PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF AGING
What does it mean to age “successfully”? Though the concept of success is relative, theories of successful aging explain factors that support individuals as they grow old. Factors such as maintaining physical and mental activity and disengaging from community obligations contribute to older adults’ ability to function. As a social worker, you must understand these supportive factors in order to address the needs of older clients and their families.
As you will see in this week’s media, situations involving Alzheimer’s or dementia, interpersonal conflict, and grief can complicate the process of successful aging. For this Discussion, you review one of two case studies involving an older woman and apply a theory of successful aging to the case.
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
TO PREPARE:
Review the Zastrow et al. chapter on psychological aspects of later adulthood, focusing on key life events and on theories of successful aging.
Access the Social Work Case Studies media and explore the cases of Sara and of Francine.
Select a theory of successful aging to apply to either Sara’s or Francine’s case.
Post a Discussion in which you:
Identify whether you have chosen to analyze Sara’s or Francine’s case for the Discussion.
Explain key life events that have influenced Sara’s or Francine’s psychological functioning. Be sure to substantiate what makes them key in your perspective.
Explain how you as a social worker might apply a theory of successful aging to Sara’s or Francine’s case. Be sure to provide support for your strategy
LEARNING RESOURCES
Required Readings
Zastrow, C. H., Kirst-Ashman, K. K., & Hessenauer, S. L. (2019). Understanding human behavior and the social environment (11th ed.). Cengage Learning.
Chapter 15, “Psychological Aspects of Later Adulthood” (pp. 672–702)
Newell, J. M. (2019). An ecological systems framework for professional resilience in social work practice.Links to an external site. Social Work, 65(1), 65–73. https://doi.org/10.1093/sw/swz044
Teater, B., & Chonody, J. M. (2020). How do older adults define successful aging? A scoping review.Links to an external site. International Journal of Aging and Human Development, 91(4), 599–625. https://doi.org/10.1177/0091415019871207
Yousuf-Abramson, S. (2020). Worden’s tasks of mourning through a social work lens.Links to an external site. Journal of Social Work Practice, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1080/02650533.2020.1843146
Required Media
Walden University, LLC. (2021). Social work case studiesLinks to an external site. [Interactive media]. Walden University Canvas. https://waldenu.instructure.com/
Navigate to Sara and to Francine.
Walden University, LLC. (2021). Models of grievingLinks to an external site. [Interactive media]. Walden University Canvas. https://waldenu.instructure.com/
Find atached Sara and Francine cases
