Problem:
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.
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. Need Assignment Help?
Access the Social Work Case Studies media and explore the of Francine.
Select a theory of successful aging to apply to Francine's case.
Post a Discussion in which you:
Explain key life events that have influenced Francine's psychological functioning. Use the paragraph below to substantiate what makes them key in your perspective.
rancine has lived alone for the past year, after her partner, Joan, died of cancer. Joan and Francine had been together for 30 years, and while Francine personally identifies as a lesbian, she never came out to her family or to her colleagues. When speaking to all but her closest confidantes, Francine referred to Joan as her "best friend" or her "roommate." Francine's bereavement was therefore complicated because she did not feel she could discuss the true nature of her partnership with Joan. She felt that there was little recognition from her family, and even some of her close associates, of the impact and meaning of Joan's death to Francine. There is a history of alcohol use disorder in Francine's family, and Francine used alcohol from late adolescence into her mid-30s. However, Francine has been in recovery for several decades. Francine has no known sexual abuse history and no criminal history.
Explain how you as a social worker might apply a theory of successful aging to Francine's case. Be sure to provide support for your strategy.
Make sure to provide APA citations and a reference list.