PSYCHOLOGY OF AGING UNIT 9: CHAPTER 15 OPTIMIZATION OF AGING: PROFESSIONAL INTERVENTIONS Robin Cooper, LCSW Foos, P.W., & Clark, M.C. (2008). Human aging. Boston, MA: Pearson Higher Education.

GETTING STARTED Welcome Microphone check Technical difficulties: Unit 9 Project: Any questions? Tonight: Review of chapter content with open discussion, Senior View, and reflections from the term

PRINCIPLES AND ISSUES The study of human aging requires us to look at Biology Economics Medicine Psychology Sociology Can you think of an example where these overlap in our study of aging?

PRINCIPLES AND ISSUES Development Is composed of gains and losses Examples: gain perspective, skills, and knowledge, while we may lose quickness, physical ability, and loved ones Shows plasticity Our environment and choices can alter gains and losses experienced. Is embedded in history The influence of cohort can be greater than the influence of age. Occurs within a context There are societal, cultural, familial, and economical influences on development.

PRINCIPLES AND ISSUES Recall from an earlier unit that four major developmental issues guide much of the research in gerontology Nature-nurture Mechanistic-organismic Stability-change Continuous vs. discontinuous change What are some examples of each of these issues that we have studied over the term?

INFLUENCES ON WELL-BEING & SATISFACTION What role does each of these items play in well- being? Social support Health Disability Finances Stress and coping strategies Personality: extraversion, optimism, neuroticism, conscientiousness Religion and spirituality Gender Age

INFLUENCES ON WELL-BEING PER RESEARCH Journals containing more positive emotions were those of women who lived longer Attitude towards experiences, rather than the experience themselves, is most important Good health and longer life are associated with a positive outlook Individuals who have higher levels of life satisfaction also have healthier immune systems Ability to manage emotions (esp. anger) results in higher well-being Group activities can affect happiness and thus well-being

THE FUTURE Our bodies It is anticipated that life expectancy will continue to increase What are some reasons for this? Morbidity: declining health and increasing disability that may accompany aging. Will this be better or worse in the future? Our minds Cohort effects Improved testing

THE FUTURE Ourselves Respect for diversity Changes in work Our survival Death and dying Changes in housing for elders

SENIOR VIEW: PAGE 378 How will you look? How healthy will you and your friends be? What physical activities will you undertake? What will be your overall physical condition? What will be your best and worst aspects of memory Will you be wise in old age? Who will be in your family and how often will you see them Who will live with you and where will you live?

SENIOR VIEW: PAGE 378 How many friends will you have and what will you do together? What will your religious or spiritual life be like? What role swill you hold? What will you do in retirement? How will you get around? What will driving be like for you? What recreation will you enjoy? How, when, and where will you die? Do you think society will treat older persons differently? If so, how?

REFLECTIONS CONSIDER THE READINGS, INTERVIEWS, MOVIES, DISCUSSION, SEMINARS, AND PROJECTS OF THIS COURSE What were you surprised to learn? What was the most important thing you learned? How have your perceptions of old age or the elderly changed? What do you feel the “take away” message is of this course? How can facilities and services best meet the needs of their senior clients? As a HSP how can you counsel and educate seniors to successful aging?

CLOSING Tonight: Review of chapter content with open discussion, Senior View, and reflections from the term Any questions? End of term surveys Next week: Unit 10 Topic: Reflections and Personal Applications Reading: Web based Seminar: none held Thank you for an outstanding term.