The transition from middle to late adulthood is characterized by a growing number of life changes. Many parents become “empty nesters” as their children, now adults themselves, move out and start their own lives. Retirement might be greeted begrudgingly or with open arms. Inevitable declines in health, physical ability, and cognitive function become more apparent. Much like earlier life events, one’s reaction to these changes will depend on a multitude of factors; however, what is unique to this age range is that many of these changes will be steeped in loss. This can include the loss of a spouse, a long-time friend, a passionate career, a pleasurable lifestyle, a trade, or a hobby.
As a counselor, how might you engage older adults to thrive during this phase of their lives?
For this Discussion, review the media, “Late Adulthood.” Focus your final efforts on the older adult in your assigned family. Before crafting your post, also consider the points raised in the media, “Perspectives: The Golden Years.”
Note: Identify the last name of your assigned client family in the title of your post.
Post by Day 3 a description of two developmental factors that impact late adulthood. Explain how these factors might impact emotional and psychological well-being. Then, describe a protective factor that could optimize the older adult’s health and resilience. Justify your response with references to this week’s Learning Resources and the current literature. Be specific.
Readings
· Broderick, P. C., & Blewitt, P. (2015). The life span: Human development for helping professionals (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.
o Chapter 15, “Gains and Losses in Late Adulthood” (pp. 556-596)
· Bielak, A. A. M., Anstey, K. J., Christensen, H., & Windsor, T. D. (2012). Activity engagement is related to level, but not change in cognitive ability across adulthood. Psychology and Aging, 27(1), 219–228.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
· Bowling, A, (2007). Aspirations for older age in the 21st century: What is successful aging? The International Journal of Aging & Human Development, 64(3), 263–297.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
· Davis, C. S. (2008). A funeral liturgy: Death rituals as symbolic communication. Journal of Loss and Trauma, 13(5), 406–421.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
· Hemmingson, M. (2009). Anthropology of the memorial: Observations and reflections on American cultural rituals associated with death. Forum: Qualitative Social Research, 10(3), 1–13.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
· Lowis, M. J., Edwards, A. C., & Burton, M. (2009). Coping with retirement: Wellbeing, health, and religion. Journal of Psychology, 143(4), 427–448.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
· Ong, A. D., Bergeman, C. S., & Boker, S. M. (2009). Resilience comes of age: Defining features in later adulthood. Journal of Personality, 77(6), 1777–1804.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
· Schoulte, J. C. (2011). Bereavement among African Americans and Latino/a Americans. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 33(1), 11–20.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
· Wang, M., Henkens, K., & van Solinge, H. (2011). Retirement adjustment: A review of theoretical and empirical advancements. The American Psychologist, 66(3), 204–213.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
· Kaplan, D. (2008). End of life care for terminally ill clients. Retrieved from http://ct.counseling.org/2008/06/ct-online-ethics-update-3/
· Kennedy, A. (2008). Working through grief. Retrieved from http://ct.counseling.org/2008/01/working-through-grief/
· National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine. (2013). End of life issues. Retrieved from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/endoflifeissues.html
· Rudow, H. (2012). The bereaved at greater risk of heart attack after loss. Retrieved from http://ct.counseling.org/2012/01/the-bereaved-at-greater-risk-of-heart-attack-after-loss/