Late Adulthood, Death, Dying and Bereavement Chapters 17-19
Piaget’s Formal Operations Stage Abstract thought
Erik Erikson Ego integrity vs despair Feeling whole, complete and satisfied with life’s achievement Vs despair-made many wrong decisions yet time is too short to find an alternate route to integrity Hard to accept death Anger and contempt with others maybe expressed
Physical Issues Dementia-loss of memory Alzheimer’s Disease-leading cause of death in elderly population Cancer/ heart issues/breathing Diabetes/broken bones Issues with cold and heat- due to nervous system Issues with taste buds Macular degeneration-vision blurs and loss of vision Loss of some smell
Exercise and life style Exercise and active lifestyle seem to improve loss of memory, loss of body mass, loss of energy and loss stamina increase of oxygen and blood flow throughout the body
Care for the Elderly Nursing homes-assisted living Hospice Care of family members Living alone hospitals
Reflections Elderly may participate in life reflection-reflecting on one’s life to recognize contribution to society and others Many cultures hold elderly in high social status and view them with much wisdom
Terminal Decline Steady marked decrease in cognitive functioning prior to death Some say average 1-3 years possible 5 years Loss of memory, speech, motor function, bodily functions can be signs
Death and Dying Dying occurs in 3 phases Agonal phase- gasps and muscle spasms Clinical death- short interval in which heartbeat, circulation, breathing and brain functioning stop but resuscitation is still possible Mortality occurs when the individual passes into permanent death
Brain Death Irreversible cessation of all activity of the brain and brain stem which controls reflexs persistent
Understanding of Death Permanence-once living things die, they can not be brought back Universality-all living things die Nonfuctionality-all living things function,and cease at death
Stages of Bereavement Denial Anger Bargaining Depression Acceptance
Components to think about Wills Place of death Place of burial Method of burial
Other terms Euthanasia Assisted Suicide
Other cultures view of death and dying See handout