1. Aging, Death, and Dying

2. Aging, Death, and Dying Aging
Traditionally described as the patterns of life changes
Opinions of when the aging process actually begins vary
Gerontology
The study of individual and collective aging processes
Explores the reasons for aging and the ways in which people cope with and adapt to this process

3. What Is Successful Aging?
Characteristics of People Who Age Successfully:
They avoid serious debilitating diseases and disabilities.
They function well physically, live independently, and engage in most normal activities of daily living.
They maintain cognitive function and are actively engaged in mentally challenging and stimulating activities and in social and productive pursuits.
They are resilient and able to cope reasonably well with physical, social, and emotional changes.
They believe that they have control over circumstances in their lives.
How do you see yourself as you age?

4. Older Adults: A Growing Population
By the year 2030, it is estimated that there will be 72 million people aged 65 and over, representing 20 percent of the population.
There will be a greater need for community resources designed to assist with mental, social, spiritual, psychological, and physical needs of older adults.
In what ways does our society attempt to delay aging?

5. Number of Americans 65 and Older (in millions), Years 1900- 2006, and Projected 2010-2050

6. Health Issues for an Aging Society
Health Care Costs
Questions arise about the solvency of Social Security
Since 1996 out-of-pocket medical costs have risen by 62 percent.
As people live longer, the chances of developing a costly chronic disease increase, and as technology improves, chronic illnesses that once were quickly fatal may now be treated successfully for many years.

7. Health Issues for an Aging Society
Housing and Living Arrangements
Income-based disparities exist in caring for the elderly.
Questions arise about how we as a society will make certain that people will have access to safe and affordable long-term care options.
Ethical and Moral Considerations
Questions have surfaced regarding the efficacy of hooking up a terminally ill older person to costly machines that prolong life for only a few weeks.
The debate continues over stem cell research funding.

8. Theories of Aging Biological Theories Wear-and-tear theory
Cellular theory
Genetic mutation theory
Autoimmune theory

9. Physical and Mental Changes of Aging
Typical Physical Changes
Skin
Bones and joints
Head and face
Urinary system
Heart and lungs
Senses
Sexual changes (men and women)

10. Normal Effects of Aging on the Body

11. Physical and Mental Changes of Aging
Typical Mental Changes
Memory
Dementias and Alzheimer’s disease
Key to maintaining memory is keeping your mind active. Those people who engage in reading, solving mental puzzles, and learning to play musical instruments have a better chance of keeping their memory sharp

12. Alcohol and Drug Use and Abuse
Alcohol Use and Abuse
A person who is prone to alcoholism during his or her younger years is more likely to continue that pattern during later years.
Alcohol abuse is 5 times more common among older men than among older women.
Prescription Drug Use
Overuse or misuse prescriptions
Polypharmacy—use of multiple medications
To avoid drug interactions and other problems, older adults should use the same pharmacy consistently, ask questions about their medications and dosages, and read directions carefully.

13. Strategies for Healthy Aging
Develop and Maintain Healthy Relationships
Social bonds and support lend vigor and energy to life
Enrich the Spiritual Side of Life
Developing bonds with nature, the environment, a higher being, and yourself is important
Improve Fitness
Sarcopenia—age-associated loss of muscle mass

14. Exercise Recommendations for Adults over Age 65

15. Strategies for Healthy Aging
Eat for Health
Calcium
Vitamin D
Protein
Healthy diet should help meet all other nutrient needs
Are you beginning today to prevent problems with bones and muscles, heart, and mental health later in life?

16. Understanding the Final Transitions: Dying and Death
Defining Death
The final cessation of vital functions
Brain Death
Irreversible cessation of all functions of the entire brainstem
Denying Death
Attitudes toward death tend to fall on a continuum.
On one end, death is viewed as a mortal enemy and on the other end, death is accepted and even welcomed.
Most people fall in the middle of the continuum.

17. The Process of Dying Dying
The process of the decline in body functions that results in the death of an organism
Coping Emotionally with Death
Kübler-Ross’s stages of dying:
Denial
Anger
Bargaining
Depression
Acceptance

18. Kübler-Ross’s Stages of Dying

19. The Process of Dying Social Death
When a person is not treated as an active member of society
Loss of being valued or appreciated by others
Denying a person normal social interaction
Coping with Loss
Bereavement
Grief
Mourning

20. Talking to Friends When Someone Dies

21. The Process of Dying What Is “Typical” Grief?
Waves of prolonged physical distress
Tightness in the throat, choking, and shortness of breath
Feelings of emptiness and muscular weakness
Intense anxiety
Grief work
The process of integrating the reality of the loss into everyday life and learning to feel better

22. The Process of Dying Worden’s Model of Grieving Tasks
Accept the reality of the loss.
Work through the pain of grief.
Adjust to an environment in which the deceased is missing.
Emotionally relocate the deceased and move on with life.

23. Life-and-Death Decision Making
The Right to Die
Refusal of artificial life support techniques
A living will includes specific wishes about dying.
Be specific.
Get an agent.
Discuss your wishes.
Deliver the directive.
Rational Suicide
Active euthanasia—when a person or an organization knowingly acts to end the life of a terminally ill person
Passive euthanasia—the intentional withholding of treatment that would prolong life

24. Making Final Arrangements
Hospice Care: Positive Alternatives
Palliative care aimed to relieve the dying person’s pain
Offers emotional support to the dying person and loved ones
Goal is to restore a sense of control to the dying person, family, and friends
Making Funeral Arrangements
Many different customs

25. Making Final Arrangements
Wills
Intestate—dying without a will
Procedure for establishing a legal will is relatively simple and inexpensive
Organ Donation
Uniform donor cards are available through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, as well as many health care foundations and nonprofit organizations