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
I completely agree that this chapter was by far the most interesting to read about! So many stereotypes go into the age factor and how elderly people feel and react to intimacy and companionship. With the growing numbers of older people in society, it's important to understand the truth about their opinions and views on the topic. It is true that no matter what age we are, we seek love and comfort in others, I agree that the incident found in nursing homes pertaining to employees thinking intimacy was absurd is ridiculous. Often times, we fail to put ourselves in other peoples shoes, unfortunately, it isn't until later in life when others have reached that age that they know what it feels like to be in that position. Just as the text stressed the fact that young people want intimacy, that does not subside with age. As social workers, you're right, it is our job to bring issues like this to light in order to be the voice for this group of aging individuals. The lack of education and knowledge on the topic too often allows for mistreatment such as this. It's interesting to think about the difference it would make if everyone was aware of this fact about intimacy and aging. Good post, you captured a main point that I too thought was really important to be aware of.
ReplyDeleteWhy sexuality became so faux pas is beyond me. If you look back in art history Greek and Roman art was very sexualized, and that was okay! Sexuality is not something anyone should be ashamed of. Yes, there are things that should be kept in the bedroom, but the simple fact that even as you age, you still are a sexual being isn't one of them. I agree with Melissa, it is interesting to think about the difference it would make it everyone was aware intimacy and aging. So many people are shocked, even us going into social work, that elderly are sexual. We make faces when we think about elderly in nursing homes wanting to stay active in that department. It is a fact of life and it can be a beautiful one if only we accept it.
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