The Aging process is a broad topic. This power point hopes to help you understand the process and what can be done to help you age gracefully and positively.
2. Abstract Page The aging process happens to everyone and society has itās views and stereotypes on aging. The Ulyssean Approach aims to help make the aging process a fun one by adopting a belief system that aging is about having an open mind and the willingness to try new experiences. The belief systems we have about aging are ever changing and affect how we interact with seniors and the types of programs offered to them. As the senior population grows so does the demand for younger adults to fill the employment demands. The education and knowledge about aging will help a programmer design the best activities possible and make each encounter with a senior a positive one. There are steps to take that will help and hurt the aging process and understanding what can be done will enable a person to make the necessary changes to age gracefully. Everyone will encounter symptoms of the aging process, having the knowledge and information to understand this process will enable you to age the way you like. 2
3. Ulyssean Living To ensure a common understanding of what is meant by an Ulyssean Approach āA willingness to be open to new ideas and opportunities. The perspective is built upon the belief that each year of life provides occasions for renewal as well as growthā Ulyssean Adult āAn individual who continually seeks new opportunities and adventures in the later years of their lifeā 3
4. The Aging Process Aging is a process of becomings; not a state; and seeks the opportunities for growth and experiences. Each age group faces it own set of unique cognitive, psychological, social and emotional set of problems, issues and solutions. No matter what age, vulnerability still exists. Seem to have more patience for the needs of children and babies in comparison to older, ill adults. 4
5. Your Personal View on Aging Your Personal View on Aging affects your interactions with older people, the type of programming you offer, how the programming is customized. Your belief systems will show in the interactions ie. Baby talk, talking slow or loud Think about your personal view on Agingā¦ Do you feel it will a positive or negative experience? Are you looking forward to it? Do you subconsciously change when you interact with seniors? Talk loudly or slowly? 5
6. Positive Views on Aging People look forward to the āGolden Yearsā Society has different standards that older people are held to in comparison to younger people Have more free time to spend with friends and Family Have the freedom to do the things that couldnāt be done before 6
7. Positive Stereotypes about Aging Older people are nice Warm, friendly people Have lots of knowledge & wisdom Older people are well off financially Free to do as they please Old Age is peaceful and fun Senior Citizens Discount 7
8. Negative Views on Aging Poor view of turning 60 or 70 Older you get the worse off your health Children like young adults Will end up in an old age home Age discrimination (employment, healthcare, etc) Women arenāt as beautiful as they age Become more cranky Wrinkled Skin No one wants to hang out with you unless forced to Youāre a burden to society 8
9. Negative Stereotypes about Aging Many older people are: Sick, Disabled, Demented Have no sexual desire or the thought of seniors having sex is gross Drain on the medical system Old workers are not as good as younger people Families will put you in a home when you become a burden Live in poverty or cannot afford their medications 9
10. Changes in Views & Stereotypes Societyās view and attitude towards seniors is changing Changes rapidly happening because of the growth in population Many people in the younger generation will be expected to care for older adults at some point in their life ie: service providers, volunteers, healthcare workers, policy makers, government Has your views or beliefs started to change or shift as a result of these readings? 10
11. Symptoms of the Aging Process Please read more to identify the symptoms of the aging process. Thank goodness thereās a name for this disorder. Somehow I feel better, even though I have it!Ā Iām 61 going into 62. Recently, I was diagnosed with A.A.A.D.D.āAge Activated Attention Deficit Disorder. This is how it manifests: 11
12. Symptoms of the Aging Process But then I think, since Iām going to be near the mailbox when I take out the garbage anyway, I may as well pay the bills first. I take my checkbook off the table, and see that thereās only one check left. My extra checks are in my desk in the study, so I go inside the house to my desk where I find the can of Pepsi Iād been drinking. Iām going to look for my checks, but first I need to push the Pepsi aside so that I donāt accidentally knock it over. The Pepsi is getting warm, so I decide to put it in the fridge to keep it cold. I decide to water my garden. As I turn on the hose in the driveway, I look over at my car and decide it needs washing. As I start toward the garage, I notice mail on the porch table that I brought up from the mailbox earlier. I decide to go through the mail before I wash the car. I lay my car keys on the table, put the junk mail in the garbage can under the table, and notice that the can is full. So, I decide to put the bills back on the table and take out the garbage first. 12
13. Symptoms of the Aging Process I set the glasses back down on the counter, fill a container with water and suddenly spot the TV remote. Someone left it on the kitchen table. I realize that tonight when we go to watch TV, Iāll be looking for the remote, but I wonāt remember that itās on the kitchen table, so I decide to put it back in the den where it belongs, but first Iāll water the flowers. I pour some water in the flowers, but quite a bit of it spills on the floor. As I head toward the kitchen with The Pepsi, a vase of flowers on the Counter catches my eyeāāthey need water. I put the Pepsi on the counter and discover my reading glasses that Iāve been searching for all morning. I decide Iād better put them back on my desk, but first Iām going to water the flowers. 13
14. Symptoms of the Aging Process So, I set the remote back on the table, Get some towels and wipe up the spill. Then, I head down the hall trying to remember what I was planning to do. At the end of the day: The car isnāt washed, the bills arenāt paid, There is a warm can of Pepsi sitting on the counter, The flowers donāt have enough water thereās still only one check in my checkbook, Ā I canāt find the remote, I canāt find my glasses, and I donāt remember what I did with the car keys. Then, when I try to figure out why nothing got done today, Iām really baffled because I know I was busy all damn day, and Iām really tired. I realize this is a serious problem, and Iāll try to get some help for it, but first Iāll check my e-mailā¦. and the aging process starts all over again. Donāt laughāif this isnāt you yet, your day is coming!Ā Believe me!Ā Good Day!Ā Source:Ā Bits & Pieces 14
15. View & Stereotype Recap Each age group encounters itās own set of challenges, issues, and solutions. The media plays a big role on how our opinions are formed, tv programs, magazine ads, etc Watching how our parents interact with their parents influences how we think The arguments for the positive and negative aspects of aging are real Views are ever changing and forming, your view can be changed starting now! 15
16. Ageism Websterās online dictionary gives this definition and example of ageism āDiscrimination against middle-aged and elderly peopleā. āDiscrimination of individuals based on their age, i.e. of the elderly based on the notion that they are incapable of performing certain functions such as driving, or of the young based on the notion that they are immature and therefore incapable of performing certain tasksā. 16
17. Examples of Ageism Cards are the best example of ageism āOver the hillā āToo sexy to be 30ā Employment age specific jobs Walmart Greeter job is for older people Housing Needs Refused housing based on age or higher priced rent Health Care Needs Doctors dismiss complaints, donāt really listen, or assume they are āon the way outā 17
18. Why Ageism Happens? Many people have the patience for babies, children and teenagers when their vulnerability shows. Like it is Okay for them to be vulnerable We subconsciously have this belief that when we get older that we should not be vulnerable anymore or need specialized help, and if so, that it is a sign of weakness Theory for this attitude, Survival of the Fittest People loose patience or have a hard time dealing with people who are sick or needy, that shows through in the treatment of the elderly 18
19. Reasons for Ageism Continued.. I have encountered my own ageism discrimination with my health issues, people do treat me different when they realize that I am not having a āstrong, independent, unemotionalā moment. Reasons for this treatment include: I donāt know what to do when this happens, Your always so strong, I have enough going on in my life that I canāt deal with you or your stuff This cycle keeps a person trapped because they do not want to address this type of treatment as they feel like they deserve it or that they are a burden Think about your encounters with Ageism and do you inadvertently contribute to this type of treatment? 19
20. Aging, When & Why Aging begins from day we are born Everybody experiences aging differently and the timelines are not the same for everyone A personās genetics ( ethnic background, parents DNA, etc) Changes in cell structure contribute to the growth and decline of the body How we treat our bodies is a major factor on how we will age 20
21. Aging is Normal Changes in the body and health are not bad nor should be considered a āDis-Easeā Changes include: Sensory System Bones, Muscles, Tissues Digestion Respiratory System Brain and Central Nervous System Metabolism Heart and Circulatory System 21
22. Can We Stop the Affects of Aging? How we treat our bodies will affect how our bodies age Health problems occur because of misuse, overuse, and abuse to our bodies We can help the aging process by limiting the abuse and taking care of ourselves. Incorporation of vitamins, supplements, dietary changes, exercise, anti-oxidants, detoxification, positive, mental, emotional, and physical attitudes will help Evidence from studies has shown that incorporating anti-oxidants into diet will help slow down free radical damage 22
23. Ways to Slow the Ageing Process Lifestyle behaviours contribute to aging, ie: Smoking Excess consumption of alcohol Lack of exercise Poor diet Not getting enough sleep Lack of vitamins and minerals Mental, emotional, physical, & spritual well-being STRESS 23
25. Summary & Conclusion The Ulyssean view of aging will help keep a person young because the belief system focuses on new experiences and new ideas There are more adults focusing on the āUlysseanā way as the population of older adults grows The aging process, problems and solutions are different for every age level and stage of life Your personal views have been shaped from the media, your family and personal experiences Your personal views will change for the better the more experiences you have with older people 25
26. Summary &Conclusion There are many positive and negative views/stereotypes about aging and āAgeismā Some are funny, hurtful and discriminatory What we think about aging will change as we personally experience the different stages As older people change, so does society. More people are needed to work in the health care industry, recreation & leisure fields and knowledge regarding programming, treatment and needs of seniors is very important 26
27. Summary & Conclusion Really think about the Poem on Aging and the symptoms. This is the closest thing I can present to you on how to understand the changes in older people related to memory. We can help the aging process but cannot stop it. Aging is normal and we the choices we make about food, exercise and mental health influences how we age The views we have on aging influence how we view aging. āIām not as good as I once wasā Everything is ever changing, new advances are being discovered everyday to improve peopleās health. 27
28. References 28 AGS Foundation for Health in Aging. (2009). The Aging Process. Retrieved May 15, 2010, from The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging: http://www.healthinaging.org/agingintheknow/chapters_print_ch_trial.asp?ch=1#Changes%20in%20the%20Regulation%20of%20Body%20Systems Corporation for National and Community Service. (2010). Overview of the Aging Process. Retrieved May 15, 2010, from Resource Center: http://www.nationalserviceresources.org/ Denham, H. (1981). The aging process. Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA , 7124-7128. F.A, M. G., & Boyd R.K, T. R. (2009). Leisure and Aging, Ulyssean living in later life.Champaign,Il: Sagamore Publishing, L.L.C. Webster's Dictionary. (2010). Ageism. Retrieved May 17, 2010, from Webster's Online Dictionary: http://www.websters-online-dictionary.org/ag/agism.html Mc Guire, F, Boyd, R, Tedrick, R. (2009). Leisure and aging: Ulyssean living in later life (4th ed.). Champaign,IL, Sagamore Publishing L.L.C. , Australia: Thomson. R, O. U. (2008, July 6). The Irreversible Aging Process. Retrieved May 15, 2010, from Lingua Franca: http://www.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b389/epiac1216/rman1621l.jpg&imgrefurl=http://epiac1216.wordpress.com/2008/07/06/the-irreversible-aging-process/&usg=__Lzd4XwwEqpqXr1hpAQDOttFYHpo=&h=343&w=400&sz=28&hl=en&start=37&um=1& Pictures Seniors discount, www.rooterdrainplumbing.com Man woman pic, seniorsinsurancequotes.com/senior-home-insurance Health BillBoard, natural2bhealthy.com/?p=1489
Editor's Notes
(F.A & Boyd R.K, 2009, pp. vi, 2)
Understanding that the aging is a process of becomings and regardless of a personās biological age there are many types of challenges faced as we age.The term āsocializationā refers to how we learn and absorb the beliefs, values, thoughts,
Seniors are now becoming the main age group that planners in the tourism and recreation field must consider when preparing and delivering programs. The common mistake is that we plan for the assumptions and stereotypes we have about aging. Many seniors will fit into the stereotypical box while many while surprise us, ie being in better shape than usThe belief systems ingrained in us come from the media, our own personal experiences, values, knowledge and education. These beliefs may change over time as our personal experiences can help us relate to the unknown. Unless someone has first hand knowledge and experience in working with seniors of all ability levels, they may not have a correct idea of what aging is like at the various levels.
Image: www.rooterdrainplumbing.com
The media plays a major role in what type of information is see in all media avenues. Many advertisements reinforce these stereotypes. Think about the stereotypes that you have about aging, are your thoughts primarily positive or negative?Image: natural2bhealthy.com/?p=1489
The demand on the younger generation to understand the needs and demands of the older population are growing. Seniors today has more energy, better health and more financial ability to do the activities and things that they would like to experience. The disposable income this generation has is the driving force for growth in certain areas such as group tour packages, travelling, health care, housing requirements, etc.Also, with many older people choosing to retire, the job opening for younger, less experienced people are growing. Many seniors choose to work for various reasons such as keeping them busy, socialization, limited pension income, get out of the house.
I found this in the research on aging and I had to put it in for everyone. I have first hand experience relating to what this depiction of the aging process. Many of us make fun of the ladies that it affects, our moms, aunts or grandmaās but this experience is real to them. It is hard to understand what the aging process can do to a personās body and aging affects everybody differently. I felt strongly that this poem was put in this presentation so it can give you an experience to relate to, as many of us do not truly understand the struggles and therefore may not have the patience necessary
Many of you may find the humour in this poem and others will understand this years from now. R, O. U. (2008, July 6). The Irreversible Aging Process. Retrieved May 15, 2010, from Lingua Franca: http://www.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b389/epiac1216/rman1621l.jpg&imgrefurl=http://epiac1216.wordpress.com/2008/07/06/the-irreversible-aging-process/&usg=__Lzd4XwwEqpqXr1hpAQDOttFYHpo=&h=343&w=400&sz=28&hl=en&start=37&um=1&
I feel that we forget that the experiences are real for seniors and we expect that they are on the same level as us ie. Congitive, social, mental, emotional
I felt is necessary to put a definition and example in because everybody has their own idea of what āageismā is and what it means. We all experience ageism at some point in our lives. I realized that my view of ageism was different than the true definition.http://www.websters-online-dictionary.org/ag/agism.html
We all participate in ageism in some form or another. I personally love poking fun at age for my friends birthdays, and yes, I give those funny or insulting cards in good fun, though I never thought that it may be offensive to the person. The examples shown above are not striclty for older people, many young people face the same discrimination but in different forms
I had a conversation with my sister regarding this issue, so there is no reference made but I acknowledge that this information above is not from my original thinking but from my wise, younger sister.This rings true for me, I have encountered my own ageism discrimination with my health issues, people do treat me different when they realize that I am not having a āstrong, independent, unemotionalā moment. Reasons for this treatment include: I donāt know what to do when this happens, Your always so strong, I have enough going on in my life that I canāt deal with your stuff or you
Some people may think that we only age when we get older. There is a sense of invincibility when we are younger, especially in teenage years. Reasons include: brain development, diet and exercise factors
http://www.nationalserviceresources.org/
Denham, H. (1981). The aging process. Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA , 7124-7128.
Stress causes 99% of all illnesses- reference- Lulu Lemon Baghttp://www.healthinaging.org/agingintheknow/chapters_print_ch_trial.asp?ch=1#Changes%20in%20the%20Regulation%20of%20Body%20Systems
Can you tell the difference between the 2 pictures of the women?
