FAMILIES GROW OLDERChapter 19

Journal Read the life sketch on p. 429 On your own paper, answer these

questions: Does Vi’s day sound like a normal day for a

retired person? Why do you think Vi keeps herself so busy?

How does this couple’s community involvement help them continue growing as persons?

What is the benefit of Vi and Walter taking a bus versus driving to the Ozarks? Besides traveling by bus or train, what other changes in normal patterns of behavior are common for elderly people?

Families Grow Older As families grow older their lives

continue to change The family network expands as parents

become grandparents Members must begin to accept death as

a reality of life Preparation for death can help family

and friends handle their grief and adjust to the loss

Fill out Chapter 19 Activity A

The Aging Process

Middlescence Between the ages of 35-40, most adults

begin to notice the first physical signs of aging

Middlescence- the middle aged years between the ages of 40-65

Many adults look back through this time and question their purposes and goals for living

Change in Middlescence Changes:

Parental relationships change Working adults reach the peaks of their careers Reminders that time is passing Children get married Parents have more time for their relationship

and interests Loss of some self care abilities Self esteem may drop Evaluate life goals Establish closer relationships with adult children

Midlife Crisis Some adults have problems dealing with

these changes Midlife crisis is brought on by the stress

of the changes Some adults try to regain their

youthfulness Some adults blame others for their loss

of youthfulness Most adults are able to walk through the

questioning without a midlife crisis

Grandparenting Most families look forward to welcoming new

babies to the extended family Grandparents often times help the new parents

with changes that take place Grandparents can be important in the lives of

children Grandparents give focused attention to the

children Sometimes grandparents provide childcare Grandparents help keep family traditions alive Sometimes grandparents provide financial

assistance

Benefits of Grandparenting Most grandparents enjoy the role The relationship can be rewarding This relationship helps the grandparent

feel needed Grandparenting also provides a feeling

of satisfaction

Retirement Retirement- the ending of paid employment Most people cant wait to retire, but as the

time nears the feelings sometimes change To men, the loss of a job often equals a loss

of part of their identity Changes in life:

Development of a hobby or interest Financial changes Doing things together often make the social

adjustment easier

Planning an Active Retirement Volunteering Learning New Skills Returning to Work Positive Attitude Diet and Exercise

Planning for Financial Needs Paychecks stop at retirement, but living

costs continue Federal programs:

Social security Medicare

Pensions- funds paid through the former employer

Retirement Accounts

Complete Chapter 19, Activity B

Grandparenting

Physical Health The average lifespan in the United States

for 2010 was 78.5 Many physical changes take place during

the elderly years. Increased Illness Loss of strength Loss of vision and hearing Loss of mental abilities

For most people physical changes linked to aging don’t increase until after age 75

Physical Physical Changes:

Bones and muscles weaken Shrink in height Swollen joints High blood pressure Heart attacks Strokes Alzheimer’s Disease Cancer

Sensory Problems Changes in hearing Changes in eyesight Glaucoma Decreased sense of taste Loneliness Poor teeth

Dealing with the Effects of Aging Regular physical checkups Proper diet Regular exercise Plenty of rest

Cooperative Learning Activity-A Skit on Aging

Group Activity

Community Resources Agencies on Aging:

Groups that help elderly overcome problems

They plan, fund, and coordinate senior citizen services

Examples of services: transportation, home-care workers, counseling, recreation, and information

Changes in Social Life Social life declines as physical health

declines Older people may not be able to get

around as often Family visits and extra attention are

important during these years Most elderly people like to continue

living in their own home as long as possible

Protecting the Rights of the Elderly The elderly may open their door to

anyone who knocks because of this loneliness

Consumer Fraud: Door to door sales persons may exploit the

elderly Finances are usually limited for the elderly Some salespersons sound convincing Encourage elderly to talk with family before

making a commitment or signing a contract Cases of fraud should be reported to the

police

Elder Abuse Some people will take advantage of the elderly Elder Abuse: intentionally or knowingly causing the

elder person to suffer physical harm or injury, unreasonable confinement, sexual abuse, or a lack of services or medical treatment to maintain health

Material abuse: the misuse of the elder person’s property or financial resources; also includes denying the person’s right to personal funds and interfering in financial decisions

Neglect: cases in which the caregiver fails to provide adequate food, shelter, clothing, medical, or dental care

These offenses should be reported to a local agency on aging

Loss of Independence People become more dependent as they

age Sometimes families move a grandparent

into their own home Consider these things when making this

decision: How is your home designed Will it meet elderly needs Is there extra space available Cost, time, and energy needed to provide

care

Community Resources for Providing Care

Adult Day Care: provide daytime group activities; for those elderly that are impaired physically or mentally

Community Based Day Care: program of activities for those that are somewhat independent

Home health care: nurses or aides go to the elderly person’s home to provide assistance with health care Services can include helping them take medicine,

monitor blood pressure, and change dressings on healing wounds

Nursing homes and Assisted Living Homes

Death and Dying Hospice care: designed to help a dying

person live the final days of their life Programs also support families as the face the

death of a loved one Coping with Grief:

1. Feelings of emptiness and numbness2. Feelings of anxious, fearful, and abandoned by

the loved one; sometimes anger3. Brief periods of depression are normal after a

loss4. People who have mourned the loss of a loved

one will gradually accept the loss and adjust to living without the person

Review Complete p. 445 1-5 Complete p. 446 Review 1-12; thinking

critically #2