A Myth About Aging

"Just because we have grey hair does not mean we don't know what we want or what we need". Functional Abilities In Older People Between the years 1990 and 2030 the number of people aged 65 will double and the number of people aged 85 years old will triple. Therefore it is important to understand how age-related changes affect functional abilities, because all of us are headed in that general direction. A Myth About Aging; In our culture, a common belief is that old age is a period of steady decline and it is not possible to maintain or improve physical and mental functioning later in life. However, a great deal of research (e.g. Birren & Shcale, 1990) has shown that this does not have to be the case. An approach that emphasizes thinking about the potential of older adults rather than society-imposed limitations is preferable. Society in general should think about what older people can do and what it would take for them to be able to function more independently rather than automatically doing things for them, thereby making them dependant. There are many reasons why caregivers may try to do things for older people rather than help them to do things independently. They may be trying . To be respectful or helpful . To repay the older people for all they have done for others . To save time and do things more efficiently While all of these are logical reasons for doing things for older people, they do not take into account what older people may or may not want others to do for them. ????. Consider the following example; Leona invited her mother for dinner but, rather than letting her help in the kitchen as had always been their custom she encouraged her to sit in the living room like a guest. Her mother thought it was because her arthritis made it difficult for her to stand and peel potatoes, open jars, or rinse a few dishes. Leona felt she was being thoughtful by treating her mom special. Mom became upset and upon investigating Leona was surprised to find that she had completely misjudged her mom's needs. The next day mom and Leona went on a shopping trip to purchase a high stool so mom could sit at the sink and some easy-to-grip utensils. Mom still had a lot to offer in a place where she always felt comfortable. This example illustrates several important points. First, problems with functional abilities can include physical, emotional, social and environmental components. Second, making relatively small changes in the way in which things are done (E.G. using adaptive tools) can make a big difference in the lives of older people who are trying to remain independent. Third, the feelings of self worth of older people can be affected by aging difficulties but the same feelings of self worth can be enhanced when difficulties are lessened and social inclusion is encouraged. As an eighty-year-old client once said to me "Just because we have grey hair does not mean we don't know what we want or what we need". We Care Home Healthcare Services Helen Perry R.N.

 

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