E l d e r C a r e

Elder Care Examine current beliefs on aging Explore the changing demographics of elders and families in the 20 th Century Describe the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Identify the differences between a healthy brain and a brain with Alzheimer’s disease Investigate methods families who are dealing with Alzheimer’s Disease can use to cope with and plan for the future Participate in a coping with aging activity

Old Age Quiz True or False 1.Elderly people are too old to hold responsible jobs. 2.Elderly people are cute and adorable. 3.Elderly people are senile. 4.Elderly people are boring. 5.Elderly people are in good or excellent health. 6.Elderly people are ugly. 7.Elderly people can think clearly. 8.Elderly people can learn new things. 9.Elderly people enjoy sex. 10.Elderly people are a burden. 11.Elderly people spend a lot of time doing very little. 12.Elderly people are in nursing homes.

Answers: 1.Elderly people are too old to hold responsible jobs. False – They may not be as efficient where physical labor, speed or concentration are critical but most older workers perform as well as younger workers. 2.Elderly people are cute and adorable. False – Society often perceives older adults as children and treat them that way. 3.Elderly people are senile False - It is normal for short-term memory to decrease over time and for information to be processed less efficiently than when they were young. By age 80, only 6% of the elderly population is senile. 4.. False – Old people have a wealth of experience and life stories that most are willing to share

Answers: 4.Elderly people are boring. False – Old people have a wealth of experience and life stories that most are willing to share.

5.Elderly people are in good or excellent health. False – Most aged people consider their health to be good or excellent most of the time. Answers:

6.Elderly people are ugly. False – Our society is very youth-oriented, but that does not mean that only young people can be beautiful. Old age is a different kind of beauty, one enhanced by character and wisdom. 7.Elderly people can think clearly. True – Older adults have a harder time picking up information because their eyesight and hearing often decline. The key to thinking clearly is being an active learner all your life, getting a good education and being in good health. Answers:

8.Elderly people can learn new things. True – The older generation is more interested in the arts, in children, are more creative, philosophical and spiritual than those younger. Many take classes or do volunteer work. 9.Elderly people enjoy sex. True – Older people do enjoy physical intimacy. Sexuality can be lifelong. 10.Elderly people are a burden. False – Most older people live in their own homes and strive to be just as independent as possible. Answers:

11.Elderly people spend a lot of time doing very little False – Most older people keep as busy as they would like to be pursuing household chores, hobbies, volunteer work and social networks. 12.Elderly people are in nursing homes. False – What percent do you think are in nursing homes? 1.The actual number is 5%. Answers:

Aspects of Aging Emotional Aspects They may experience some identity problems in re-defining their roles as they age. They may experience some identity problems in re-defining their roles as they age. Physical Aspects The human body matures at about the age of 25. At this point, the body begins to deteriorate. The organs become less efficient and sensory problems occur. The human body matures at about the age of 25. At this point, the body begins to deteriorate. The organs become less efficient and sensory problems occur. Financial Aspects Finances are their greatest worry. Finances are their greatest worry. Social Security, Medicare and Pension Plans are not adequate. Social Security, Medicare and Pension Plans are not adequate.