Read the following case study and answer the reflective questions. Please provide evidence-based rationales for your answers. APA, 7th ed. must be followed.
CASE STUDY: An Older Immigrant Couple:Mr. and Mrs. Arahan
Mr. and Mrs. Arahan, an older couple in their seventies, have been living with their oldest daughter, her husband of 15 years, and their two children, ages 12 and 14. They all live in a middle-income neighborhood in a suburb of a metropolitan city. Mr. and Mrs. Arahan are both college educated and worked full-time while they were in their native country. In addition, Mr. Arahan, the only offspring of wealthy parents, inherited a substantial amount of money and real estate. Their daughter came to the United States as a registered nurse and met her husband, a drug company representative. The older couple moved to the United States when their daughter became a U.S. citizen and petitioned them as immigrants. Since the couple was facing retirement, they welcomed the opportunity to come to the United States.
The Arahans found life in the United States different from that in their home country, but their adjustment was not as difficult because both were healthy and spoke English fluently. Most of their time was spent taking care of their two grandchildren and the house. As the grandchildren grew older, the older couple found that they had more spare time. The daughter and her husband advanced in their careers and spent a great deal more time at their jobs. There were few family dinners during the week. On weekends, the daughter, her husband, and their children socialized with their own friends. The couple began to feel isolated and longed for a more active life.
Mr. and Mrs. Arahan began to think that perhaps they should return to the home country, where they still had relatives and friends. However, political and economic issues would have made it difficult for them to live there. Besides, they had become accustomed to the way of life in the United States with all the modern conveniences and abundance of goods that were difficult to obtain in their country. However, they also became concerned that they might not be able to tolerate the winter months and that minor health problems might worsen as they aged. They wondered who would take care of them if they became very frail and where they would live, knowing that their daughter had only saved money for their grandchildren’s college education. They expressed their sentiments to their daughter, who became very concerned about how her parents were feeling.
This older couple had been attending church on a regular basis, but had never been active in other church-related activities. The church bulletin announced the establishment of parish nursing with two retired registered nurses as volunteers. The couple attended the first opening of the parish clinic. Here, they met one of the registered nurses, who had a short discussion with them about the services offered. The registered nurse had spent a great deal of her working years as a community health nurse. She informed Mr. and Mrs. Arahan of her availability to help them resolve any health-related issues.
Reflective Questions
1. What strategies could be suggested for this older adult couple to enhance their quality of life?
2. What community resources can they utilize?
3. What can the daughter and her family do to address the feelings of isolation of the older couple?
4. What health promotion activities can ensure a healthy lifestyle for them? CASE STUDY: An Older Immigrant Couple: Mr. And Mrs. Arahan
______________________
Strategies to Enhance Quality of Life for the Older Adult Couple:
a. Social Engagement: Encourage the couple to participate in social activities within their community, such as joining clubs, senior centers, or volunteer organizations. This would provide opportunities for them to meet new people, make friends, and reduce feelings of isolation.
Rationale: Research has shown that social engagement in older adults is associated with improved mental and physical well-being, reduced risk of depression, and increased life satisfaction (Cornwell & Waite, 2009; Holt-Lunstad et al., 2010).
b. Cultural Integration: Encourage the couple to explore cultural and community events that celebrate their heritage. They can connect with local immigrant associations, attend cultural festivals, or participate in language exchange programs to maintain their cultural identity and establish a sense of belonging.
Rationale: Cultural integration and maintenance of ethnic identity have been associated with better psychological well-being and adjustment among immigrant older adults (Suh & Triandis, 2002; Titzmann et al., 2013).
c. Physical Activity: Encourage the couple to engage in regular physical activity appropriate for their age and health condition. This can include walking, gentle exercises, or participation in community-based fitness programs tailored for older adults.
Rationale: Regular physical activity has numerous physical and mental health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, reduced risk of chronic diseases, enhanced cognitive function, and decreased symptoms of depression and anxiety (Chodzko-Zajko et al., 2009; Netz, 2019).
Community Resources for the Older Adult Couple:
a. Senior Centers: The couple can utilize local senior centers that offer various programs and services, such as educational classes, recreational activities, health screenings, and social events. These centers often provide opportunities for socialization and engagement with other older adults.
Rationale: Senior centers have been shown to promote social interaction, enhance well-being, and improve quality of life for older adults (Dickens et al., 2011; Walker & Pratt, 2013).
b. Volunteer Programs: The couple can explore volunteer opportunities in their community. This can include Helping in local schools, libraries, hospitals, or charitable organizations. Engaging in volunteer work provides a sense of purpose, social connection, and fulfillment.
Rationale: Volunteering has been associated with positive psychological and physical health outcomes in older adults, including increased life satisfaction, decreased depression, and improved overall well-being (Musick & Wilson, 2003; Okun et al., 2007).
c. Transportation Services: The couple may benefit from utilizing community transportation services designed for older adults. These services can provide accessible transportation options, allowing them to attend social events, medical appointments, and community activities.
Rationale: Access to transportation is crucial for older adults to maintain their independence, engage in social activities, and access healthcare services (Cao et al., 2018; Scheepers et al., 2019).
Addressing Feelings of Isolation for the Older Couple:
a. Family Inclusion: The daughter and her family can involve the older couple in their activities, outings, and family gatherings. Regular family dinners and joint recreational activities can help strengthen family bonds and reduce the older couple’s feelings of isolation.
Rationale: Social support from family members is a critical protective factor for the psychological well-being and social integration of older adults (Pinquart & Sörensen, 2000; Litwin & Shiovitz-Ezra, 2011).
b. Communication and Emotional Support: The daughter should actively listen to her parents’ concerns and provide emotional support. Regular communication and open discussions about the couple’s needs, preferences, and feelings of isolation can help identify appropriate solutions and address their concerns.
Rationale:
