AGING, DEATH, DYING Himes 2014

The Beginning of Life Fertilization: joining together of a male sperm cell and a female egg cell Chromosomes: threadlike structures found within the nucleus; humans have 46 chromosomes Genes: basic units of heredity; carry codes for our traits

Heredity vs. Environment nature v. nurture Genes- determine physical characteristics Do genes affect behavior, intelligence, personality? Nature (heredity): behave according to genetic predispositions Nurture: we act in certain ways because we are taught to do so Twin studies show that identical twins reared in the same household are very similar but may exhibit different personality traits; adoption studies show very similar but may exhibit different personality traits Video

Erikson

Adolescent Development Physical- puberty between 8-12 years old growth spurts, acne, hair growth, perspiration, ovulation/menstruation, nocturnal emissions Social- establish independence, spend time alone, acceptance of body, mature relationships, interest in community Emotional- empathy, mood swings, proper expression of emotions, relaxation

Ages Chronological- age measured in years Biological- age determined by how well various body parts are working Social- age measured by your lifestyle and the connections you have with others

AGING Physical- weakening of senses, loss of calcium in the bones, stiffening of joints, weakening of muscles Mental- dementia, memory loss Video Social- change in relationships

Death Clinical- right after breathing, circulation and brain activity has ceased- 4 minutes to try and resuscitate Brain- after 7 minutes Somatic- permanent irreversible death, when all organ system have ceased

Stages of grief/dying Elisabeth Kubler-Ross- psychiatrist; “On Death and Dying” Shock/Denial – Refusal to accept that they are dying. Grievers – separation from emotions after the loss of a loved one. Anger – The dying/grieving person begins to ask angrily “Why Me?”, or “Why him/her?” Bargaining /Yearning – The dying person looks for ways to prolong life. The grievers ache. Depression – Realizes that he/she will not live to keep certain promises. Acceptance – The dying person finally accepts the reality of death. The survivors are able to go forward with their lives.

Euthanasia Literally “good death” Active- performing an action to cause death Passive-causing death by not providing necessary care or treatment Voluntary- person has requested to die Non-voluntary- person has not given consent (unable) Assisted suicide- guidance or information given on how to take your own life

Physician Assisted Suicide When a doctor helps another person to kill themselves, it is called a “physician assisted suicide.” –In 1997, the states were allowed to decide. Oregon was the first to allow. Video

Advanced Directives 18 years old Legal document Living will checklist allows you to document your medical wishes Durable Power of Attorney (healthcare proxy) appoint someone to make medical decisions for you Do Not Resuscitate a request not to have CPR performed