According to Nelson (2004), society tends to undervalue, overlook as well as stereotype the elderly. However, stereotypes about elderly people are unfounded as most are based on assumptions and myths. Younger individuals judge senior citizens based on what they are no longer capable of rather than on what they are currently doing. Perpetuating negative stereotypes about the elderly is wrong as it reinforces ageism.
Stereotypes about the elderly and how they affect my personal beliefs concerning the elderly
Nelson (2004) points out that the most common stereotype is that elderly people are depressed and thus grumpier. Many people in the society also assume that elderly individuals are lonely. This stereotype is usually because many seniors are …show more content…
Wrinkled skin is perhaps the top indicator of old age; however, old age comes with other physical issues such as difficulties in hearing and hearing loss, changes in speech and tone, and decline in vision. Bones also get less dense which increases risk of osteoporosis. A slowdown in metabolism and decreased level of physical activity that come with old age limits the body from burning as many calories as the case during one’s youth; the extra calories are then stored as fat resulting in increased weight (Blazer & Yaffe, …show more content…
Aging may hinder attention; mostly, it limits an individual’s ability to multitask. Ability to memorize multiple things at the same time is also affected; also, ability to form new memories is vulnerable. Verbal abilities such as word retrieval tend to take longer and an elderly client may experience difficulty in finding the right words when engaged in a conversation. Recalling names may also become difficult. Problem solving and reasoning when encountered with new problems tends to takes longer. Aging also affects speed of performing cognitive and motor processes; it does not however mean these processes cannot be performed (Blazer & Yaffe, 2015).
Mental health treatment issues involved in working with the aging client
Elderly adults usually experience a mild mental decline as they age. Some old people may suffer from dementia, a syndrome of progressive or chronic nature that leads to deterioration in thinking, memory, behavior as well as ability to carry out daily activities. Dementia can cause significant impairment in mental functioning of an elderly client. Also, it may influence development of paranoia, depression and anxiety. Most elderly clients experience one form of mental health problem which should be considered to ensure counseling is effective (Turner,
Stereotypes about the elderly and how they affect my personal beliefs concerning the elderly
Nelson (2004) points out that the most common stereotype is that elderly people are depressed and thus grumpier. Many people in the society also assume that elderly individuals are lonely. This stereotype is usually because many seniors are …show more content…
Wrinkled skin is perhaps the top indicator of old age; however, old age comes with other physical issues such as difficulties in hearing and hearing loss, changes in speech and tone, and decline in vision. Bones also get less dense which increases risk of osteoporosis. A slowdown in metabolism and decreased level of physical activity that come with old age limits the body from burning as many calories as the case during one’s youth; the extra calories are then stored as fat resulting in increased weight (Blazer & Yaffe, …show more content…
Aging may hinder attention; mostly, it limits an individual’s ability to multitask. Ability to memorize multiple things at the same time is also affected; also, ability to form new memories is vulnerable. Verbal abilities such as word retrieval tend to take longer and an elderly client may experience difficulty in finding the right words when engaged in a conversation. Recalling names may also become difficult. Problem solving and reasoning when encountered with new problems tends to takes longer. Aging also affects speed of performing cognitive and motor processes; it does not however mean these processes cannot be performed (Blazer & Yaffe, 2015).
Mental health treatment issues involved in working with the aging client
Elderly adults usually experience a mild mental decline as they age. Some old people may suffer from dementia, a syndrome of progressive or chronic nature that leads to deterioration in thinking, memory, behavior as well as ability to carry out daily activities. Dementia can cause significant impairment in mental functioning of an elderly client. Also, it may influence development of paranoia, depression and anxiety. Most elderly clients experience one form of mental health problem which should be considered to ensure counseling is effective (Turner,