There are three major demographic generations found in Canadian society, the baby boom generation, the parents of the baby boomers, and the children of the baby boomers. A baby boom, “by definition is a sudden rise in the number of births observed from year to year. It ends when a sudden drop in the number of births is observed (Statistics Canada, 2011). The people who were born after World War II between 1946 and 1965 make up the baby boom population today. This means that in 2014 the baby boom generation is between the ages of 49 and 68. By 2031, all baby boomers will have reached 65 (Statistics Canada, 2011). The readings assigned this week brought up issues of contributing factors, warning signs, and interventions related to suicidality
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Men have also been found to deal with isolation and loneliness more difficulty than women do. Bereavement is often a “particular factor for older men, who have higher rates of suicide following the death of a spouse (Woods, 2008, p.113). Woods (2008) discussed a qualitative study examining the experiences of 15 elderly people who had attempted suicide where the “lack of social integration was highlighted” (p. 116). Three key themes were acknowledged in the time prior to the suicide attempt. The first theme included feeling invisible and disconnected from others. The second theme dealt with a loss of control “with losses relating to health, pain, mobility, social support and social status” (Woods, 2008, p. 116). The final theme was an inner battle with aging, and the negative views associated with getting …show more content…
Unfortunately, for the majority of the Canadian population this is a reality. The baby boomers are in dire need of support and assistance when it comes to aging. We have to remember as young people that they are experiencing many different layers of loss; including widowhood, retirement, the loss of health and physical well being, mental illness, depression, the loss of control, and the list goes on… Suicide in this instance may be about “regaining control, with renewed energy following the decision” (Woods, 2008, p.116). Suicide in the elderly can be understood as an opportunity for the patient to regain control and power over their own destiny.
Woods (2008) offers a problem solving intervention approach when dealing with suicidality in seniors. I would also suggest in complementary to the above suggestions, a safe place where the elderly can go that is not labeled as being an “Old Age Home”. This could help better integrate them into the community and ultimately help assist in the prevention of suicide and the destigmatization of growing
Men have also been found to deal with isolation and loneliness more difficulty than women do. Bereavement is often a “particular factor for older men, who have higher rates of suicide following the death of a spouse (Woods, 2008, p.113). Woods (2008) discussed a qualitative study examining the experiences of 15 elderly people who had attempted suicide where the “lack of social integration was highlighted” (p. 116). Three key themes were acknowledged in the time prior to the suicide attempt. The first theme included feeling invisible and disconnected from others. The second theme dealt with a loss of control “with losses relating to health, pain, mobility, social support and social status” (Woods, 2008, p. 116). The final theme was an inner battle with aging, and the negative views associated with getting …show more content…
Unfortunately, for the majority of the Canadian population this is a reality. The baby boomers are in dire need of support and assistance when it comes to aging. We have to remember as young people that they are experiencing many different layers of loss; including widowhood, retirement, the loss of health and physical well being, mental illness, depression, the loss of control, and the list goes on… Suicide in this instance may be about “regaining control, with renewed energy following the decision” (Woods, 2008, p.116). Suicide in the elderly can be understood as an opportunity for the patient to regain control and power over their own destiny.
Woods (2008) offers a problem solving intervention approach when dealing with suicidality in seniors. I would also suggest in complementary to the above suggestions, a safe place where the elderly can go that is not labeled as being an “Old Age Home”. This could help better integrate them into the community and ultimately help assist in the prevention of suicide and the destigmatization of growing