8.7 Key Takeaways and Discussion Questions
As discussed in the beginning of the chapter, these changes in the population demographics will have an impact on the field of human services. Looking at aging from a professional perspective can be difficult, considering we are all subject to the aging process, and have our own personal views. Understanding some of the issues related to an aging population, such as a lack of caregivers and aging, as well as common resources, can help us approach our work with a clearer lens.
Included in this section are tools for the reader to refresh and retain the knowledge. A Key Takeaway serves one of three purposes:
- highlighting an especially complex aspect of the chapter;
- summarizing an overarching idea; or
- emphasizing an idea that invites the reader to think about it more deeply, to connect to life experiences, and/or additional learnings.
Discussion Questions are recommended for individual reflection or class discussion.
8.7.1 Key Takeaways
- Demographic changes across the globe, including lower birth rates and longer life expectancies, has resulted in a rapidly aging population
- Understanding theories around the aging process can help us work more effectively with older adults. This can also help us address our own biases and fears around the aging process.
- Ageism is an important factor to understand as a human services professional. Ageism can negatively impact the health and well-being of older adults, and can impact our own attitudes and behaviors when working with this population.
8.7.2 Discussion Questions
Due to the changing demographics in the world, no matter what area of human services you decide to pursue, it is likely you will be interacting with older adults. One of the biggest issues professionals face is confronting their own ageism. This is a list of activities that can help you challenge your own beliefs, and bring the pervasive ageism of our culture to the forefront.
- Go to the greeting card section of a local store. Look for examples of stereotypes of older adults. You will likely find many negative examples (being frail, being incontinent, being deaf) but you may also find some examples of compassionate ageism. Bring a few examples to class and talk about them with classmates.
- Go to the health and beauty section of a local drug store. Try to figure out the percentage of products that do NOT claim to have some sort of anti-aging effect. What do these messages convey? Why do we need to prevent (or cover up) wrinkles, age spots, or gray hair?
- What are some of your own biases about getting older? How might this impact your work as a human services professional? You may want to consider your own thoughts about gray hair, looking “old”, sexuality in later life, and what you consider appropriate behavior for older adults.
8.7.3 Licenses and Attributions for Key Takeaways and Discussion Questions
8.7.3.1 Open Content, Original
“Conclusion” by Yvonne M. Smith LCSW is licensed under CC BY 4.0.