Late Adulthood Concerns & Facing Death

Physical Development Middle Adulthood – Body not able to do the things it use to – Athletic ability relates more to a person’s health – Menopause – Late Adulthood brings changes with it to Physical Changes – Susceptible to short- term illness – Neuron’s in the brain begin to die – Senile – Recognition declines – Satisfaction peaks in the 50’s and then takes a gradual decline

Cognitive Development Sensory abilities begin to decline Health depends on how much you take care of yourself when you are younger Alzheimer’s – Memory deterioration – Loss of Brain Cells – Cognitive abilities drastically affected Dementia – mental erosion (Dementia)

Social Development Middle Adulthood Midlife transition – Divorce – New career – Social clock triggers this transition – A cross roads – A chance event can change everything Late Adulthood Erickson states that there are two basic things that dominate our adult lives – Intimacy Forming close relationships marriage – Generativity Being productive and supporting future generations Work and family All 3 Aspect of development can have a positive or negative affect On a person’s well-being across their life span

Concerns Needs tied to primary concerns – Poor health – Social isolation – Loss of feeling meaningful to society Retirement – Women & men either enjoy it or dislike it – Money Issues Institutionalization – Nursing homes Achievement – Am I still useful Picasso & Michelangelo E. Roosevelt & Einstein Isolation & Bereavement – Loss of spouse – Feelings of isolation – Caring for the sick

Thanatology The study of death and of methods for coping with it. We avoid & attempt to hide from the subject We refuse to admit it is part of the natural process of life The ultimate unknown Not everyone feels that way

Kubler-Ross Stage of Dying Kubler-Ross Stage of Dying 1. Denial: “I am not dying” 2. Anger: “Why me?” 3. Bargaining: “I will do… if U give me more time” 4. Depression: “Sad thinking about those I left behind” 5. Acceptance: “I am at peace& must take care of things”

Help for the Dying More people dying away from home – Dying alone – Amish seem to one of the few cultures that still hold the model for handling death Hospice Care: care for terminally ill people that emphasizes pain management, comfort, & quality of life