Introduction As the “baby boomer” generation ages, and the lifespan of adults lengthen, the number of older people is rapidly increasing. According to The National Association of Social Workers, statistic project that by the year 2030, the number of individuals ranging in age from 65 or older is expected to double, equaling a total of 70 million (Aging, n.d.). This increase in the elderly population creates the need for counselors to have vast knowledge related to aging individuals as challenges regarding environmental, social, psychological, health care, and economics continue.
Stereotypes
A study done in 1986 by Schmidt and Boland asked undergraduates to identify terms, both positive and negative, that they associate with elderly individuals. …show more content…
Some common physical issues that older adults experience are changes in physical appearance, hormone levels, body composition, sensory acuity, hearing impairment, weakened vision, performance capacity of most organs, and immunological responses (Krebs-Carter, 2007). Along with the physical issues, there are cognitive problems typically associated as well. This may include a decline in memory, information processing speed, or communication issues (Krebs-Carter, 2007). Research by Cingi, Muluk, and Yilmaz (2015) identifies health and physical problems such as cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and aphasia are common issues that affect communication (Cingi, Muluk, & Yilmaz, 2015). Illness such as the ones above, affect both the physical and cognitive areas. Additionally, elderly individuals may also experience long-term frailty or long-term disability and dependency can diminish the functional capacity, often times leading to emotional distress (Chochinov, …show more content…
During this stage in life, an elderly individual will typically begin to reflect on their life. Many may fear death, feel like they were abandoned, of feel that they have lost the ability to be self-sufficient (Krebs-Carter, 2007). Additionally, Zeiss and Steffen (1996) discuss how older adults may face obstacles regarding quality of life, which contributes to his or her depression (Zeiss, & Steffen, 1996). In reflecting on ones quality of life, a decision regarding end-of-life may be considered. It is important that counselors obtain training specialized in the area of death and dying, patient rights, client advocacy, and mental health laws to better assist an elder adult in this area if this conversation arises (Zeiss, & Steffen, 1996). This writer believes it is also important for a counselor to spend time reflecting on his or her own thoughts, values, and feelings associated to end-of-life decisions in order to understand his or her own beliefs, and be more prepared to help an elderly individual if this conversation were to arise.
Conclusion
Providing therapy to elderly adults can be challenging, as there are many stereotypes, physical, cognitive, and mental health challenges. It is important that the counselor remember to emphasize the elderly individuals strengths, help to develop independence when appropriate, and to meet the elderly individual where they are at, adjusting
Stereotypes
A study done in 1986 by Schmidt and Boland asked undergraduates to identify terms, both positive and negative, that they associate with elderly individuals. …show more content…
Some common physical issues that older adults experience are changes in physical appearance, hormone levels, body composition, sensory acuity, hearing impairment, weakened vision, performance capacity of most organs, and immunological responses (Krebs-Carter, 2007). Along with the physical issues, there are cognitive problems typically associated as well. This may include a decline in memory, information processing speed, or communication issues (Krebs-Carter, 2007). Research by Cingi, Muluk, and Yilmaz (2015) identifies health and physical problems such as cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and aphasia are common issues that affect communication (Cingi, Muluk, & Yilmaz, 2015). Illness such as the ones above, affect both the physical and cognitive areas. Additionally, elderly individuals may also experience long-term frailty or long-term disability and dependency can diminish the functional capacity, often times leading to emotional distress (Chochinov, …show more content…
During this stage in life, an elderly individual will typically begin to reflect on their life. Many may fear death, feel like they were abandoned, of feel that they have lost the ability to be self-sufficient (Krebs-Carter, 2007). Additionally, Zeiss and Steffen (1996) discuss how older adults may face obstacles regarding quality of life, which contributes to his or her depression (Zeiss, & Steffen, 1996). In reflecting on ones quality of life, a decision regarding end-of-life may be considered. It is important that counselors obtain training specialized in the area of death and dying, patient rights, client advocacy, and mental health laws to better assist an elder adult in this area if this conversation arises (Zeiss, & Steffen, 1996). This writer believes it is also important for a counselor to spend time reflecting on his or her own thoughts, values, and feelings associated to end-of-life decisions in order to understand his or her own beliefs, and be more prepared to help an elderly individual if this conversation were to arise.
Conclusion
Providing therapy to elderly adults can be challenging, as there are many stereotypes, physical, cognitive, and mental health challenges. It is important that the counselor remember to emphasize the elderly individuals strengths, help to develop independence when appropriate, and to meet the elderly individual where they are at, adjusting