Blog 6 Chapter 12
This learner found that this chapter was hard to
accept and take in because of the fear and anxiety elderly people endure. This
chapter discusses elderly suicide, fear of being attacked, and being victim of
fraud. The most compelling detail in this chapter is the statistics on suicide
in the elderly population (Hillier
& Barrow, 2011). According to Hillier and Barrow, “suicide is the ultimate reaction to
hopelessness-the acting out of belief that there is no promise to the future
and no reason to live in it” (Hillier & Barrow, 2011). This is believed to
be linked to depression (Hillier & Barrow, 2011).
Elderly
suicide is 50% higher than the general population and considered to be
understudied (Hillier &
Barrow, 2011). Gender and race make a difference in elderly suicide (Hillier
& Barrow, 2011). Older white men are at risk for suicide (Hillier &
Barrow, 2011). According to Hillier and Barrow, white and black women combined
were about half of that of white men over 85 years of age (Hillier &
Barrow, 2011). It was very interesting to read that in some countries suicide
peaks in middle age in for men (Hillier & Barrow, 2011).
Causes for suicide
in the text are doctors relaying that people live longer but not necessarily
living better, when children leave the home, or spouse passes (Hillier &
Barrow, 2011). One of the most common, pain and suffering the elderly population
experience (Hillier & Barrow, 2011). These days, paying for medicine is
expensive. According to Hillier and Barrow, 75 percent of elders visited the
doctor right before committing suicide (Hillier & Barrow, 2011). All of
these facts are hard to believe that the elderly population are going through
these emotions and tragedies.
Hillier, S. &
Barrow, G. (2011). Aging, the individual, and society. 3-28. 9th ed.
California: WADSWORTH
This was an extremely difficult chapter to get through. The elder population is so vulnerable to many problems such as suicide, crimes, fraud and abuse. The high rate of suicide among this population is devastating. To think of a person who has lived for such a long time and then decides to take their own life due to experiencing feelings of hopelessness or loneliness is too sad. The statistics indicate men are at a higher risk of committing suicide. For this learner, this means there is a greater chance of my spouse taking this course of action as we reach this age group. This is a scary thought and not something I would ever want to have to deal with. People should be able to enjoy old age and retirement and not have to worry about having financial hardships such as having the means to pay for medical treatment, medications or daily living expenses, which may drive them to thinking suicide is the only answer.
ReplyDeleteAshley,
ReplyDeleteIt is disheartening to think how many elderly people consider suicide as an alternative to living. It is understandable though. With all they have going against them: abuse, fraud, homelessness, loneliness, being scammed out of their hard earned savings, robbery, having no family or family that do not care about them, it is no wonder they have these thoughts. If people continue to see the elderly the same as they see themselves (as people), then maybe they will start to treat them better and take better care of them.
Some of the chapter was hard to read because it is hard to think of the elderly being in such pain and committing suicide or being taken advantage because of their perceived vulnerability. The statement “suicide is the ultimate reaction to hopelessness-the acting out of belief that there is no promise to the future and no reason to live in it” may seem harsh but it is correct. Women seem more likely to seek help for their health or mental health issues and our text book reinforces that. Men seem to let their embarrassment of needed help and their pride interfere with their ability to seek help from professionals. But it is important to put these issues aside so they can get the professional help they need to improve their lives. And seeking help does not only help themselves but also those around them. If their health and attitudes improve then that can also affect those around them.
ReplyDeleteThis is a sad chapter, but it is very true. The elderly are the more vulnerable generation and it sad to see that they are being taken advantage from by others. The reason that you listed above as reasons that they commit suicide is very heart breaking but is true. Elders feel alone and worthless, almost like a burden on society. Many, families do not visit anymore, loved ones have passed on, and they feel worthless, so they turn to suicide. This breaks my heart because they should be enjoying the end of their life, not dreading what is to come, but sadly this is the case for many. This chapter made me want to go visit my grandparents right away!
ReplyDelete