Discussion: Psychological Aspects of Aging
What does it mean to age “successfully”? Though the concept of success is relative, theories of successful aging explain factors that support individuals as they grow old. Factors such as maintaining physical and mental activity and disengaging from community obligations contribute to older adults’ ability to function. As a social worker, you must understand these supportive factors in order to address the needs of older clients and their families.
As you will see in this week’s media, situations involving Alzheimer’s or dementia, interpersonal conflict, and grief can complicate the process of successful aging. For this Discussion, you review one of two case studies involving an older woman and apply a theory of successful aging to the case.
By 01/14/2021
Respond to two colleagues who chose a different case and/or theory than you did. State whether you agree with your colleague’s strategy for applying the theory to the case. Justify your response and suggest one additional way your colleague might support the client’s psychological well-being
—
Psychological Aspects of Aging: A Panel Discussion
What does it mean to age “successfully” in today’s society? Despite the fact that the definition of success is relative, theories of successful aging describe the variables that enable people to live long and healthy lives. Several factors, such as maintaining physical and mental activity and disengaging from communal responsibilities, all contribute to the ability of older persons to function independently. When working with elderly clients and their families, it is important for social workers to understand the elements that contribute to their well-being.
As you will see in this week’s media, scenarios including Alzheimer’s or dementia, interpersonal conflict, and sorrow can all make the process of aging more difficult to complete successfully. For this Discussion, you will examine one of two case studies with an older woman and apply a theory of successful aging to the context in which it is presented.
By the 14th of January, 2021
Respond to two colleagues who chose a different instance and/or theory than you did, and explain your reasoning. Indicate if you agree or disagree with your colleague’s approach to applying the theory to the instance. Please provide justification for your response, as well as one additional method in which your colleague could Help the client’s psychological well-being.
—-sDiscussion Aspects of Aging That Are Psychological
Francine’s case has been selected for discussion in this week’s session.
Explain how significant events in Sara’s or Francine’s lives have influenced their psychological functioning. Make sure to include evidence for why they are important to your point of view.
Francine is 70 years old, and her long-term partner, who died of cancer, was also 70. Their partnership had lasted 30 years. Francine had always been apprehensive about coming out to her friends and family members (Walden University, LLC, 2021). Due of the worry that people would reject her if they found out she was a lesbian, Francine’s girlfriend Joan was always portrayed to her close friends as her closest friend or roommate, as opposed to her actual partner Joan (Walden University, LLC, 2021). She is grieving the loss of her beloved long-term boyfriend, and she has no one with whom to share her feelings with. Francine had struggled with alcoholism since she was in her mid-30s, and there is also a family history of alcoholism (Walden University, LLC, 2021). Francine is alone, with no one to talk to and no one who understands her grief over her partner’s death. She is in a state of shock. She sought Helpance because her despair, loss of enjoyment in her daily life, loneliness, and isolation were causing her distress, and she wanted to get help (Walden University, LLC, 2021).
Provide an example of how you, as a social worker, might apply a theory of successful aging to Sara’s or Francine’s situation. Make careful to give evidence to support your strategy.
The activity theory and social reconstruction theory would be applied in my role as Francine’s social worker in order to Help them in their path of successful aging (Zastrow & Kirst-Ashman, 2019). Francine’s sadness and alcoholism as a result of the death of her spouse Joan will be alleviated by keeping her occupied with physical activities suggested by the activity theory, which will allow her to improve her mood (Zastrow & Kirst-Ashman, 2019). Francine will benefit from the reconstruction theory because it will provide her with a sense of self-worth, social services to Help her with her daily responsibilities, and creative ways to help her feel in control of her life (Zastrow & Kirst-Ashman, 2019). Frankie is feeling lonely and alone; perhaps having someone come over and tidy up around her house will make her feel more useful (Zastrow & Kirst-Ashman, 2019). She can also attend AA meetings and participate in a sport that she enjoys, which will enable her to alleviate her depression as a result of the grief she has been experiencing.
Reference
Walden University, LLC is a for-profit corporation (2021). Case studies in social work [using interactive media].
https://class.waldenu.edu
A study by Zastrow et al., C. H., Kirst-Ashman, K. K., and Hessenauer, S. L., was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (2019). Understanding human behavior and the social context is essential for success (11th ed.). Cengage Learning is a company that provides educational services.
