1. Chapter 13 Older Adulthood and Aging

2. Erikson: Psychosocial Development
Ego integrity
Realization that their lives have been worthwhile
Despair
Inability to accept death
Life review
Helps to gain a more positive perspective on the conflicts of earlier stages
Encourage reminiscence

3. Erikson’s Theory Challenge Ego integrity versus despair
Necessary accomplishments
Balance choices, achieve stability, retire, evaluate life, accept life choices
Virtues
Renunciation, wisdom, dignity

4. Question Is the following statement true or false?
According to Erickson, a psychosocial challenge for this developmental stage is intimacy versus isolation.

5. Answer
False
Erikson states that the psychosocial challenge for this developmental stage is ego integrity versus despair. Older adults can reflect on the events and decisions of their lives. They achieve ego integrity when they sense that their lives have meaning and have been worthwhile. If older adults do not meet the challenges of aging, regrets and feelings of failure may envelop them.

6. Lifestyle Changes
General change in physiologic, psychological, and sociologic functions and roles
Adaptation to physiologic, psychological, and sociologic changes
Reduction of income
Adaptation to loss
Development of coping mechanisms
More time for meditation and contemplation of life

7. Major Physical Changes
Decrease in functioning of organs
Change in visual and auditory acuity
Decreased reaction time
Unsteady gait, decreased sense of balance, stiff joints
Decrease in tactile sensations
Increased emotional and physical losses
Decreased capacity for recovery from injury or illness

8. Psychosocial Considerations
Key elements of maintaining independence
Health, financial stability, and social resources
Community resources help lessen dependence on family and friends.
Participation in social activities is important for older adults.
Skilled and sympathetic listeners can help acceptance of the aging process and one’s life history and decisions.

9. Areas of Concern Preventable disorders may arise due to
Lack of effective exercise
Use of tobacco products
Obesity and poor eating habits
Preventative health screening and early detection practices are less expensive than treatment.

10. Areas of Concern (cont’d)
Work, retirement, and activities
plan activities that bring joy and happiness
Finances and poverty
Stress and loss
Physical and psychological stressors accumulate
Spirituality
Important sources of personal solace
Mortality
Religious or spiritual beliefs influence attitudes

11. Question Is the following statement true or false?
Severe depression is a normal consequence of typical aging.

12. Answer
False
Severe depression is not a normal consequence of typical aging and can often lead to further negative psychosocial consequences. A nurse needs to notify the healthcare providers of symptoms of depression. Many types of depression can be effectively treated by medications and/or therapy.

13. Lifespan: Special Considerations
Income is from savings, investments, and retirement. Majority rely on Social Security income.
Older minority populations are more likely to face health problems.
Health problems and disabilities increase with advancing age.
Women’s healthcare needs differ from those of men of the same age.
Children of are frequently faced with responsibility for aging parents.

14. Demographics Some relevant challenges:
Quality, convenient, and cost-effective services
Early financial planning
Urban transportation systems to provide easier access to preventive healthcare
Flexible working and retirement schedules
Fitness programs designed for older adults
Better nutrition in younger years
Better training of healthcare professionals in the areas of aging

15. Question
One of the challenges for future healthcare practices that has resulted from the changing demographics is:
a. Increasing the role of nutrition in preventive healthcare
b. Providing free immunization for preventable diseases
c. Educating the importance of accepting mortality
d. Providing counseling with religious and spiritual teachers
e. Ensuring that all older adults able to receive fee legal aid

16. Answer a. Increasing the role of nutrition in preventive healthcare
Better nutrition in younger years benefits people as they age. Nutrition should play a greater role in preventive healthcare, restoration of health, and maintenance of optimal health throughout the lifespan.

17. End of Presentation