In attempt to learn and understand the aging process and what aging means to an individual who is an older person, I interviewed two elderly individuals. One was a male and the other one a female. For purposes of this paper, the male interviewee is Peter (fictitious name) while the female interviewee is Sarah (fictitious name). The pseudo names are meant to protect their privacy. Peter is 70 years old while Sarah is approaching her 69 th birthday. When I asked Peter about what he thinks he shares with other individuals in his age cohort he was quick to state that the physical changes are one thing they share in common. He said that with old age physical changes is one inevitable thing. These physical changes that they share as outlines by Peter included whitening of hair, appearance of wrinkles and skin becoming thin, and difficulties with walking. On her part, in response to the some question, Sarah stated that the physical changes are one thing she believes she shares with her age mates. In the list of the things that John stated she added reduced flexibility as one common physical signs that people in her age cohort share.
According to Sarah, the society promotes ageism towards the aging in several ways. This includes the use of ageism comments towards the ageing. Such comments according to her are used when praising elderly people by comparing them to the young people. She cited the comment “you look young at heart” as one of the examples. In addition, she was so much against the description of forgetfulness as an elderly people characteristic that has caused development of stereotypes based on it. According to her, she has never lost her memory and she rarely forgets. On his part, Peter stated that apart from ageist comments used in everyday life, ageism is being promoted in our society by the beliefs passed down to children about the elderly people. He also stated that media is a contributor to the promotion of ageism and especially in advertisements on anti aging products and services. According to him, this has made many perceive ageing negatively and as a curse instead of a normal life process or stage.
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When asked on which areas of aging life that gerontologists should study, Sarah said that the social aspect of the aging process should have more research done in order to change the attitude that the society now has about the elderly. According to her, the attitudes and perceptions about elderly people is really affecting them and they end up being lonely and in the end suffer mental anguish. Peter believes that the biological aspect should have more research done in order to help the elderly live a quality and productive life even at old age.
Peter’s response to the question on the aging theory that best describes his aging, he said that the continuity theory suits him best. He explained that whatever things he used to do are the ones that he carried forward into his old age. This includes things that he used to do for leisure to make him happy. Contrary to Peter, Sarah thinks that activity theory best represents her old age since even after retirement she still works in order to keep herself busy. She works at a family clinic. About the social exchange theory, both Peter and Sarah stated that things like knowledge and experience are valuable things that can only be exchanged through the social exchange process. According to Sarah, the society may not be willing to allow her to enact the exchange because the elderly people are considered as outdated especially when compared to the current generation and trend. Peter said that it might be a big challenge for him to enact the exchange process because of the aging stereotypes that people in the society hold to.
Both interviewees were concerned about the mortality rates that have increased especially for the young populations. From Sarah’s response, she would want life expectancy to get to 100 years and the society should attempt to make it longer. She said that living to her great grandchildren would give her joy. On the contrast, Peter felt that living up to 100 years would be so problematic. This is because of the various diseases and disability that comes with aging. He expressed that unless the problems associated with aging are minimized and the society considers the aged as important members, there would be no need to increase longevity.
Both interviewees agreed that social welfare programs of social security and Medicare are favorable to the aged. In addition, both stated that companies should provide a pension program for employees because it lessens the financial burden for the aged and reduces dependency. Furthermore, both interviewees were of the same opinion that Medicaid should not be the only social welfare programs for the aged because they require help even I other facets of their ageing process. Peter stated that as a result of ageing, his visual acuity and hearing has been affected. He can longer be able to read as he used to do previously. He stated that reading has always been his hobby but due to poor eyesight he is no longer able to read as before and this worries him the most because he wouldn’t want to lose his ability to see. On her part, Sarah said that her mobility and hearing have changed. Her mobility has been affected and she experiences falls now and then which was not the case before and this worries her most. She fears that she might end up into disability.
About psychological changes, Peter observed that his memory has gone down and his tendency to forget increased and it worries him because he fears that it could lead to a nervous disorder. On her part, Sarah stated that although her memory seems not to have changed, her emotions have really changed as she grows old. However, what worries her most is her ability to think critically as she said that she is unable to concentrate on something for some time. This has affected her decision making. Both had similar responses about their marital relationships. They said that it has improved as years go by. In addition, they expect financial and social support from their families. When asked about arrangements for housing, both interviewees have their own houses already and they intend to live in them even in old age. However, Peter was worried about living with his children and grandchildren in the same house and that’s why he already has his own house. Both interviewees were worried about living in a home for the aged and they disliked it. In response to the question on career impact, Peter stated that his career which involved physical activity has affected his health while that of Sarah which involved less activity as she explained has caused her a lot of health complications. Both interviewees stated that the transition from work to retirement was not easy and smooth as they were affected especially financially which in turn led to psychological problems.
About their social behaviors impact on health, Peter responded that his drinking habits which were initially overboard have caused him hypertension to an extent that the doctor advised him to stop. On the other hand, Sarah said that her social behavior may not have significant impact on her health as she always ensured that she engage in health social activities. Both respondents stated that their socio-economic status has affected their health because their financial ability dictated the food to be consumed and therefore the health status.
According to Peter, families taking care of the aged will be impacted positively and possibly become agents of change in the society. According to both respondents, this will help them erase the stereotypes on aging as they have an encounter with the elderly. According to Sarah, long term health models that incorporate the nutrition aspect are important for the aged while Peter believes that social behavior change should be part of the health models because it creates an impact on health status. About death, both respondents have made plans and they are known to their close family members. They include the place for burial and Peter has his wish of being cremated. In addition, both respondents believe that death is a natural thing and it should be allowed to take its course without being forced using euthanasia.
When asked about changes in the social security to reduce benefits and means testing the respondents responded that the changes should not be implemented since they will negatively affect the elderly and especially those already retired and do not have any other source of finances. In addition, Sarah stated that the middle income earners should save more for their retirement while Peter thinks that the government should take care of them since they have served the nation and contributed to the country’s economy. Sarah response to economic gender inequality was that affects women of her age financially after retirement. Both respondents said that it makes so many of them dependent on their families and it is the same case even with racial minorities.
Both respondents had similar responses on social organizations for the aging saying that they are doing a good job in helping speak for the elderly and that their involvement in political issues is health because it keeps them active and again they transfer their experience learnt over years in running the country.
Part b). Learned/professional
From the interview, I have learnt that there are unresolved emotions regarding the ageing process for many people. Most people do not take ageing positively and there is fear for growing old. Many do not accept it as a normal life process (Loos & Ivan, 2018). In addition, I have learnt from the responses from the respondents that every aspect of our lives is it socio economic, financial and other behaviors affect health in old age. Therefore, issues and problems to do with old age should be handled from an extensive point of view.
Part c). Comparison
Peter and Sarah share some similarities in their responses especially on questions that address the plight of the elderly. However, there were some differences in issues like their social behaviors impact on their health. Furthermore, there are some differences in some of the biological aspects of aging. This is in the area of memory and forgetfulness where Sarah claims that she does not experience while on the other hand Peter seems to experience this problem. This shows that issues related to ageing are specific to individuals and therefore should not be generalized to the whole population ( Tavel, 2008).
References
Gomez, L. (2009). Chapter-13: Social Theories in Ageing. Geriatric Nursing, 87-94. doi:10.5005/jp/books/10325_13
Loos, E., & Ivan, L. (2018). Visual Ageism in the Media. International Perspectives on Aging Contemporary Perspectives on Ageism, 163-176. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-73820-8_11
McDaniel, S. A. (2008). Ageing . Los Angeles, CA: SAGE.
Sierra-Ayala I, Gutierrez-Herrera R, Riquelme-Heras H, Gomez-Gomez C, Ordoñez-Azuara Y. (2017). Ageism: Discrimination that Must Disappear. (2017). Journal of Geriatrics and Palliative Care,5 (1), 1-3. doi:10.13188/2373-1133.1000021.
Tavel, P. (2008). Successful Ageing A Survey of the Most Important Theories. Human Affairs,18 (2). doi:10.2478/v10023-008-0018-0
Zs.-Nagy, I. (2014). Aging of Cell Membranes: Facts and Theories. Aging Interdisciplinary Topics in Gerontology, 62-85. doi:10.1159/000358900
