Chapter 8 Review: Work and Leisure

Chapter 8 Weekly Blog Review: Work and Leisure.

For the elderly the work is never done. Most people think once the elderly hits a certain age that they easily retire and lie a luxurious life. Before retirement some elderly still have bills to pay and money to make but because of the age discrimination in employment, which fall under the terms "Failing to hire a worker between age 40 and 70 because of age, Discharging a person because of age, etc."(209) Its already hard being an elderly person still having to work for a living being shot sown by different companies everywhere they go. I don't believe that's right at all. Its good for everyone to get social security in that way you will have a trusted fund when that time comes for retirement. Its not like the elderly does not want to work, as stated in the chapter "As may as 5.4 million older Americans (55 and over)- one in seven of those not currently working- report that they are willing and able to work but do not have a job." (210) . Its also a scary thing to be forced to retire when your not ready, there are people that have been working majority of their lives and live through it. Some may revolve their life around working. The myths are so drawn out and dramatic, these myths are dated back from old times where things weren't the same as now. Everything and everyone is being updated, I say the people because with new technology in the health field has been advanced so our bodies work more efficiently longer. One stereotype "Older workers cannot produce as much as younger workers", stating that the older doesn't move as quickly as the younger and know how to work technology efficiently. But that is not always the case I know a lot of old people that will keep you on your toes trying to keep up with their work ethic. Another stereotype "Older workers are difficult to train-they learn slowly", ok with this one I understand a little bit but not fully. With the new technology and software I understand that they might not pick up on that quickly, it may take sometime but they aren't helpless or dumb its just they haven't experienced what the younger has a view on today. Hard to train some may think that since they are older they know more and wont be cooperative, from experience of course. From my review I believe that everyone should have a fair chance at every opportunity that they may want to take in life and that shouldn't be taken away because of age.

Week 4 Blog Review: Chapter 8

Everything about this chapter was interesting to me from the retirement to the leisure time, but I enjoyed knowing about the leisure time more. This chapter of work and leisure first goes into the concept of retirement, then to age discrimination in employment, adjustment to retirement, work and leisure values, and expanding work and leisure opportunities.

The thing that caught my eye in this chapter was the age discrimination in employment. According to Hillier and Barrow the 1967 Age Discrimination in Employment Act prohibits the following: failing to hire a worker between age 40 and 70 because of age, discharging a person because of age, discrimination in pay or other benefits because of age, limiting or classifying an employee according to hes or her age, instructing an employment agency not to refer a person to a job because of age, or to refer that person only to certain kinds of jobs, and placing any ad that shows preference based on age or specifies an age bracket. The exceptions as the federal government, employers of less than 20 persons, or jobs where youth is a "bonafide occupational qualification," such as modeling teenage clothes (p. 209). Hillier and Barrow also state, "Age discrimination in the labor market makes finding work more difficult, however, because older workers have more difficulty finding jobs, changing fields is even more difficult... More than half of all workers aged 50 to 64 would continue working if their employer were willing to retrain them for a new job, continue making pension contributions after age 65, or to transfer them to a job with less responsibility, fewer hours, and less pay as a transition of full retirement" (p. 210) I think if employers worked and reasoned with them, the older generation would be willing to work with the employers and how the employers want things running in the company. And once their full retirement came along and they know that they worked for it, they could enjoy their leisure time more.


Hillier, S.,& Barrow, G. (2011). Aging, the individual, and society. (9th ed., pp. 199-225). California: WADSWORTH

chapter 7, week 4

Chapter seven deals with intimacy and sexuality in older people.  According to our text, “intimacy is the need to be close to, to be part of, and to feel familiar with another person” (p.172).  The need for intimacy does not go away as we grow older.  Although death, illness or divorce of a sexual partner may decrease a person’s sex drive.  What this student found interesting was that “many long-term care settings do not allow couples to share a room” (p. 196).  What was even more interesting was a study that found that residents of a nursing home “were more likely than staff to agree that sex is not needed for women after menopause or for men after age 65 and that sexually active elderly people are “dirty”” (p.196).  One has to wonder if that attitude is due to society’s notion of not wanting to acknowledge that senior citizens have sex.  Youth and sex is prevalent in advertising, television and movies but it is not common to show the elderly in sexual situations.  The need for intimacy may not end when a partner dies.  Senior citizens may find new partners in their nursing homes but intimacy may be hard to find in such a communal setting.  Our text states that nursing homes can address the issue of sexuality among their residents in several ways:  

improving privacy, educating staff about human sexuality in later life, helping to arrange for conjugal visits or home visits, encouraging other forms of sexual expression, such as hugging and kissing; evaluating complaints about sexual functioning, advising the elderly to discontinue medicines that may affect sexual function and providing information and counseling about sexuality to interested patients. (p.196)

Intimacy and sex can lessen as we grow older but it does not necessarily stop.  It is important for nursing homes and their staff to be able to deal with this issue in a dignified manner. 

Blog #4 Chapter 7

     Chapter 7 hit on a very important topic that is, in my opinion, too often over-looked. Intimacy and the need for companionship with others is something that's highly important to the older population. "The number of friends and active family relationships a person has traditionally has been viewed as an indication of how well an individual is aging" (Hillier & Barrow, 2011, p. 172). Along with intimacy, it is equally important to be aware of the sexual needs for this population as well. Hillier and Barrow (2011) stress that we are sexual beings, regardless whether we develop a chronic illness, lose a spouse, suffer from a mental illness, or live a solitary life.
     Certain situations or events may indeed put restraints on the ability to engage in intimate relationships, but this does not decrease the need for strong social bonds. By maintaining strong social bonds with others it enhances the psychological well-being  of elders and reflects a positive self-concept (Hillier & Barrow, 2011). A certain level of enjoyment is met when close relationships are maintained at an older age and as we've learned in previous chapters, a healthy mind is half the struggle to a positive aging experience.
     As intimacy ties into sexuality, it does not necessarily mean sexual intercourse; it could mean touch, emotional closeness, or perhaps, a combination of the three (Hillier & Barrow, 2011). Nevertheless, it's important to be aware that these factors are important to the aging population. If not made aware of this concept, more and more elderly people will become sexually invisible, in other words, they are not viewed as being sexual which can result in embarrassment on their behalf (Hillier & Barrow, 2011). Too often we do not put ourselves in others' shoes, and in this case, we will eventually be in this position in our own shoes, and we will want younger generations to understand our needs. The information shared in this chapter is not only be helpful for future social workers, but for the general public to be aware of for a number of reasons, most importantly, perhaps, to understand that the need for intimacy and closeness does not diminish over time. Individuals measure their happiness with intimacy and sexuality on different scales, "If being sexy is measured by frequencies of orgasms and other quantitative counts, sexuality may show some decrease with age. But if sexuality refers to one's sensuality, then most adults become more sexual with age" (Hillier & Barrow,2011, p. 195). This proves that we as a younger population should refrain from judging those that are older, because there is no telling how we will measure our own happiness as it pertains to this issue until we reach that age.

Hillier, S.,& Barrow, G. (2011). Aging, the individual, and society. (9th ed., pp. 172-198). California: WADSWORTH

Week #4 Blog #4 Chapter 8

This learner selected this chapter as it pertains to work and leisure.   While reading the section pertaining to The Taxpayer Versus Early Retirement, this writer learned the Social Security normal retirement for those reaching 62 by the year 2022 will gradually become age 67; and should a person take benefits will receive 30  percent less.  This strategy by the federal policy will encourage workers to continue worker for a longer period of time.   This makes sense as people are living longer and should they retire in their early 60’s, their retirement funds will not be enough to care for them should they live well into their 80’s or older.   This learner’s mother went back into the work force at age 70 after being in retirement for almost a decade.  This decision was no only financially driven, but also allowed her to stay active in the community and interact with people.   At the time she decided to seek employment, she faced many obstacles as the text explains with age discrimination in employment. There are many myths and negative stereotypes attached to older workers such as they lack physical strength or have slow reaction time.   According to (Hillier & Barrow, 2011), “age discrimination in employment starts long before the traditional time for retirement.  The problem of job discrimination is severe for older workers in spite of federal laws that prohibit it.”  For the older workers who do go into retirement, it is often difficult for them to adjust to no longer being in the workforce.   They may experience feelings of losing their identity or role as they have defined much of whom they are with what they do for a living and many may become disconnected with the personal or social associations their job provided.  There is also the fear of not having enough money to live on once a person gives up their income from working a full time job.   Programs designed to assist people with the transition of retirement are becoming more common in industries and businesses.  These retirement preparation programs assist people, who are facing retirement, have a better understanding of retirement benefits, Medicare and other health insurance coverage. As social workers, it is important to understand the needs of the elder population.  Many face going into retirement with insufficient incomes to live on.  Helping them seek part time employment to supplement their fixed incomes or services that provide them with social and leisure services can lead them down the path to having a more satisfactory  life in the retirement stage.

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

Chapter 7 Blog #4 Week 4

Blog #4 Week 4

This learner has chosen Chapter seven to discuss because society once again doesn’t know everything. Society influences everything people say or do. It is human nature to need to socially bond and to be intimate with another person. People find it important to have that sense of belonging. In chapter seven, intimacy and sexuality are acknowledged and put into perspective. Hillier and Barrow describe intimacy as, “the need to be close, to be a part of, and to feel familiar with another person” (Hillier and Barrow, 2011).

The growing population with older people is rising. People have become aware of life styles that are happening among this population. Sexual identity is described as, “mix of emotional, developmental, and cultural aspect” (Hillier and Barrow, 2011). This is carried with us throughout our lives and is important (Hillier and Barrow, 2011). Though people grow older, this remains important.

It was interesting to read about love in nursing homes. This learner found it disturbing to think that professionals in that working environment laughed and humiliated residents for falling in love. According to Hillier and Barrow, one nursing facility employees made jokes and laughed at a couple walking through the hall holding hands (Hillier and Barrow, 2011). This changed my innocent view of nursing home treatment. Hillier and Borrow then speak about this stealing the identity of that older person from insulting act. One thing people forget about is that we will all be old one day and nothing can change that but death.

As a social worker, this type of behavior should not be treated lightly. Working in a facility involving elderly population, changes needs to be made, for example, better privacy and providing information on sexuality as well as intimacy (Hillier and Barrow, 2011).

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Chapter 6

I enjoyed chapter 6 because it talked about family. I learned about siblings being the closet person in your life and also most likely the longest relationship. I also enjoyed the gender differences,marital status,parent status,emotional closeness, that was shared on the chart. Im all for anybody that will take care of a child and bring them up in a good way no matter what. Chapter 6 talk me a lot about being a grand parent and how I'm not alone as far as rising my grand baby in my house hold. IM glad I have a strong spiritual background and up bringing to keep me grounded

Chapter 5 Discussion

I found chapter 5 to be the most interesting of the two chapters that we read this week. Learning about the different ways our brain process information through our senses and the different ways that it is stored intrigued me to learn more about it. And how as you get older you do not necessarily lose these senses, just the act of processing or recalling this information is slowed. Being that I have been diagnosed with ADD the attention and perception part in this chapter gave me more insight on my why I have trouble processing and retaining information. " Selective attention is focusing attention on the relevant information while inhibiting irrelevant information. If we pay close attention to a stimulus, the experience moves from our sensory memory to be stored in our working memory. If we are distracted unable to focus on a specific stimulus among many our ability to code the stimulus into memory is impaired (Hiller and Barrow, 2011)." This made a lot of sense to me. I have had professor stop class and accuse me of not paying attention, because I am sitting on the front row drawing, but actually if I am doing something with my hands it makes it easier for me to take in what they are saying. Or I have noticed when I am reading a chapter I get to the end and cannot recall anything thing that I have read, because even though I thought I was paying attention, my mind was somewhere else.

The next thing in this chapter was the different kinds of disorders and how they can affect different people. I never realized how many different disorders there were: Depressive - Feeling sad, low self esteem, and believing that life is confusing; Personality - paranoid, introverted, antisocial; Affective - or a mood disorder, and Organic - Alzheimer, dementia . Most of these disorders have been believed to just be an effect of aging, when you get old you are senial, however this is not the case. Only a few older people are affected by these disorders, so Dr.s you pay close attention when someone is complaining about memory loss or a mood disorder.

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

Blog 3 Chapter 5  Mental Health

I chose this chapter because it was apart of my life. our mother was diagnosis with dementia at the age of 67 year old. Alzheimer's Association says " Ahzheimer's disease is not a normal part of aging." (Alzheimer's Association.org).  Understanding this was not a part of our mother just getting old was good to know also hard to know, because than the question is what did we don wrong or why didnt we do requrie he to do more, these are the question you ask your self over and over. Hillier & Barrow wrote " the affected individuals gradually lose their memory; their thought processes slow, their judgment is impaired...  is tragic for all concerned."(Hillier & Barrow p. 288). "Problems become harder to make.. one may lose interest in life and become apathetic or irritable."(p.287). Our mother would forget how to work the television, as well as use the phone to make a phone call, she would make excuerse for not being able to use the phone. Secondly she would ask the same question over and over again than would get very upset if we said mama you ask that question, in her mind this was something new she just ask. The disease affects the short-term memory in the begning stages. " in the early stages of dementia, emotional responses to ordinary daily affairs, previously handled without difficulty, may be extreme to inappropriate."(p287).  Thirdly Hillier & Barrow writes " further declines come as one has trouble receiving, retaining, and recalling new information.. a newly acquired fact may be forgotten in minutes."(p287).
 Final learning how to cope with a person who is living with this disease is truly a task, coming to terms with the facts thats this person will at some piont not remember a love one is catastrophic to the whole family as well as caring for the person. Hillier & Barrow says " The burden can be great on families caring for the mentally ill elderly at home."( p.291).  Familys  in most cases will have to come out of pocket to shoulder some of the cost for their love one if needed.         

Chapter Six

I found chapter six to be the most enjoyable chapter of the two. I found the topics to be really interesting given that everyone has some sort of relationship with another person. It talked about relationships with siblings, grandparents, parents, and spouses. I found everything it talked about to be very true and could relate my life to the book in many different way. 

The book mentioned that “siblings grow closer to each other as they grow older”(155). This is so true to what has happened between me and my sister. My younger sister, Faith, is five years younger than me. Growing up we played together but never shared secrets or had a tight bond. Instead we fought like little kids do and constantly nagged on one another. This kind of relationship began to strengthen with time. When I went to high school, my sister found that I was cool because I could drive and had cool friends. Now that I am in college that bond has become more of a best friend role. She calls me with her problems and I am there for her. We are now closer than ever and I could not imagine it any other way. This chapter also talked about how with each generation that has kids, they are having less than what their parents had. This is something that I have witnessed in my family as well as in others. But with that going down, life expectancy is going up. So instead of seeing two to three generation families, we are now seeing four to five. This is great because it is allowing the younger generations to look at the older ones and learn from them. 

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

Chapter 6 Reflection, Week #3

Not only did chapter 6 stress the importance of friends in family in later life, it also highlighted the importance of religion and spirituality. These can bring together members of a community and give purpose to the elderly population therein. Hillier and Barrow (2011) state, “Subjects with high-intrinsic religiosity and spiritual well-being had significantly higher levels of hope and lower levels of negative mood states than subjects with low spiritual well-being and low intrinsic religiosity. The researchers felt that subjects with high religiosity could use their religious patterns for coping (prayer, religious objects) and subjects with high spirituality were able to maintain a greater sense of wholeness than those with low spirituality”. This makes sense, because if you did not feel that you had a greater purpose then you would not see what there was worth living for. Especially for the elderly, the sense of something greater makes nearing the end of their lives not as scary. There are many community or church groups that can help the elderly stay involved and productive in later life. Hillier and Barrow (2011) say, “People aged 65 and over are the most likely of any age group to belong to clubs; fraternal associations; and other church-affiliated organizations, such as widows and widowers groups, Bible-study groups, and volunteer groups serving the sick and needy”. These groups are a benefit to society and a benefit to the elderly involved within. Social bonds can be formed that give a person strength and support through those trying times in later life. 

Blog #3 Chapter 6 Reflection

     Family is something that each of us have, whether or not we associate with them, rely on them, or claim them is another story; but the size, structure, and ever changing family dynamic do affect each member of the family, perhaps, most importantly the elderly family members. "Transitions lead to changed perceptions of one's identity, to new ways of behaving, and to shifts in interdependence with kin and community" (Hillier & Barrow, 2011, p. 151). This meaning that the constant change in the family structure, also leads to personal change, as well as a change in society.
     This chapter has stressed how important family members are to an aging individual. I want to pay particular close attention to this topic as it pertains to sibling relationships. Hillier and Barrow (2011) discuss that siblings are often the longest lasting relationship in an individuals life, this makes sense for multiple reasons. "Bonds between siblings typically extend throughout life and are reported to be second only to mother-child ties in intensity and complexity" (Hillier & Barrow, 2011, p. 152). Siblings are often close in age, which means they are present to experience the ups and downs of both family and social issues throughout a lifetime at the same pace as their brothers and/or sisters.
     As we age, those of us that are fortunate enough to have living siblings can share many aspects of the aging process with them, since we experience this phenomenon at roughly the same time. The text discusses that the greatest times of interest and involvement between siblings in life is generally during youth and old age (Hillier & Barrow, 2011, p. 155). As older adults, siblings are able to share between them, memories, a common background and lifestyle, as well as a sense of emotional support and closeness; where as elderly adults that were only-children have no one to share their entire life's timeline with and lack that sense of emotional support. This chapter brought to my attention the importance of siblings as an individual enters the "old population", just like other aspects pertaining to healthy aging, this issue needs to be addressed now, at a younger age when couples are starting families and having children. It is important for the current young-adult population to think about their own kids' aging experience and how their decisions now about giving them siblings will affect them later in life.

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

Chapter 5

This learner chose Chapter 5 on Mental Health to blog about this week.   This chapter was extremely interesting in the section pertaining to Organic Mental Disorders.  According to the textbook, Aging, the Individual, and Society, “organic disorders arise from a physical origin that impairs mental functioning and 11 percent of older adults are believed to have mild disorders of this type” (NIMH, 2009; Visavada, Masand, & Nasra, 1997).  It goes on to state 6% of over 65 years of age Americans have intellectual impairment stemming from physical causes.  The population of elders over the age of 80 increases to 20 percent of having an impairment with estimates going as high as 50 percent in this age group (Hillier & Barrow, 2011).  It was especially interesting to learning the difference between an acute brain disorder and a chronic disorder.  A person suffering from an acute brain disorder is only short term and is reversible.  Things such as an infection, heart condition, drug reaction, malnutrition or liver condition can trigger an acute disorder.  This can occur when anything that interferes with the nourishment of the brain, the supply of oxygen or food by the blood stream.  This learner has learned this is very common of happening when a person contracts a urinary tract infection. This condition can only progress to being chronic if it goes untreated. A chronic organic disorder has no known cure and is due to a physical cause to a brain disorder.  The two exhibitions of organic brain disorders are dementia and delirium.  Delirium is defined as being the lack of awareness about oneself and their surroundings which may include hallucinations, delusions or disorientation. Dementia is caused by the degeneration of brain cells and can be the result from many conditions, such as, long term alcohol abuse.  The largest contributor for dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. 

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

Reflection Ch. 6

Most people find fulfillment in their relationships with others, and the promotion of community inclusion also focuses on helping individuals. Indeed, most people have a variety of relationships – with family members (as a child or sibling or uncle or aunt, for instance), or based on friendships (and both life-long friends you can talk to about anything and new acquaintances we’re just beginning to get to know), and in more romantic and/or intimate relationships.
Most people fulfill a number of these significant social roles at the same time:  at the same moment you are a devoted uncles/aunt your are also a trusted friend to others and a romantic partner to another.  Such roles give us meaning and purpose, are the focus of strong commitments, and often provide resources for coping with daily troubles and life-stressors. The sense of belonging, personal well-being, and validation that stems from these roles is an important part of everyone's mental health (Hiller and Barlow 2011).

Changes in behavior, even positive ones, can create anxiety for friends and family members, who may feel responsible or guilty.  For some, these everyday social roles have fallen away:  family members are distant, friendships are rare, romance is only a memory. Friendships are a critical source of social support for everyone. Research on social support of those with serious mental illnesses has found positive relationships between social supports and social functioning; satisfaction with level of functioning; symptom alleviation; reductions in re hospitalization; and increased community tenure. There is little doubt that social support through meaningful friendship is critical community inclusion of individuals.

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Week #3 : Ch. 6 Friends, Family and Community

Family and friendship connections and relationships are developed early in life and are very important. This chapter focuses on how these relationships are significant and how it is very important to have a strong relationship with someone who is aging or becoming ill. According to the book, “Transition evens such as widowhood, retirement, remarriage, or a child’s departure punctuate the life course” (Hillier and Barrow, 2011). The life events are ever-changing and pertain to the adult’s role later in life. Examples include newlyweds having their first baby and then having a hard time adjusting to their new schedule. Another example might include an individual who just retired who is having a difficult time adjusting to all their new free time. Elders also play a crucial role in the each of their families. Hillier and Barrow explain that “Grandparents can have a huge impact on the developing child’s understanding of the world and his or her place in it” (p. 152). Siblings, like grandparents have an impact in the development of each other’s life. The book describes that “Although siblings may cause problems for one another at any time in the life course, they can also extend support to one another in social environment that does not always foster the development of social bonds” (Hillier and Barrow, 152). Many older adults have a sibling and the bonds between siblings can last a life time even though they may get into some arguments when they are younger. Whether one is old or young, social relationships and bonds are necessary for the family life cycle and this chapter explained these bonds that individuals have with others.  

Blog #3 Chapter 5 Reflection

     This chapter covered many factors in the aging process that most people would not think about, including how to rid yourself of the stress that is causing you to age quicker, how to slow down the different types of dementia, and how to care for the elderly who are experiencing mental illness.
     According to Sarah Mahoney (2005), ridding the body of stress does not take a lot hard work, just a little desire to add some joy and happiness to life by playing games, adding some humor with jokes or things that bring on laughter, being optimistic, getting a job doing what you love to do, and doing something for someone else without expecting something in return.  Other ways to get rid of stress is by exercising, listening to music, and through prayer (Hillier & Barrow, 2011). One thing that is a result of aging, for some, is dementia.  Although dementia does not affect everyone, it can have a effect on a great number of people.  Dementia comes in many forms, including Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and Wernicke-Karsakoff's syndrome.  The dementia process can be slowed by doing things such as maintaining an active interest in life, keeping one's mind stimulated, and getting regular checkups.
     Caretakers of the elderly should work to make sure these things are being done, as well as making sure the elderly, or affected individuals, are involved with other people by getting them to attend group activities, make friends with others, or get involved with arts and craft projects (Hillier & Barrow, 2011).  

Weekly Text Blog Review: Chapter 6

      In Chapter 6 relationships are mostly discussed. These writers discussed sibling relationships, adult friendshops, and relationships between grandparents and their grandchildren. As time changes people and traditions are changing as well.
     According to Hillier and Barrow, the relationship with siblings, solid or shaky, is likely to be the longest relationship in an individual's life. Sometimes siblings cause problems or conflicts with each other, but can also give support in a social environment that does not always foster social bonds (Connidis, 2001). The grandparents of today have multiple of siblings compared to their own offspring. That is how sthis is slowly changin from generation to generation. Each generation is having less and less children then their own parents.
     Adult friendships are important also, especially for older people who do not have relatives or their children close by. A major study was conducted in which 84 percent said their close friend was a women (Hillier & Barrow, 2011). The chapter also mentioned that many older people who have lost their spouse wanted to remarry, but did not procede for many reasons. One being out of respect and others being because their children would disapprove or what people might say.
     Lastly with life expectancy increasing we are seeing what use to be 3 generation families become 4 or 5 generation families. People are most likely to act the way their own grandparents acted toward them. Their are many different types of grandparents, there is fun and happy who want to enjoy their grandchildren. There is also the grandparent who holds the role of authority and dicipline or is the voice of wisdom. The intimacy with them is important in how they are viewed such as a confident, advisor, or friend.
     In conclusion what I found most interesting was sibling relationships and how vital they are. The comment that changed my mind was about older people who lost their spouse wanted to remarry. My mind was always set that they should not remarry out of respect, but now I believce their is nothing wrong with that. In our changing society one thing that has not changed is that whatever the relationship may be sibling, friendship or grandparenting they are all important, they give us a sense of belonging.


Connidis, I. A. (2001). Family ties and aging. Thousand Oaks CA: Sage Publications.

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

Chapter 5, week 3 text review

This student learned that aging can cause many changes in the individual.  For example, there can be changes in “perception, motor performance, intelligence, learning, memory, and personality” (p. 122).  Depression, cancer, changes in personality and the five senses, memory loss and Alzheimer’s are common to occur as we age.  The most controversial statement in the chapter may be that “some very old people experience no sensory declines” (p. 125).  It is controversial because it is hard to believe that vision loss may never occur in some very old people.  That statement is also the most interesting because that may be one less thing that the elderly has to worry about.  Sensory decline in an individual may cause a social worker, for example a social worker in a nursing home, to help the nursing home to come up with different ways to stimulate and interest the elderly individual.  For example, for someone who may have declining eyesight, the issue may be to find ways for that person to work more with their hands and rely more on their sense of touch than their vision.  A nursing home may have many individuals with this issue which would create a mezzo issue in the nursing home.  The comment “most people over 65 who suffer from depression are not receiving any formal psychiatric treatment” (p. 137) partially changed how this student views aging.  Growing older can be a little scary but having undiagnosed depression can make the final years of life un-enjoyable.  An individual should be able to enjoy the years that they have left instead of dealing with depression. 

DQ. #2

My parents had way more siblings than they did children...My mother is the youngest of 14 children and my father is one of six children. Both sets of my grandparents were at least one of five. I have one child and while I really do not want to have another child...I am pretty sure I can at least expect one more so that my son has a sibling. I have witnessed the relationships my grandparents and parents have with their siblings and for my parents it is one of many phases. Both my mother and father get along with all of their siblings, but it is apparent that some are closer than others and some they get angrier at one another more often. With my grandparents I have never witnessed an argument or any kind of disagreement in person. But what I have noticed is that they know how one another are set in their ways and even if they do not agree they still are willing to accept. They talk on the phone often and make plans to spend a day together. While all of my aunts and uncles, (who are my grandparents children), are too busy with work and with their own children, my grandparents are visiting and spending time with their own siblings because they too are in the same situation. The text stated that many older people have a sibling that lives nearby and they generally maintain contact with one another (Hillier, S.M. & Barrow, G.M. 2007), and for my family it seems to be true. I think that the effect of having siblings can go further that just the children growing up in the same home as kids, it is a lifetime partnership that continues through old age. I only have one sister that I have not particularly gotten along with our whole lives, but as we get older the closer I have witnessed us become. Even though all siblings can be either best friends or arch enemies you still know that they are your blood and you share a bond that you do not share with any other person in this world and they always can be seen as some type of support system.



Hillier, S.M. and Barrow, G.M. (2007).  Aging, the

 individual and society.  Belmont, CA:  Thomson/Wadsworth.