|
Aging
Issues
Aging is defined by the physical
and mental changes that occur in a person over time. There have been
drastic changes in the age structure in America in the twentieth century
as the infant and childhood mortality rates significantly declined.
Thus, the aging population is increasing substantially, and the fastest
growing segment of the population is those persons who are 85 and
older.
Gerontology is the study of
aging and the various problems, challenges, or benefits associated with
the aging process. The aging population (usually defined as 65 years
or older) is rather specialized in that it deals with a unique set of
issues such as:
-
multiple and cumulative
losses (deaths of loved ones, friends, family, neighbors, associates,
etc.)
-
a decline in health and
physical abilities, illnesses or diseases common to the elderly (stroke,
various dementias, cardiac and vascular complications, diabetes,
depression, anxiety, vision and hearing impairment, pulmonary diseases,
etc.)
-
adjustment to
widowhoods
-
housing
-
transportation
-
medication & financial
issues
-
loneliness
-
family conflict regarding a
person's wishes or desires
-
changing of family roles and
rules
-
caregiving issues
-
increased stressors
-
lack of understanding by
others
-
ageism
-
changes in sexuality
-
changes in overall functioning
in daily activities
-
adjustments in faith and
spirituality
-
anger
-
a struggle to maintain
independence
-
legal issues
There is help for this
population. There are various clinicians at Cameron Valley who
specialize and are trained to address these aging issues and more. A
one-on-one thorough evaluation or assessment is the first step in
treatment. A person identifies their coping styles, strengths and
weaknesses, pressing problems or dilemmas, family and medical history,
current medications, support system (family, friends, social activities,
etc.) during this evaluation. Once this information is gathered, a
specific, individualized treatment plan can be formulated. The
treatment plan will vary from person to person depending on his or her
needs. This may possibly include ongoing individual counseling or
psychotherapy, couple and/or family counseling, referrals to appropriate
medical professionals (i.e. geriatric psychiatrists, neurologists,
geriatricians, etc.) or referrals to appropriate community or private
agencies. Coordination of care is improved as the "team" (including
the client and his or her involved professionals) increase their
communication about the person's treatment plan. Often, reassurance,
guidance, and support are needed as the older adult bravely faces these
new transitions in the aging process.
|
