One of my biggest fears about aging is developing dementia. This condition could affect me in every area of life. Physically, I might struggle with daily tasks. Emotionally, I could feel frustrated and disconnected. Socially, my relationships could suffer if I forget loved ones. Financially, long-term care would create a heavy burden. My first feelings about this possibility are fear and sadness because it threatens both independence and identity (Alzheimer’s Disease International, 2021).
If I did develop dementia, it would change my ideal vision of later life. I imagine being active, traveling, and enjoying family, but dementia could limit those plans. I might still be surrounded by loved ones, but how I experience those connections would be very different.
Looking at the CARA model, general resistance resources (GRRs) like family support, community programs, and access to healthcare would be key in helping me stay resilient. Resilience in this case would mean finding ways to maintain dignity and moments of joy even as challenges grow (Alzheimer’s Disease International, 2021).
Research also adds more perspective. According to Alzheimer’s Disease International (2021), dementia is one of the most significant health concerns worldwide, and it not only impacts individuals but also places stress on families and care systems. This shows me how important it is to plan for support systems early in life and focus on maintaining health where possible.
Reference:
Alzheimer’s Disease International. (2021). World Alzheimer Report 2021: Journey through the diagnosis of dementia. Alzheimer’s Disease International. https://www.alzint.org/resource/world-alzheimer-report-2021/
Hi Karley. Thank you for sharing your perspective. I think dementia would affect every part of life, and I believe the fear of it is understandable. I can connect to what you said about your independence and identity being threatened, because those are so important and a part of who we are.
Focusing on family support and healthcare is a realistic way of thinking about resilience. I agree that resilience is an important trait to adapt to the transition into older age. It would mean facing difficult situations head-on and finding ways to experience joy and maintain dignity even as challenges arise.
Your point about planning ahead stood out to me as well. Dementia doesn’t just affect the person; it impacts loved ones as well. Preparing early can help support them before these changes occur and provide them with peace of mind.
Hey Karley! Great post. I completely understand your fear towards dementia. Its something that creeps in an older adults life at any given time. From my understanding that’s just something that comes with age and it not genetically passed down so no way in knowing if you’ll get it. I think it’s great to focus on family and friends for support physical and emotion help. Thank you for sharing!
Karley,
I would have liked to hear much more related to the queestions in the post assignment. I appreciate that you utilized the report from the Alzhiemer’s Disease International and it has a great deal of data about the realities of Alzheimer’s disease. It is an extremely complete report and I am sure says a great deal more than the points you made. It might have been better to select an article, where youc ould focus more specifically on issues related to your personal fear of dementia and how the information could inform your choices as you age.
Your didn’t discuss GRRs at all and that would have also been helpful to you in thinking about this disease and your own aging.
Dr P