Pyschosocial Aspects of Aging 3
Pyschosocial Aspects of Aging 3
Pyschosocial Aspects of Aging 3
ASPECTS OF AGING
Prepared by:- Zainul iba
Class:- B.Sc nursing 3rd year
Roll No. :- 44
Government College of Nursing Shireen Bagh Srinagar
(Government Medical College Srinagar )
DEFINITION OF AGEING:-
Aging can defined as “a progressive functional decline or a
gradual deterioration of physiological function with age. Aging
is continuous, complex and dynamic process that begins with
birth and ends with death”.
Aging occur after the age of 60-65 years and in some cases 50
years.
Successful Psychological aging is reflected in the Ability of
Older Adults to Adopt to Physical,Social & Emotional losses
to achieve satisfaction.
Because, changes in lifestyle are sure over lifetime,older
adults need Coping skills when facing stress & change.
Most, elderly person seem to be vulnerable to two changes:-
1. PSYCHOLOGICAL DYSFUNCTION:-
In order to understand psychological dysfunction we should have knowledge
about:-
1. SELF ESTEEM :- It is the way person views himself/ herself. A positive view of self
Enables person to Cope better with Changes During Aging.
2. PERSONALITY:-
The BasicPersonality does not change as a result of Aging Process.
The personality will be consistent with that of earlier years.
3. DEPRESSION:-
Depression Occurs in 16.65 % of elders living in a community.
It includes Sleep Disturbance, lack of Interest, feeling of guilt,lack of
energy,decreased concentration & loss of appetite.
Losses can lead to Depression.
COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING:-
IntelIigence, Learning, Attention & Memory are related to cognitive
Functioning & how well a person’s mind is able to Reason & make sound
judgement.
1. INTELLIGENCE:-
It is the mental alertness & includes ability to learn new material, make wise
decisions & deal with stressful situations.
Intelligence Does not change Significantly with age.
2. MEMORY:-
Recent Memory: Defined as recall of items learned more than a few minutes
earlier eg. What was eaten in breakfast. It declines with Age.
Remote Memory: eg. Dates of wars, Name of President. It does not show any
significant change with Age.
3. LEARNING:-
It is the acquisition of new knowledge or skills.
The ability of mind to learn & retain new information remains unaltered
particularly when mind is Stimulated through regular use.
But, ability to solve complex problems decline with age.
Hearing & visual deficits related to aging process affect learning.
4. ATTENTION SPAN:-
This is the degree of Vigilance. There is a decrease in Vigilance performance.
Vigilance performance is ability to retain Attention Longer than 45 minutes.
The elderly is more liable to divert attention by irrelevant information &
stimuli.
Deficits in Attention may affect Learning & Memory.
2. SOCIAL CHANGE :-
The Social changes that come with life are change in lifestyle, loss of other Family Member, neighbors &
friends.
The main social problems encountered by elderly persons are:-
1. RETIREMENT:-
A change in work role comes with retirement. It changes the way time is managed & Daily activities are
carried out.
Retirement alters identity, Status, Financial problems, lack of self satisfaction, self esteem & sometimes
friends.
2. WIDOWHOOD:-
A common event that alters family life is the death of Spouse.
The spousal role composed of many sub roles Such as Companion, Sexual Partner, Cook,House keeping
& Care provider.
Loss of spouse is highly stressful experience. Death of spouse affects More women than men because
Older men can Remarry.
3. LONELINESS:-
It is feeling of emotional isolation, being locked inside oneself & unable to obtain
warmath & comfort from others.
Any loss that creates deficit in intimacy & interpersonal relationship can lead to
loneliness.
4. MULTIPLE LOSS:-
Aging is associated with Major Physical, psychological, & sociological losses as
well as reduced ability to Adapt & compensate for stressors. Some losses
encountered by elderly are:-
# Loss of Job. # Loss of Status. # Role change.
# Decreased Income.
# Loss of Significant Person
# Increased Expenditure On Medical Services
# Limitations imposed as a result of Multiple Chronic Disease.
DEVELOPMENTAL TASKS NEEDED FOR SUCCESSFUL
AGING:-
Evaluate for any visual & hearing deficit.Make sure hearing aid working or glasses are
available, if indicated.
Determine importance of information that client is to be taught.
Plan teaching over several days with small increments of information presented at one time.
Allow time gor feedback to evaluate knowledge.
4. Nursing intervention For clients with Short Term Memory
Loss:
Identify yourself each time there is an interaction with the client.
Give Simple and direct termed instructions.
Repeat instructions several times.
Perform one activity at a time.
5. Nurses role to increase self Esteem:
Develop a trusting relationship.
Treat elderly with dignity & respect.
Allow sufficient time for patients for performance of daily activities of self care.
Practice active listening.
Give positive reinforcement for progress.
Use verbal & Non verbal
Communication.
Encourage socialization.
6. Adjusting to Retirement:
It is easier if activities that will become prominent after retirement are begun
during working days.
Therefore, adjustment to retirement are influenced by pre- retirement plan &
engaging in other activities before withdrawal completely from work.
7. Find a New Role:
Such as a grandparent role. It is such a role that brings great satisfaction &
contentment.
8. Facilitating Maximum Independence:
Make sure the client has access To all necessary assistive devices & personal
accessories.
Allow enough time for the person to do as much as self care activities.
Make sure environment has been adapted to compensate for sensory losses & other
functional impairment.
9. Interventions That Promote Social Support :
Encourage participation in group activities.
For people on wheelchair especially those who can’t move position wheelchair in such a way to
promote Social Interaction.
For, Nursing Home Residents plan tables & rooms in such a way that social relationship is
fostered.