DISCUSSION 1: Psychological Aspects of Aging

DISCUSSION 1: Psychological Aspects of Aging

Theories of successful aging explain factors that support individuals as they grow old, contributing to their ability to function. Increasing your understanding of factors that support successful aging improves your ability to address the needs of elderly clients and their families.

 

To prepare for this Discussion, review this week’s media. In addition, select a theory of successful aging to apply to Helen’s case.

 

Post a Discussion in which you:

 

• Explain key life events that have influenced Helen’s relationships. Be sure to substantiate what makes them key in your perspective.

 

• Explain how you, as Helen’s social worker, might apply a theory of successful aging to her case. Be sure to provide support for your strategy.

 

Be sure to support your posts with specific references to the resources. If you are using additional articles, be sure to provide full APA-formatted citations for your references.

 

Zastrow, C. H., & Kirst-Ashman, K. K. (2016). Understanding human behavior and the social environment (10th ed.). Boston, MA:  Cengage Learning.

 

Parker Family Episode 2

Program Transcript

 

HELEN: Ever since my husband died, there’s been no one to talk to. It’s just,

really, no one. And when Stephanie is home, I just feel so alone.

 

COUNSELOR: What about the day center you go to? Isn’t that helping?

 

HELEN: I don’t like it. What makes me really feel good, though, is when I go

shopping, buying things. And my kittens. I love my cats. Oh, have you seen

them? I have pictures. Just take a look. Look! These are so cute. My babies.

 

COUNSELOR: Yes, they’re very cute. And wow, you have a lot of them.

 

HELEN: Oh, well, it’s their home, too, not just Princess Stephanie’s.

 

COUNSELOR: The day program you’re attending, are you seeing a

 

psychiatrist there?

 

HELEN: Yes. Dr. Lewin.

 

COUNSELOR: May I ask how that’s going?

 

HELEN: He says that I’m depressed.

 

COUNSELOR: In the pictures you showed me, you just talked about the cats, but I also saw all the things you keep around you, the hoarding. I

understand how depressed you been since your husband passed away. How

alone you’ve felt.

 

[SIGH] But I would like us to try and set up a plan to begin to address the

hoarding. It’s very clear that that’s one of the big issues that’s affecting your

relationship with Stephanie and your life together. Can we try that?

 

HELEN: I don’t like it when we fight. She’s still my baby, too. Yes, I want to try.

 

THE END