The information obtained from the interviews suggests that Mr. Joseph is aging successfully. To a great extent, he meets the criteria for successful aging. First, he is satisfied with his past and expects his future to be good. He believes that each day is a gift and that one should enjoy life to the fullest. Secondly, he has a meaningful value system. For instance, he believes that honesty defines an individual. He hopes that his children and grandchildren will become honest people. Moreover, he is a religious man and he believes that it has helped a lot. Thirdly, he continues to maintain a meaningful social system. This is evidenced by his great sense of belonging. He lives with his grandchild. His children also take care of him. He also values the fact that his wife is still alive. Finally, he maintains a great sense of self-worth and dignity. He also has a positive self-concept. He believes that his health is good because he does not suffer from any chronic illness. He has a realistic perspective on his present and future health. He believes in seeking medical attention when necessary. However, he complains about the loss of financial independence. It appears that this does not bother him so much because his children and grandchildren are willing to help him. Parameters that can be used to evaluate successful aging include financial security, independence, absence of chronic illnesses, and ability to establish and maintain relationships with family members and friends. Mr. Joseph appears to have met the criteria to some extent.
Aging individuals may experience similar challenges regardless of where they live. Similarities between elders at home and those in hospital revolve around normal physiological changes. As we age, our cells, tissues, and organs get worn out. This leads to both structural and sensory changes. Sensory changes that all aging individuals experience include reduced visual and auditory acuity. Structural changes include loss of lean body mass and wrinkling of the skin. These changes can be found in both hospitalized and community-dwelling elders.
The notable differences between Mr. Joseph and hospitalized patients include a positive attitude towards life and unique adaptation characteristics. In the current case, the elder has a meaningful support system that helps him have a positive attitude towards life. It is common for elderly individuals to overly focus on death. Elderly individuals who live at home tend to have social, psychological, and financial satisfaction.
From the differences and the similarities between hospitalized and community-dwelling elders, it can be concluded that successful aging is largely influenced by their place of residence. That is, those at home tend to age more successfully than those who are hospitalized. However, some changes should be expected. Sensory and structural changes tend to occur regardless of the place of residence. However, coping and adaptation have a great impact on successful aging.
In the current scenario, it is evident that Joseph is proud of his life and the fact that he has raised his children well. For this reason, he is looking forward to seeing his great-grandchildren. This has increased his will to live longer. Therefore, it can be said that a community environment is better than a hospital environment. A community environment promotes the development of adaptive mechanisms. This is because there is a lot of supportive interaction in the community.
- Senses (vision, hearing, touch) decline in old age: – I agree with this because various research findings have shown that these senses decline in old age. Reduced acuity in these senses (hearing and vision) tends to cause a considerable amount of distress.
- Older adults tend to have more medical problems than the general population: – I agree with this because many health issues are frequently reported in old age.
I do not support the following myths:
- All elderly people are alike: – it is an established fact that all human beings are different (owing to their genetic makeup and the environment in which they live). This individuality is not lost in old age. All humans continue to be different from one other in old age
- Elderly people are incapable of making sound decisions: – the ability to think rationally is not affected by aging. In addition, learning and the application of knowledge are not limited by aging.
- Elderly people have no interest in sexual activities: – research has proven that aging does not affect sexual activity. It only happens when there is an underlying condition. For example, the loss of a partner and the presence of a medical condition have been linked to loss of sexual desire.
- Many elderly people are institutionalized: – less than 10 percent of adults live in nursing homes and other institutions. The majority of the older adults live at home either alone or with their relatives and children.
I have a more positive attitude towards aging. This is based on the fact that successful aging is influenced by how one copes/ adapts to changes that are experienced in old age. I believe that it is better to age at home where one can show and be shown affection.
Aging is enjoyable but lack of preparation and support can make it difficult.
Nursing plays an important role in the delivery of healthcare to an aged population. First, nurses should advocate for the continued involvement of older adults in family and community activities. The abilities of older adults should be assessed thoroughly. This is to ensure that they are not prevented from taking part in some activities. Involvement in day to day activities of the family and the community enhances the elders’ sense of purpose. They may feel worthless and dependent if they are not allowed to take part in community activities. Therefore, a nurse should assess older adults and advocate for their involvement in family and community activities.
Allowing independence and control during decision-making. In addition, they should be given the freedom to choose the kind of care they want to receive. Older adults should be accorded an opportunity to make their own decisions. Decisions that directly influence their health should not be made exclusively by others. This enhances their cooperation. Cooperation may lead to superior outcomes. Nurses should help older adults gain or maintain control over their care.
Another role that nurses have is advocating for community-based care of older adults. Older adults who age at home appear to age more successfully as compared to their institutionalized counterparts. An individual has a wider social support network both at home and in the community. Older adults tend to rate their success highly when they are surrounded by family members and friends.