Death Irreversible cessation of all functions of the entire brainstem Denying Death Attitudes toward death tend to fall on a continuum. On one end, death is viewed as a mortal enemy and on the other end, death is accepted and even welcomed. Most people fall in the middle of the continuum.

The Process of Dying Dying The process of the decline in body functions that results in the death of an organism Coping Emotionally with Death Kübler-Ross’s stages of dying: Denial Anger Bargaining Depression Acceptance

Kübler-Ross’s Stages of Dying

The Process of Dying Social Death When a person is not treated as an active member of society Loss of being valued or appreciated by others Denying a person normal social interaction Coping with Loss Bereavement Grief Mourning

Talking to Friends When Someone Dies

The Process of Dying What Is “Typical” Grief? Waves of prolonged physical distress Tightness in the throat, choking, and shortness of breath Feelings of emptiness and muscular weakness Intense anxiety Grief work The process of integrating the reality of the loss into everyday life and learning to feel better

The Process of Dying Worden’s Model of Grieving Tasks Accept the reality of the loss. Work through the pain of grief. Adjust to an environment in which the deceased is missing. Emotionally relocate the deceased and move on with life.

Life-and-Death Decision Making The Right to Die Refusal of artificial life support techniques A living will includes specific wishes about dying. Be specific. Get an agent. Discuss your wishes. Deliver the directive. Rational Suicide Active euthanasia—when a person or an organization knowingly acts to end the life of a terminally ill person Passive euthanasia—the intentional withholding of treatment that would prolong life

Making Final Arrangements Hospice Care: Positive Alternatives Palliative care aimed to relieve the dying person’s pain Offers emotional support to the dying person and loved ones Goal is to restore a sense of control to the dying person, family, and friends Making Funeral Arrangements Many different customs

Making Final Arrangements Wills Intestate—dying without a will Procedure for establishing a legal will is relatively simple and inexpensive Organ Donation Uniform donor cards are available through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, as well as many health care foundations and nonprofit organizations