Introduction
One thing I would like to share about myself is that I really enjoy connecting with people and learning from their experiences. Most of my experience with older adults has been through my grandparents and other family members. Being around them has taught me a lot about the challenges and rewards that come with aging. I have not worked with older adults in a professional setting yet, but I am looking forward to gaining more knowledge in this class. My goal is to better understand the aging process and how to support people as they move through later stages of life.
The Meaning of Aging
When I think about the term “older adulthood,” I see it as a stage of life where people have the chance to reflect on their experiences and hopefully enjoy the things they worked hard for. At the same time, I recognize it can bring changes in health and the need for extra support. For myself, I would probably consider being an older adult around the age of 65. I imagine I will look different with gray hair and move a little slower, but I hope to still be active and healthy enough to spend time traveling, enjoying family, and doing hobbies that bring me joy. What I really hope for is to stay connected to the people I care about and continue to feel a sense of purpose.
One concern I have about aging is the possibility of dementia. I have seen how memory loss impacts both the individual and their family, and it is difficult to imagine losing independence or forgetting loved ones. That thought is especially concerning because it affects not only daily living but also identity and relationships.
Hi Karley,
Thank you for sharing such a thoughtful reflection. I really resonated with your perspective on aging as both a time for reflection and a period that may require additional support. Like you, most of my experience with older adults has come through family, and I’ve found those relationships to be incredibly meaningful and insightful. Your concern about dementia is valid and deeply human, it’s something I’ve also thought a lot about, especially in terms of how it affects identity and connection. I appreciate your openness and the compassion that comes through in your writing. Thank again, and I look forward to reading your future blogs in this class!
Karley,
Thank you for sharing your experiences and thoughts. We all appreciate it. You have a unique perspective because you have been able to be around grandparents and older adults in your family. Not everyone has the opportunity these days.
I think you will enjoy Aronson as she discusses some of the issue related to the medical response to aging. And Cruikshank challenges some of the assumptions we have always made about how we are supposed to age.
Your fear of dementia is shared by most of your classmates, as well as most people in our society. We will be discussing that in our first podcast with Jim Fox. While it is difficult in some ways, I think you will gain some additional knowledge about how to handle that reality.
I look forward to many more conversations.
Dr P