Text Blog Chapter 15

     In chapter 15 the reader could refer back to the early chapters where they learn how our society has increased in elderly people. It would help the reader understand this chapter a little better. This chapter introduces elderly people in a political sense which they have a strong political power.
     Although in the early 1900s the life of an elder was not the best because of the recession it overcame these obstacles through politics. There was a lot of help for elders around the 1930s, the Townshed Act then the Ham and Egg Movement and also Social Security was then introduced. Today the senior power is stronger than ever with their voting. Older voter turnout (those 65 and over) is generally double the voter turnout of young adults under 25 years of age (Hillier & Barrow, 2011). Some even hold office such as presidency or congress. Some members in Congress are allowed to serve many years as an elder because of the many years served before. In the past decades there has been numerous interest groups and associations that their main purpose is helping elders. Examples would be the American Association of Retired Persons, National Council of Senior Citizens, American Association of Aging and others.
     There is no doubt that the future is uncertain and the future of these programs to meet the needs of older people depends on the activism. The increasing number of seniors is not only as citizens but also in  political power. This will make our future interesting and could help for when the young generation become seniors.

Hillier, S. & Barrow, G. (2011). Aging, the individual, and society. 3-28. 9th ed. California: WASDWORTH

Ch. 15 Reflection

Politics are huge when it comes to the elderly population in the United States. Hillier and Barrow (2011) state, “When enough older people turn out to vote on a given issue and vote as a bloc, they wield considerable power. Approximately 90 percent of Americans over the age 50 are registered to vote, compared with an overall national figure of less than 75 percent. In all recent elections; older people are more likely to vote than younger ones”. It seems the younger you are, the less likely it is that you are even registered to vote. Most people think, and I am one, that think the elderly are more likely to be conservative and young people are more likely to be liberal. However, this is not true. The elderly are evenly distributed between left wing and right wing as are the younger population. Because the elderly are so involved in politics, there are many interest groups surrounding their important policies. For example, American Association of Retired Persons, The National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, National Council of Senior Citizens, National Council on Aging, and many more. These groups have led to many successes for the elderly population like funding for home-delivered meals, friendly visitor, telephone reassurance programs, and Title V employment program. There are many other services made possible because of their activism as well. With the new and bigger generation of older adults coming into the picture, more will soon be done. Hiller and Barrow (2011) state, “The future is a very exciting place. The present responsibility is to understand the ways in which an aging nation and globe will shape that future, economics will shape that future, and both will combine to shape the cultural environment”.

Blog 9 Chapter review

Chapter 15

     This chapter covers politics, policies, and programs and the roles that the elderly have played in helping to implement and bring about change for their generation.  There were elderly uprisings with the development of the Townsend Plan.  There were social and political movements with organizations such as the Gray Panthers, Senior Power, the Ham and Egg Movement, and the National Organization for Women (NOW).  There was the creation of political associations that represent older Americans which included:  the American Association of Homes for the Aging, the American Nursing Home Association, the National Council of Health Care Services, and the National Association of State Units on the Aging, the American Association of Retired People, and many others.  “The Older Americans Act (OAA) is designed to alter state and local priorities to ensure that older people’s needs are represented in social services allocations and was adopted by Congress in 1965” (Hillier & Barrow, 2011).  

     The OAA provides funding (some limited) for meals and nutrition, volunteer community services, community services for work opportunities, and adult day care centers.  Although the OAA provides many services, it still requires the participation of more than the elderly, advocating ensuring continuation of these services and other organizations.  “Advocacy involves using one’s resources and power for the benefit of a special-interest group, such as the elderly” (Hillier & Barrow, 2011).  With improvements in technology and medicine, Hillier and Barrow state that “elders are living longer and healthier lives, and they are becoming more visible not only in numbers but also in political activism” (2011).  It is time to take notice of the elderly and become a part of the movement to create better programs for better services so we do not have to worry about services being available when we reach that stage in our lives.

Weekly Reflection

Chapter 15 discusses an array of organizations, policies, and programs that aim to improve the quality of living for elderly Americans. It seems as though advocacy and movements have long been around throughout the history of the United States. Movements that have recognized the need to meet elder's issues and concerns can be documented as far back as the early 1900's, with the creation of the Townsend Plan. Since then, several laws, organizations, and programs have sprouted all in an effort to create equal and fair rights and resources for the elderly. Today, powerful lobbying groups in large numbers can be found that many elderly are participating in. They aim to educate, advocate, provide resources, and awareness to the elderly's rights and have a positive effect on the numbers of elderly turning out at voting polls. In addition to meeting the needs of the elderly many organizations and policies are being directed to the needs of minority elderly. This is great news for the entire population of elderly, there are providing great examples of what it means to stand by one another and be supportive and concerned for your fellow man.
    After reading Chapter 15, it has been discovered that great things are coming from a generation of elders who are advocating, educating, and informing themselves. This chapter was insightful for the future social workers of America because it is evident that a social worker can not only advocate on the client's behalf but can also collaborate with many of these already enthusiastic individuals. Listening and learning from these organizations, programs and policies can provide a future social worker with step ahead when it comes to working for an agency or individual with these types of concerns. Also, it is important to note that the present elderly generation is paving a way for the younger generation to add to in the future.
    The chapter noted some critics saying that the current elderly population was greedy and taking away from children's resources, but this does not seem like a realistic statement, because if this group is willing to advocate for not only themselves, but minorities, gays, lesbians, and all person's health care; why on earth would they want to take away from children? This was an interesting and controversial topic.
    All levels of social work can be effected by the topics discussed in chapter 15 but it is clear that the programs and policies made at the macro level can have a profound affect on the micro and vice versa.

        Reference:
 Hillier, S.M. and Barrow, G.M. (2007). Aging, the
 individual and society. Belmont, CA: Thomson/Wadsworth.

chapter 15, week 8

Chapter 15, week 8

Chapter fifteen deals with politics, policies, and programs.  “Approximately ninety percent of Americans over age fifty are registered to vote, compared with an overall national figure of less than seventy five percent” (p.408).  This gives the elderly a large amount of power when they vote as a bloc.  “In all recent elections; older people are more likely to vote than younger ones” (p.408).  Their politics are fairly balanced between the Democratic and Republican parties.  The chapter mentions six organizations that represents older people that are successful and growth.  AARP which is “the premier lobbyist for causes primarily impacting older people” (p.410).   Not only is it nonprofit but it is also nonpartisan.  The National committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare is an organization that “is concerned about the solvency of the Social Security Trust Funds” (p.411).  Social Security and Medicare benefits are to be protected and improved by the professional lobbyists that work for the organization.  The National Council of Senior Citizens purpose is to push the government “to get things done on behalf of the aged” (p.411).  The National Council on the Aging is headquartered in Washington, D.C., sponsors conferences and seminars, publishes on the subject of aging; and funds different special interest groups.  The National Caucus and Center on Black Aged is an organization that aims “improve the quality and length of life for senior African Americans” (p.412).  Equality and access issues are concerns of this organization.  The Gray Panthers is a political group that strives to put “the needs of people over profit, responsibility over power and democracy over institutions” (p.413). 

Chapter 15 weekly blog

The threat of cutbacks in government program's exists in the United States and most Western countries. It will grow larger in the next 20 years as the global boomers reach age 65. The social welfare for the elderly people have often been taken for granted. Those who are affected responded by joining forces and asserting their need to improve their situation. The depression had wiped out the pensions ans savings of millions, leaving elders in the most desperate poverty of any age group. Then came the Townsend plan. Named after the retired physician, Francis E. Townsend, who headed the program the Townsend plan was organized through local clubs. ( OAA) is designed to alter state and local priorities to ensure that older people's needs are represented in social services allocations. This program helped expanded program's. their are other program's and services that help the elderly. The political power of elders is stronger than ever before, but the numbers don't tell the whole story. President Reagan and Bush both played a part in the seniority system in Congress insurs power to elder members. I really feel sorry for my children and their children, because by the time they reach the age of the baby boomers their will be an uncertain outcome for their later years of living. I hope they have a social movement like that of the Townsend plan or the Ham and Eggs movement.

Reference: AGING the individual and Society Susan M. Hillier Georgia M. Barrow

Blog 8

Chapter 14 Review

     This was a very informative chapter.  It covered things about death and dying that many people would not have thought of.  According to Hillier and Barrow, "facing death, dealing with the fact of death in a rational way, and exerting control over the manner of one's dying are all difficult situations in a society that denies death" (2011).  Death is not something that everyone wants to talk about in a regular conversation because many people are afraid of it because of the unexpected.  It's like being lead into a dark room blind-folded and not knowing if the person leading you are taking you to the right place or leading you to some unknown place, and you have no control over where they are taking you.  You can do one of two things: continue to let them lead you, or take off the blind-fold and do not follow.  We all have a fear of something, but everyone fears death.
     The process does not have to be scary because we can control what happens up until that point.    "Fear of death is a human condition-we struggle for our life, and for the lives of others, and we desperately desire to avoid unknowns" (Hillier & Barrow, 2011).  Things that people fear about death include, "fear of pain and suffering, fear of the unknown, fear of nonexistence, fear of eternal punishment, fear of loss of control, and fear of what will become of loved ones" (Hillier & Barrow, 2011).  If we live life to the fullest and live everyday as if it were our last, then when the last day comes, we will be ready for it. 

Chapter 15

Chapter Fifteen Discussion Blog

This chapter  how elderly individuals lives are impacted by politics, office, employment, and other issues that they may face, as well as, how the elderly individuals involvement affects these things. Up until the 1970’s seniors were viewed “… as powerless, dependent, slow and unenthusiastic (Hillier and Barrow, 2011). But after they did many protests and sit ins societies view switched and they realized that they are not what they once thought.  With the right to vote and hold office elderly individuals are having a huge impact on how our society is run.

With the help of aging individuals there are now political associations set up to assist the elderly population as they such as, “ American Association of Retired Persons, the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, the National Council of Senior Citizens, the National Council of Aging, the National Caucus and Center on the Black Aged, and the Gray Panthers (Hillier and Barrow, 2011)”.These are all set up to help ensure things such as social security, housing, medical care, and make the lives of the individuals as comfortable as possible.

However with all of these political associations set up to improve the lives of elderly individuals, comes with a negative view from certain younger generations. This group has a view of “generational equity” which is, the younger population will suffer because of the older population’s unprecedented size and affluence. They believe that the older generation is only looking out for themselves and not concerned what will happen to the other generations in the midst of it. However, the future is uncertain and no one individual can determine what will be the effects of what our society is doing today.

Weekly Blog Review: Chapter 15 Politics, Policies, and Programs

This chapter gave me a lot of insight on the politics of aging. I am not one to really discuss politics and argue about them. Although there are some opinions that I do have, I keep them to myself because there's no point in aruging when it's someones opinion and you cannot change it. But with older people I find it different because they need to be taken care of and as comfortable as possible before that pass away. And for people who have just retired they need to be taken care of as well and not be looked over just because they're reaching their prime of life.

This chapter goes into politics, policies, and programs which is basically just dealing with governement. the categories under this is early rumblings, senior power today, The Older Americans Act and Other Programs, two programs not funded by the OAA, activism and advocacy, the equity issue, and epilogue: a new generation of older adults.

The category I found the most interesting is "The Older Americans Act and Other Programs," because of the subcategories under it, meals and nutrition, friendly visting and telephone reassurance, employment, and other service, were all about helping the elderly and not acting like their going to die any day and are not important. "The Older Americans Act (OAA) is desinged to alter state and local priotities to ensure that older peoples needs are represented in social services allocations. It was created  to from a nation network for comprehensive planning and delivery of aging services" (Hillier & Barrow, 2011, p. 413). So because of this act older people are a priority and treated like one and not like they're nothing.

This will help in the future for me because I will be able to hopefully help my older clients because of this act, such as employment, getting basic needs, things for them to do during the day, and so forth.

Hillier, S. & Barrow, G. (2011). Aging, the individual, and society. 402-422. 9th ed. California: WADSWORTH.

Chapter 15

This chapter covers the topics of politics, policies and programs for the elder population.  It was interesting to learn of the many political associations which represent older Americans.  So many of the groups lobby on the behalf of older adults in order to provide them with benefits such as Medicare, social security, or have a platform to promote equal rights for the elderly.  This chapter also discusses policies that have been put in place to assist elderly persons in the areas of programs which address meals and nutrition.  One act in particular is The Older Americans Act.   This act ensures that older people’s needs are represented in social service allocations (Hillier & Barrow, 2011).  This act has 6 major sections with outline the objectives and intentions of the act.  These sections include adequate income, good physical and health health, suitable housing at reasonable cost, a meaningful existence, full restorative services for those who require instructional care, equal employment opportunities, and retirement with dignity (Hillier & Barrow, 2011).  Another program outlined and discussed in this chapter which this learner feels is especially important and valuable is the Foster Grandparent Program.  This programs pairs low income older adults with troubled, disabled, or hospitalized children (Hillier & Barrow, 2011) The grandparent volunteers 15 to 40 hours per week and serve as role models, mentors or friends to disadvantaged children.  This program not only provides a disadvantage child with the attention and love that can make a difference in their live, it also gives the grandparent the opportunity to feel they have a purpose in life, to feel needed and to contribute to the lives of special needs children. 

 

 

Hillier, S., & Barrow, G. (2011). Aging, the individual, and society.9th ed.California: WADSWORTH.

Blog 8 Chapter 15

           This chapter covers the issues of elders in politics and the impact they have on office and other certain issues as well as employment and equity. As it pertains to voting, “Approximately 90 percent of Americans over age 50 are registered to vote, compared with an overall national figure of less than 75 percent” (Hillier &Barrow, 2011, p. 408). Older people are neither more nor less conservative than younger people and their parties are balanced more equally (Hillier & Barrow, 2011).

            Holding office, as well as voting, is another way of showing political power among elders. There are no mandatory retirement ages from offices in congress etc. which allows them to continue representation for their group of older peers (Hiller & Barrow, 2011). As it pertains to representation of older people, interest groups representing older Americans have increased in number and political effectiveness over the past few decades (Hillier & Barrow, 2011, p. 409). Such interest groups include American Association of Retired Persons, National Council of Senior Citizens, The Gray Panthers, and many others that advocate for senior citizens rights and representation (Hillier & Barrow, 2011).

            “The Older Americans Act (OAA) is designed to alter state and local priorities to ensure that older people’s needs are represented in social service allocations” (Hiller & Barrow, 2011, p. 413). The OAA intends to benefit elders in areas such as their health, income, housing, opportunities, and retirement. Hillier and Barrow (2011) explain that no public service program is without criticism, but these programs are allowing our older generations to have more of a voice than past generations as well as more opportunities. “The most exciting part of the future, however, is that there now is a new generation of older people” (Hillier & Barrow, 2011, p. 420). This chapter sums up the entire content of the text, it shows us that older people are living longer and making more of an impact on the younger generations. Due to the increased life spans, it is crucial that this group of people are better understood and heard, along with that goes the importance of equal opportunity for them regardless of their age.

Ch. 14, Death and Dying

Our society in the United States is afraid of death. As Hillier and Barrow (2011) state, “Have you ever used the word died and had the uncomfortable feeling that those with whom you were talking considered the word too direct and in bad taste? “Passed away” or “passed on” might be the preferred phrase—but not “dead”.” Why is dead such a dirty word today? The truth is that as a society, we are afraid of it. It seems dark and lonely. There are so many negative things involved with it that it is, in fact, a dirty word. It makes people flinch as if you cursed. I believe as social workers we need to break down this barrier. Especially in hospice where death is being dealt with daily. It is easier for someone to accept what is happening to their loved one if you use those words. While they may seem harsh at first, they begin the pathway to acceptance. Now this does not mean that we should embrace death with open arms, death is a very natural thing to be scared of. Hillier and Barrow (2011) state, “Fear of death is a normal human condition—we struggle for our life, and for the lives of others, and we desperately desire to avoid unknowns. But are people more fearful, or less fearful, at different ages?” They go on to say that there are different factors besides age that can account for this fear. Hiller and Barrow (2011), “Most observers and philosophers agree that fear of death is innate in all individuals, regardless of age, and that it provides direction for life’s activities”. As I mentioned before, I think it’s up to social workers to help people understand and handle this fear.

CH 15 Reflection

The dedication to expanding the role of social workers in politics and public policy making is the forefront topic I believe. From nearly the beginning of the profession, social workers have been called on to be active in politics.  The future seeks to break new ground and expand our role in politics. It has two goals: The first is to increase the number of social workers in elected office. The second goal is to "push the envelope" on what is moral, legal and ethical for all social workers to do, especially direct service social workers, to improve the political empowerment of their clients. The importance of these new endeavors is very striking to me.

Good social service policy requires special knowledge and expertise. Today, most public policy makers have no direct experience in social service work and as a result they lack firsthand knowledge. Helping professionals, or for that matter clients and consumers, would bring needed knowledge and experience to public policy making. Another reason for political involvement is imbedded in the social change/social reform mission that is at the heart of the social work profession. Politicians can change policy that will either help or hurt clients; therefore social workers are obligated to be among those who are making policy. There was a lot of concern that social workers should not be the "handmaidens" of psychiatrists in the mental health field. We social workers have come to dominate the mental health field. I do not want today's social workers to be the "handmaidens" of politicians and we will be unless we agree that some of us should run for office, get elected and serve.

Most importantly social workers know how to learn what people need and how to get it for them. We can do all of these things because we are trained to assess people, situations, communities and organizations. We learn active listen and translate people's statements into concrete plans of action. We know how to engage people in focused action, advocate for the interests of the disadvantaged and vulnerable. We understand group dynamics and how to use them and are culturally sensitive and respectful.

Blog #9 Chapter 15

Blog #9 Chapter 15

This chapter is about Politics, Policies, and Programs. In the past there have been social movements such as Townsend Plan and Ham and Eggs movement (Hillier and Barrow, 2011). The elderly come in numbers now and can make a difference because of how many elderly participate in voting or any other political event (Hillier and Barrow, 2011). An example as a strong association due to elderly being powerful is the American Association of Retired Person (Hillier and Barrow, 2011).

The most interesting part this learner has noticed in Chapter 15, is that a new generation of older adults is rising. Older people are living longer and becoming noticed to society (Hillier and Barrow, 2011). Hillier and Barrow discuss in this chapter that the amount of money put into health, education, nutrition, and socialization for the elderly has improved the quality of life (Hillier and Barrow, 2011). Everyone can agree that the future is unknown and poverty has grown in the United States because of the recession (Hillier and Barrow, 2011). It is ultimately up to each person to help make the future easier and comfortable for mankind as we grow. The difference of then and now, is that there is more information out there about living longer and how to be healthy (Hillier and Barrow, 2011). The elderly population work longer and can quit just to work a couple of years later (Hillier and Barrow, 2011).

 

Hillier, S., & Barrow, G. (2011). Aging, the individual, and society.9th ed.California: WADSWORTH.

Blog 8 Death & Dying

Death and Dying is a traumatic experience that will occur in ones life, even if the death or dying is expected.  According to the authors " Death is on of the few certainties of life... no one has yet escaped death permanently". (Hillier & Barrow). Most people would feel uncomfortable talking about death or dying, they seem to think that if they talk about death or dying that it will occur just by discussing it.
The fear of death is a normal process of lifes cycle, we were born to live to die and for most that is overwhelming. Now with the Hospice and Pallialtive Care movenment most are chooing embrace death and dying in a more relaxe way, this is were the social worker plays an important role in the patients lives. Now with the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, Social Worker assist the patients in vary of ways, social workers have been part of hispice care teams and are now becoming more integrated into palliative care. At the heart of hospice and palliative care is the belief that each of us has the right to die pain free and with dignity and family will receive the necessary support.(NHPCO). Social Worker can address  health issues, the end of life care approaches. Death and Dying can be truely a peaceful journey home.              

Blog 8 Ch. 13

I am choosing to discuss chapter thirteen which discusses woman and ethnic groups in America. This chapter was interesting to me because it opened my eyes to all the struggles that woman and different ethnicities go through, even in todays modern society. From jobs to poverty, there is so much that I did not know was going on and so much that women are going through.

As for the women topic as a whole, it is crazy how many women are being discriminated against, in the work place, and in everyday society. According to the book, "women are among the most poor in the United States" (Hillier and Barrow, 2007). This is shocking to me considering that we have equal rights now for many many years. With that being said,  this is a reason that over fifty percent of women who are sixty-five and older are on welfare. This is a shocking statistic to hear because it should not be that way, that number is way to high. 

As for ethnicities in America it is still unequal and discrimination is happening all over the country. To me it seems that it is in the older generations to be more discriminatory of different races, because that is the generation that they grew up in. With that said, the older generation is discriminated against daily, it is a sad thing to see happening to elders of different races and ethnicities. This chapter really opened my eyes to all the bad that goes on with women and different ethnicities. 

Hillier, S.M. and Barrow, G.M. (2007). Aging, the  individual and society. Belmont, CA: Thomson/Wadsworth.

Blog #8 Chapter 13 Women and Ethnic Groups

Blog Chapter 13 Women and Ethnic Groups

This learner chose chapter 13 to review because it is about women and ethnic groups. This chapter is about women later in life and how they survive or fight for survival. It has always been know that women do not make as much as men in the workplace (Hillier and Barrow, 2007). Women as they grow older, there are certain things that help and hurt them as they grow into old age. Two areas of struggle for women are finances and the double standard of aging (Hillier and Barrow, 2007).

As for financial status, women are among the most poor in the United States (Hillier and Barrow, 2007). As a woman, this learner finds this appalling. This learner has learned to speak up and ask for more money at work when the work backs up the pay. It also states that more than 50% of women 65 and older would live in poverty if not for social security (Hillier and Barrow, 2007).

According to Hillier and Barrow, “double standard of living suggest that the standard of aging for a woman that progressively destroys her sense of beauty and self-worth, whereas for men it is less wounding” (Hillier and Barrow, 2007). Women’s appearance is a socially intense standard and changes in the a women’s body (Hillier and Barrow, 2007). The culture advertises that being skinny and young is the only way to be beautiful and anything else is not. Learning to stay young and flawless is something to learn from birth to death for women.

 

 

Hillier, S.M. and Barrow, G.M. (2007). Aging, the individual and society. Belmont, CA: Thomson/Wadsworth.

  

Chapter 13 Women and Ethnic Groups

This chapter covers women and ethnic groups.  Financial status is an area covered within the chapter.   Women are considered the most poor in the United States.  According to (Shaker, 2006) women earn on average 76 percent less than men, which results in having less money to invest that men do.  They also have lower retirement incomes as well.  Women also face a double standard in aging.  When a women ages, her sense of beauty and self-worth diminishes.  Throughout the life of a woman, there is a lot of pressure to preserve a youthful appearance and there is an emphasis is staying attractive.  Many women will go to whatever lengths are necessary in an attempt to preserve their looks.   Elder African American women face issues such as living in substandard housing.  They are also more likely than whites to live in public housing and experience health care problems.  Many of these elders lack the resources for adequate health care throughout their lives which can result in lower life expectancy rates.  The Hispanic population also has a high rate of living below the poverty level, suffer from inadequat4e health care, have high rates of illiteracy, and lower occupational levels.  Ethnic elders across the board suffer from inequalities in America.  Many face obstacles such as poverty and having limited access to health care.  They may have language and cultural barriers which make it difficult to adjust to living in the United States and their socioeconomic status is lower than their white counter parts



Hillier, S.M. and Barrow, G.M. (2007). Aging, the  individual and society. Belmont, CA: Thomson/Wadsworth.

Weekly Reflection: Chapter 14 Death and Dying

I found this chapter very interesting. I'm not sure why, since it is one of the scariest subjects to talk about these days. It seems like more and more people are afraid to die these days. Of course it is understandable because none of us know what will happen whenever we do pass on. There are so many theories, basically it is whatever you want to believe. Hillier and Barrow (2011) state, "Fear of death is a normal human condition - we struggle for our life, and for the lives of tohers, and we desperately desire to avoid unknowns" (p. 376). This chapter goes into a bunch of depth about death and dying, and put it in a very blunt manner. The first part talks about a death-denying society saying that people do not like the word "died," but prefer to use the term "passed away" or "passed" on. I understand this completely I feel if I am telling someone about someones passing, "died" is too much of a "straight-forward" term. It then goes into the fear of death which is a big issue with society today. People are not sure what is going to happen so they choose to live in fear or just avoid the subject all together. Next, the text goes into living fully until death and under that are the subcategories of the life review stages of grief which include denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Next it has the care of the dying in hospitals, then a matter of choice, informed consent of treatment, funerals, facing and preparing for death, and bereavement.

The most interesting part of the chapter to me was the "Fear of Death" categorey. I knew that everybody had a fear of death I just did not know all the different types of fears. Hillier and Barrow (2011) state in the text, "The fear of death is understiood in terms of specific fears that dying people express. Some people have many, if not all, of these fears. For some, one particular fear becomes hauntin, dominating their dying process" (p. 378). The specific fears they talk about are fear of pain and suffering, fear of the unknown, fear of nonexistence, fear of eternal punishment, fear of loss of control, and fear of what will become of loved ones.

I believe what could help me from this chapter in my future is working with "The Matter of Choice" described in the book such as hospice, reframing the craft of dying, right to die, advance directives, suicide, and assisted suicide. After volunteering and "shadowing" a social worker in a nursing home. She had to deal with most of every single one of these in the nursing home with the patients and residents. So it's only inevitable that if I go into the geriatric feild, I will too.

Hillier, S. & Barrow, G. (2011). Aging, the individual, and society. 373-401. 9th ed. California: WADSWORTH.

Weekly Reflection Chapter 13

   Chapter 13 touched on the issues that many women and minorities face in the United States not only throughout the duration of their entire lives but also, as they age and become elderly. Many of the issues they face during their lifetime can have lasting impressions on their ability to live financially stable or comfortable, afford quality health care, live in adequate housing, social interactions, or having enough resources to meet basic needs. All of these factor's can also contribute to an individual's life expectancy. Dealing with high amounts of stress and inadequate resources can lead to depression, anxiety, and a lack of will to care for one's own self. Women tend to face what the text described as a dual or double standard for aging. Not only must they deal all of the previous issues, but also their own concerns about their appearance or level of attraction to others, because the media and society pressure women to look a certain way, this often adds to the issues they must cope with.
    The chapter also discussed the rise of the minority group in the near future and the patterns and needs we must address in order to meet the special needs of its members. It is important to educate ourselves about each of the subgroups culture, ethnicity, religion, beliefs, and values so that we individualize the person's make up a "general category" and work at eliminating a cookie cutter approach to meet everyone's needs.
    This is particularly important to the future of student social workers because, we will be working with many of these individuals in our future practice settings and in order to be effective we must truly understand, empathize, and be considerate of our clients background to be able to assist in meeting their needs. I found it interesting to know that in our culture we may feel like we are helping and being attentive to a patient, when in fact we may be directly offending them if we are not culturally sensitive to their customs and beliefs. As a social worker we must be knowledgeable and competent because it could be easy for us to make a small but serious mistake that could have a lasting impression on our ability to provide quality services.

Reference:
 Hillier, S.M. and Barrow, G.M. (2007). Aging, the
 individual and society. Belmont, CA: Thomson/Wadsworth.

Chapter 14 week 7 reflection

Fear of death is a normal human condition we struggle for our life, and for the life's of others, and we desperately desire to avoid unknowns. But are people more fearful, or less fearful, at different ages? I can relate to this when I was young I was very afraid to die. I also feared dying because I watched all of my family die so tragically, I lived my life for years wondering when and how I was going to die. Now that I am older, I don't fear dying I often wonder how I am going to leave this world, plane,train,or automobile. I think a lot of it has to do with my faith in God and knowing where I'm going when I do pass away. Chapter 14 talks about how society denies death. I have had a lot of phone calls letting me know that my family members have died, and not one time did they call and say hey charlene your my is dead. Most people use the works passed away,passed on, gone to glory, went to see Jesus, gone to heaven. Some fears seem normal, that is justified and within reason. Others seem to be exaggerated. The term fear of death is generally used when such apprehension has a specific, identifiable source. In comparison, death anxiety describes feelings of apprehension and discomfort that lack an identifiable source.
Reference: ageing the individual and society Susan M. Hillier Georgia M. Barrow

Chapter 13 Reflection Week 7

Chapter 13 discusses women, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans, and improving the status of ethnic elders. According to Hillier & Barrow (2011), women, including older ones, in the United States, are in a minority status. They do not participate equally in the political and economic structures. Older women are victims of double standards of aging, a standard that judges them more harshly as they age. A large percentage of elders in poverty are females. Ethnic elders suffer from inequality in the United States. Older blacks are poorer than older whites, and have a lower life expectancy, poorer health, more inferior housing, and less material comforts. Although some African Americans are well-to-do, others are impoverished. Family ties, religion, and a resolve to persevere are special strengths. Hispanic elders are not a homogeneous group.  About half of all Hispanic elders are Mexican Americans; others come from Cuba, Puerto Rico, and various Central and South American countries. Hispanic elders have suffered major linguistic and cultural barriers to assimilation, and their socioeconomic status is low. Asian Americans elders also come from many countries. They, too, have encountered racial hatred, language barriers, and discrimination. Native Americans elders are a small group. But by any social or economic indicator, they are possibly the most deprived group in the United States. More efforts need to be directed at correcting inequities for ethnic minorities and women.

Hillier, S. & Barrow, G. (2011). Aging, the individual, and society. 3-28. 9th ed. California: WADSWORTH

Chapter 14

This chapter discussed death and being prepared to handle it when it comes near. It also talked about the grieving process, and how to deal with deaths around you as you age. It is important to understand that death is a part of life and it happens to everyone whether you are okay with it or not. "Realizing that death is the ultimate destiny for each of us, we need to understand, regardless of our age, the importance of preparing for it" (Hillier & Barrow, 2011, p. 398).

This chapter was good because it went in depth into the grieving process and explained each step of the process and what is happening. This is not only good for the reader to know, but for others as well such as family and friends. Everyone deals with death differently but this process shows a guideline to what many are going through, even if it is not in that particular order. It is also good for social workers to know so that they car help and understand a client to the fullest when dealing with death. 

This chapter made me realize how scary it might be for many elders, knowing that life is short and that death is lurking at any time. I do not handle death well so this chapter showed me what I need to prepare for as well as what I can expect with others who are going through sad times from loss of a family member or friend. 

Hillier, S. & Barrow, G. (2011). Aging, the individual, and society. 3-28. 9th ed. California: WADSWORTH

Text Blog Chapter 14

     In chapter 14 the author explained that we might be living in a death denying society. The reader learns about that stages of grief and the options elders have when it comes to death. This chapter puts a great emphasize in elders to prepare for death and to face it.
     Death is one of the few things we are certain about in this life. Eventually everyone will die and we never know when it will happen. Although some die young death certainly draws nearer as we age. People who fear death are actually afraid of pain and suffering, afraid of being non-existing and afraid of what will become of their loved ones, among other fears. Kubler-Ross created stages of grief which summarizes her theory of the process of dying (Hillier & Barrow, 2011). The stages commence with denial and shock, then comes anger which transforms into bargaining with God and the last two stages are depression and finally acceptance of death. There has been a big debate on whether assisted suicide is acceptable. Many terminally illed patients have a choice of dying in a hospital or dying at home, some may choose to receive assisted suicide. Hospice is a big part of death in the way that it prepares the individual for death. They make them as comfortable and pain-free as they possibly can.
     The reader can conclude that it is important that elders be prepared for death and be acceptant of it. It is something that will happen to all at one point in time. It is also important that the family of the person dying to be prepared as well.


Hillier, S. & Barrow, G. (2011). Aging, the individual, and society. 3-28. 9th ed. California: WADSWORTH

CH.14 Reflection

As people approach the end of their lives, they and their families commonly face tasks and decisions that include a broad array of choices ranging from simple to extremely complex. They may be practical, psycho-social  spiritual, legal, existential, or medical in nature. For example, dying persons and their families are faced with choices about what kind of caregiver help they want or need and whether to receive care at home or in an institutional treatment setting. Dying persons may have to make choices about the desired degree of family involvement in care giving and decision-making. They frequently make legal decisions about wills, advanced directives, and durable powers of attorney. They may make choices about how to expend their limited time and energy. Some may want to reflect on the meaning of life, and some may decide to do a final life review or to deal with psychologically unfinished business. Some may want to participate in planning rituals before or after death. In some religious traditions, confession of sins, preparation to "meet one's maker," or asking forgiveness from those who may have been wronged can be part of end-of-life concerns. In other cultural traditions, planning or even discussing death is considered inappropriate, uncaring, and even dangerous, as it is viewed as inviting death.
All end-of-life choices and medical decisions have complex psycho-social components, ramifications, and consequences that have a significant impact on suffering and the quality of living and dying. However, the medical end-of-life decisions are often the most challenging for terminally ill people and those who care about them. Each of these decisions should ideally be considered in terms of the relief of suffering and the values and beliefs of the dying individual and his or her family. In addition, any system of medical care has its own primary values that may or may not coincide with the values of the person. For example, in most Western medical systems the principles of individual autonomy (though not to the exclusion of family members and intimates) and informed consent are primary. In contrast, many cultures eschew the principle of autonomy and the principle of interactive, community decision-making is thought to be the ideal. Therefore, well-intention-ed presentations of treatment or care possibilities by health care providers may overlook a particular person's wish not to discuss death.

week 7 blog - chapter 14

Chapter fourteen is about Death and Dying.  The fear of dying is normal but there are specific fears that people express (p.378).  Fear of pain and suffering is common.  So is fear of the unknown.  Death is not understood and can be hard to make sense of.  Fear of nonexistence is the fear of ceasing to exist after death.  Fear of eternal punishment “is shared among nonreligious as well as religious people” (p.378).  Fear of loss of control is felt because it can be very frightening to not be able to control life situations.  Fear of what will become of loved ones is also a common fear.  Not everyone will feel all of these fears because the experience of death can be different for each of us. 

Elisabeth Kubler-Ross has theories of the process of dying.  Stage one is denial and shock.  This reaction is “necessary to give us time to come to terms with the reality of the impending death” (p. 380).  Stage two is anger.  Stage three is bargaining which is “an attempt to postpone the inevitable” (p.380).  Stage four is depression which happens when the person “can no longer deny an illness because of its advancing symptoms, a profound sense of loss is experienced” (p.380).  The last stage, five, is acceptance.  One patient said “The struggle for survival is over and the dying person seems to be taking a final rest before the long journey” (p.381). 

Fearing death is common and the theories of the process of dying are normal to feel.  Hopefully none of us will have to go through these things any time soon. 

Blog # 7

Blog # 7 – Chapter 14

 

This chapter discusses an inevitable outcome that every individual will face. In our society we choose to avoid the subject of death, it’s as if the word leaves a bitter taste in our mouths. It is believed that fear is one of the factors that this subject is so “touchy”. It is believed that individuals at every age fear death, so more than others. However many older individuals have come to terms with the fact that they will face death and they are ok with this. Having religious beliefs and knowing that there is life after death has helped individuals cope with death.

 “Fear of death is a normal human condition – we struggle for our life, and for the lives of others, and we desperately desire to avoid unknowns” (Hillier and Barrow, 2011).  This being said when an individual is diagnosed with a terminal disease, it seems that everything is put into a new perspective, they now know that their time on earth is limited.  It is believed that there are stages that one will face upon this information such as, denial and shock – this cant be happening to me, anger – why me and not someone else, bargaining – If I do this maybe I can live longer, Depression – this is it, and Acceptance – I am ready (Kubler- Ross).

Even though we cannot change death, we are given choices once we have accepted death. These choices are known as advanced directives. There are different forms such as a living will, durable power of attorney, DNR (Do not resuscitate) and assisted suicide. Being that we are provided with rights all of our lives, these choices help individuals cope with death, they are given one last choice on how they want to live the rest of their lives once they reach a certain stage.

 

Hillier, S. & Barrow, G. (2011). Aging, the individual, and society. 373-400. 9th ed. California: WADSWORTH.