The chapter gives an effective description of the aging
process. It covers a range from the elderly stages of the life span and starts
with the aging body. It defines the absolute human life span and the mean human
life span. It transitions to normal aging and breaks down some of the many
possible things that can happen in normal aging to our bodies. According to
Hillier & Barrow (2009), many changes that take place in the body are
observable: the skin loses its elasticity and becomes more wrinkled, the hair
grays and thins out, and the body becomes less erect (pg 93). The chapter
explains the health status and concludes that the majority of people over the
age 65 are in good health. This explains why the elderly population are
becoming or have become the majority population. According to the text, most
elders are able-bodied and are not limited in a major way by physical
impairments (pg 114). The chronic and acute conditions of aging are explained.
Whereas young people tend to have acute conditions, that is, short-term illness
in which the cause is known and the condition is curable. Older people tend to
have chronic conditions which are long-term. Their causes are typically unknown
but the ultimate cost is profound on health and quality of life. The chapter
even provides a wonderful table on “How to live longer.” These are important
issues to be aware of for the client and for the practitioner. The role of
diet, exercise, and mental health is essential to the elderly in providing
longevity of healthy living. Social and environmental factors are also important
factors to consider as a practitioner. According to Hillier & Barrow, a
positive, hopeful, stimulating social environment adds years to life.
Hillier, S., & Barrow, G.
(2011). Aging, the individual, and society. (9th ed., pp. 3-28). California:
WADSWORTH.
I also enjoyed reading this chapter. It reinforced information I already was aware of and provided me with an in depth understanding as how components such as diet, exercise and possessing a positive mental state are important in all stages of life. It also provided me an awareness of how social and environmental factors must be considered as you stated as well. We as social workers will be serving the elderly population and will need to take into account the limitations they may be faced with due to economic restraints.
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