Late Adulthood and Death
We all die at some point in our lives, and the timing varies from person to person. However, there are ways to delay or slow the aging process while also extending our lives. This paper will discuss ageism and stereotypes of late adulthood. I will also look at how health and wellness techniques in late adulthood can help to reduce the negative effects of aging. Following that, an examination of the significance of relationships and social interactions as a person approaches the end of life. Finally, in late adulthood, I will identify cultural and personal attitudes toward death and dignity.
The first is ageism and stereotypes of late adulthood. Prejudices manifest themselves in a variety of ways, and the elderly are not immune. This type of discrimination frequently occurs in workplaces and nursing homes. Elderly people are frequently forced out of work because their employers believe they are too old to continue working for them. As a result, they are forced out of a job because it is assumed that they person is no longer capable of performing as well as they once did. This also occurs in nursing homes, where residents are frequently spoken to in a demeaning manner. This is known as “elder speak,” and it consists primarily of speaking to them as one would to a baby. It is common in nursing homes and is often demeaning to the person receiving it. This prejudice, like many others, is based on stereotyping, and people then use that stereotype to categorize people. Things like assuming that all elderly people have a bad memory are weak, cannot think as quickly, or are in some other way inferior. This includes the fact that all elderly people appear the same, are lonely, appear sick, frail, or are needy and dependent. This is not the case and is frequently incorrect; yes, as you age, you may not be as quick or remember as much as you used to, but this does not imply that you are not capable (Study.com, 2016). This type of prejudice and stereotyping is frequently done without considering that the person being prejudiced will eventually be in the same place as the person being prejudiced.
Following that are late-life health and wellness techniques for mitigating the negative effects of aging. Aging is unavoidable and cannot be avoided. It can, however, be slowed. Senescence refers to the aging process that occurs in late adulthood (BERGER, 2010). Most people do not follow any kind of health and wellness plan other than what their doctor recommends. There are, however, many things people can do to slow the effects of aging that are recommended by healthcare professionals. Things like exercising and eating well are usually at the top of people’s priority lists. As these can often prevent or delay many of the negative effects of aging and disease. Eating properly ensures that the individual receives the vitamins and nutrients that their body requires to function properly. This can help to mitigate or prevent conditions such as osteoporosis and diabetes. While exercise can help prevent these conditions, it can also help prevent hypertension, obesity, and heart disease. Other things that can help a person through life and in late adulthood include having preventative screenings and receiving necessary vaccinations. This vital service aids in the detection of many diseases, including cancer, and may even delay their onset. Individuals should also avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, particularly later in life, such as in late adulthood, as these can have negative effects on the body and increase the risk of cancer or organ failure. There are numerous programs available for the elderly to exercise and socialize in order to keep them social and active (Gatterman et al., 2016).
Following that is the significance of relationships and social interactions as people near the end of their lives. Humans are naturally social animals, and we require social interaction to avoid problems like depression. Things like marriage at this point in a person’s life have a significant impact on their health. Simply because they have someone to be with them, and it acts as a cushion or barrier against life’s stresses. A man who has a heart bypass is given a set of instructions to follow and live by in order to live as long and as healthy as possible. If he is a widow, single, or his wife is not present, he is less likely to follow those instructions. These social interactions keep people active and give them a sense of belonging. They go to church on a regular basis, whether with their spouse or as part of a group or club. It keeps them going and gives them a reason to keep interacting. This helps to counteract the depression and loneliness that can occur in late adulthood. These social interactions provide the individual with physical and emotional needs that they would not be able to meet otherwise. According to research, married older people are healthier and happier than unmarried people, and their spouse’s support can help them live longer lives. It has also been demonstrated that elderly adults who do not have a spouse should engage in social interactions as frequently as possible because it has been shown to be emotionally and physically healthier than being alone (Qualls, 2016).
Finally, in late adulthood, there are cultural and personal attitudes toward death and dignity. In some ways, as a person approaches death or dying, they revert to their early adulthood stage. For example, strengthening or rebuilding relationships with close friends and family members. They will require their assistance and may become dependent on them as they die. The cultural factor is one aspect of this process that has the greatest impact on the individual. The world varies according to culture, and even more so in terms of how they are supposed to care for their elderly. Whether it is financial, emotional, or physical, each culture has a different idea of how their family members should help them. When their parents reach this stage, their children typically take care of them; however, how their children assist them varies. In Western culture, the elderly are typically placed in nursing homes or assisted living facilities; however, on occasion, they will move in with their children and spend the rest of their lives with them. In other cultures, however, moving in with their children is the only and correct option. In these cases, the roles that were previously in place are reversed, as the parental caregivers are now the ones who require care. As a result, the parents and children swap roles and responsibilities. Personal attitudes toward the elderly and how they want to be cared for differ as much as they do across cultures. However, they all have a strong sense of self-worth and frequently reject help from friends or family. They believe they can continue to do what they have been doing for years and do not require assistance now. As a person approaches death, they frequently enter stages that are not very dignifying for them, and they struggle to accept this and the help that is required. Some will deny it until they can no longer give in or give up, but this does not change how their family supports them. It is frequently up to the family to decide how their elderly parent will be cared for when the individual is no longer able to do so. At this point, the family must consider their parents’ feelings and physical and emotional state.
In conclusion, many things happen to a person throughout their life, and some of the most terrifying occurs as they age and approach death. There is a lot of uncertainty about what will happen after they pass. It is up to their family and friends to support and assist them in completing this final stage. There are some things that can help people slow the effects of aging and live longer lives. We cannot, however, avoid death in the end.
References
BERGER, K. S. (2010). Invitation to the Life Span. Retrieved from The University of Phoenix eBook Collection database.
Gatterman, MA, DC, MEd,, M. I. (2016). Health and Wellness Promotion for Older Adults. Retrieved from http://www.chiro.org/research/ABSTRACTS/Health_and_Wellness_Promotion.shtml
Qualls, S. H. (2016). What Can Social Relationships Do For Health? Retrieved from http://www.asaging.org/blog/what-social-relationships-can-do-health
Study.com. (2016). Stereotypes in Late Adulthood: Factors of Ageism & Counter-Tactics. Retrieved from http://study.com/academy/lesson/stereotypes-in-late-adulthood.html
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Question 
Discuss some of the physical changes that can take place in late adulthood, and explain how these detriments may be offset.
Late Adulthood and Death
If they are not offset, what are some of the consequences of these physical changes?