Chapter 12 – Applications in Special Areas

Older adulthood an important stage Human service workers are called on to

help We will explore gerontology, aging and

ageism We will explore myths and theories We will look at trends We will discuss settings, values and roles

in the provision of human services

Defined as the study of the physical, mental, and social processes of growing older.

Comes from the word “geron” which means “aging” and logos, which means “knowledge.”

Relatively new field of study – last 50 years Note: Geriatrics is a subset of gerontology

and is the field of medicine that pertains to the diseases and treatment of older persons.

US statistics In 1900 people over the age of 65 were 4% In 1990 13% People are living longer

Aging is the way humans move along the continuum of time. There are three important things to remember.1. Aging describes the normal progressive

changes that can be expected in cells, organs, biological systems, etc.

2. Aging is an individual process, no two people age the same

3. Within one person, systems and organs age at different paces

1. Chronological – number of years lived2. Bureaucratic – eligibility for social programs or services,

such as 65 for Social Security 55 for discounts in stores

3. Functioning – mobility, ability to care for oneself, and overall health.

4. Social – roles and relationships in the social structure as people age.

5. Biological – physical changes to organs and cells6. Psychological – sensory and mental functioning,

personality, attitude and coping.7. Demographic – the trends in the overall and aging

population.

Heredity Occupation Environment Stress Health care Health maintenance Level of activity

Provide an example for the myths. Think of someone or tell a story of someone you know that does not follow the myth.

0 – 21 years – childhood and adolescence 21 years

20 – 60 - approximately 40 years 60 + - can be 10 – 30 years

Subcategories might be good Young old (approximately 60 – 74) Middle old (approximately 75 – 80) Old old (usually over 85)

Interesting that people from different generations may attend the same seniors group.

The most rapidly aging group is 85 and over and 70% are females and many of these are disadvantaged as they were not part of the working force.

This word was coined by Robert Butler Prejudice based on age Ageism is prejudging an individual, a group of

people, or a physical condition based on preconceived notions of age.

Ageism causes us to assume things about persons based solely on their age.

Ageism includes discrimination based on age. Ageism is fueled by our society’s worship of

youth and physical beauty and predominance of the work ethic.

All older people are alike Older people cannot learn Older people are senile All older people are in Nursing Homes All older persons are sick and helpless Older persons become more religious

as they age. Older age is a “Golden Age.”

Examples might be “All old people are sweet” “All old people are crotchety and grouchy.” People grow more like each other as they age

TRUTH IS …We retain our unique personality and cultural characteristics as we age. Personalities get more distinct and unique.

“You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”

TRUTH IS … Older persons learn at a slower pace, but they do learn, and they do retain the information. The ability to learn will not stop unless there is a medical problem.

“Senility” is inevitable Senility is mistakenly used to describe

dementia, mental impairment, and memory loss; however, “senility” is actually just a synonym for “old” and does not mean mental impairment

TRUTH IS … Mental deterioration is neither normal or inevitable. The majority of the population do not develop dementia.

TRUTH IS … Approximately 85% of persons over 65 are in their own homes, living on their own and doing well.

Some think older persons lose their sexuality Older persons cannot benefit from mental

health services All older persons are physically impaired or

ill.

TRUTH IS … Each person is different, of course, but in normal aging, generally none of the stereotypes above are true

TRUTH IS … People who are old and religious were young and religious. Spiritual attitudes tend to remain constant throughout life, but religious activities may decline in later adulthood due to mobility problems, transportation problems, sensory impairments, or health problems.

Some think that retirement age is always tranquil and untroubled

TRUTH IS …. Some face decreased income, increased isolation, chronic illnesses and conditions, substandard medical care, and fear of losing one’s independence and home. Some elders are faced with ageism, sexism, classism, racism, xenophobia (hatred or fear of foreigners or strangers or of their politics or culture,) etc.

1. The myths discussed are very common. Which ideas had you held about what aging would be like?

2. Discuss how media images and societal stereotypes can perpetuate these myths.

3. Watch a movie that portrays older people. Identify ways these films perpetuate myths about aging.

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Books/video/forever-young-myth-busting-longevity-13084023

ABC News – Myth busting longevity

Neither all good nor all bad Mixture of gains and declines Later years are not necessarily a “golden

age,” neither is it a hellish existence with no joy

Aging is an individual event as well as a condition that is heavily influenced by societal attitudes and support.

Older people are widely different from each other and their experiences cannot be generalized.

1. Disengagement theory2. Activity theory3. Continuity theory4. Psychological model5. Role theory

A theory is a particular view of the world and a way of putting on a different set of lenses.

1. Judge what fits your perspective2. Can be aware of different ways of

interpreting aging3. Can pick and choose parts of theories

to form your own truthsThis means that no one view of the world

is written in stone and that no one perception may be right or wrong. We must consider facts and experience.

Developed in 1961 Says people remove themselves from society as

they age and society eases away from them Theory says that older persons are inactive and

withdrawn Says elders do not need to be active Considers it is normal, adaptive and natural for

older persons and society to withdraw from each other

Example: It is considered functional for society to transfer power and responsibility to younger persons, and for older persons to remove themselves from the workplace.

Developed in 1961 as a reaction against disengagement theory

Says that old age is no different from middle age

Persons who are active will be more satisfied and better adjusted than those who have disengaged. This theory is congruent with societal values about work and productivity.

Theory 1968 Takes into account the course of an

individual’s life and states that personality and styles of coping do not change with age.

The aging person changes roles but continues to adapt as he or she always has

Personality is the major factor in adjustment People as they age become more and more

like what they were when they were young.

Is based on a life cycle view and theories of human development

States later adulthood is a life stage of its own Life is a continuum of change and growth Each stage has its own unique problems,

tasks, coping skills, crises, and potential The psychosocial task of older adulthood is

this theory is called “integrity versus despair,” meaning that a person who is facing the end of his or her life must come to terms with what he or she has been able to be and do throughout life.

Theory from 1942 People hold a variety of roles and

relationships through their lives, such as spouse, parent, sibling, employee, and friend.

Roles determine our self-concepts and our self-images

Age alters roles, norms, standards, and expectations.

Examples:A woman who is 75 who has defined herself

primarily as a wife for 50 years will have a difficult adjustment upon widowhood, in addition to experience the grief from losing a husband.

A man of 65 who has defined himself for his adult life as primary breadwinner and as employee will perhaps have a difficult time adjusting to forced retirement.

1. Social theories of aging focus on different aspects of aging; for example, social involvement, personal adjustment, or personality style. Which ideas help us to understand which aspect of aging best?

2. Which theory best fits with your own view of aging and explain your choice.

3. How might human service work with older persons be influenced by a belief in each of the above theories?

1. Social theories focus attention on different aspects of aging; for example, social involvement, personal adjustment, or personality style. Which ideas help us to understand which aspect of aging best?

2. Which of the above theories fits best with your own view of aging?

3. How might human services work with older persons be influenced by a belief in each of the above theories?