Identify the psychosocial problems associated with the older adult.
Identification should include
- emotional problems
- loss of social support
- changing lifestyle
- loss of relationships
- limited finances
- loss of independence
- failing health
- diminished coping mechanisms
- social responses
- retirement
- failing health
- spiritual and cultural responses.
Process/Skill Questions:
- How do the major adjustment periods of aging, such as retirement, the death of a spouse, major illness, depression, and nursing home/assisted living placement, manifest themselves?
- How can aging affect an individual’s social needs?
- What type of psychosocial problems might arise as a result of a lack of independence?
- What are signs of altered coping mechanisms in the older adult?
- What affect do psychosocial problems have on the health of the older adult?