Chapter 13 Older Adulthood and Aging

Erikson: Psychosocial Development Ego integrity Realization that their lives have been worthwhile Despair Inability to accept death Life review Helps to gain a more positive perspective on the conflicts of earlier stages Encourage reminiscence

Erikson’s Theory Challenge Ego integrity versus despair Necessary accomplishments Balance choices, achieve stability, retire, evaluate life, accept life choices Virtues Renunciation, wisdom, dignity

Question Is the following statement true or false? According to Erickson, a psychosocial challenge for this developmental stage is intimacy versus isolation.

Answer False Erikson states that the psychosocial challenge for this developmental stage is ego integrity versus despair. Older adults can reflect on the events and decisions of their lives. They achieve ego integrity when they sense that their lives have meaning and have been worthwhile. If older adults do not meet the challenges of aging, regrets and feelings of failure may envelop them.

Lifestyle Changes General change in physiologic, psychological, and sociologic functions and roles Adaptation to physiologic, psychological, and sociologic changes Reduction of income Adaptation to loss Development of coping mechanisms More time for meditation and contemplation of life

Major Physical Changes Decrease in functioning of organs Change in visual and auditory acuity Decreased reaction time Unsteady gait, decreased sense of balance, stiff joints Decrease in tactile sensations Increased emotional and physical losses Decreased capacity for recovery from injury or illness

Psychosocial Considerations Key elements of maintaining independence Health, financial stability, and social resources Community resources help lessen dependence on family and friends. Participation in social activities is important for older adults. Skilled and sympathetic listeners can help acceptance of the aging process and one’s life history and decisions.

Areas of Concern Preventable disorders may arise due to Lack of effective exercise Use of tobacco products Obesity and poor eating habits Preventative health screening and early detection practices are less expensive than treatment.

Areas of Concern (cont’d) Work, retirement, and activities plan activities that bring joy and happiness Finances and poverty Stress and loss Physical and psychological stressors accumulate Spirituality Important sources of personal solace Mortality Religious or spiritual beliefs influence attitudes

Question Is the following statement true or false? Severe depression is a normal consequence of typical aging.

Answer False Severe depression is not a normal consequence of typical aging and can often lead to further negative psychosocial consequences. A nurse needs to notify the healthcare providers of symptoms of depression. Many types of depression can be effectively treated by medications and/or therapy.

Lifespan: Special Considerations Income is from savings, investments, and retirement. Majority rely on Social Security income. Older minority populations are more likely to face health problems. Health problems and disabilities increase with advancing age. Women’s healthcare needs differ from those of men of the same age. Children of are frequently faced with responsibility for aging parents.

Demographics Some relevant challenges: Quality, convenient, and cost-effective services Early financial planning Urban transportation systems to provide easier access to preventive healthcare Flexible working and retirement schedules Fitness programs designed for older adults Better nutrition in younger years Better training of healthcare professionals in the areas of aging

Question One of the challenges for future healthcare practices that has resulted from the changing demographics is: a. Increasing the role of nutrition in preventive healthcare b. Providing free immunization for preventable diseases c. Educating the importance of accepting mortality d. Providing counseling with religious and spiritual teachers e. Ensuring that all older adults able to receive fee legal aid

Answer a. Increasing the role of nutrition in preventive healthcare Better nutrition in younger years benefits people as they age. Nutrition should play a greater role in preventive healthcare, restoration of health, and maintenance of optimal health throughout the lifespan.

End of Presentation