Purpose, Resilience and Successful Aging
What is resilience?
The ability to adapt, recover and stay positive during challenges/life changes
What is the average age of retirement in Canada?
65
What is cognitive decline?
A decrease in memory and thinking abilities.
What is “despair” in Erikson’s final stage?
Feeling regret or dissatisfaction about life.
Name two of the theories listed on slide four.
Psychosocial Theory, Activity Theory, Disengagement Theory
What does “successful aging” mean?
Aging in a healthy and active way while maintaining personal well-being
True or false, on average men retire earlier than women.
False
True or False: Disengagement Theory argues that withdrawing from social roles is a natural part of aging.
True
True or False: Disengagement Theory argues that withdrawing from social roles is a natural part of aging.
True
What was our group’s topic?
Psychological Adjustment to Aging
Why are social connections important for psychological adjustment to aging?
They reduce loneliness, provide support and improve mental health
In terms of a percentage, how many retirees never adjust to retirement?
Approximately 30% of seniors never adjust to retirement, leading to use of antidepressants and a further sense of loss.
About what percentage of adults over 65 experience some form of depression?
Around 15–20%
Approximately what percentage of seniors report feeling lonely?
25%
In percent form, who much of Canada’s population consists of pople aged 65 and older?
20%
How can having a sense of purpose help older adults during retirement?
Helps them feel motivated, fulfilled and mentally healthy
Why do some retirees feel they lack a sense of identity?
Without a career to be constantly involved in, retirees may feel that they lost a key part of themselves and not know how to fill the void.
Why might people with strong work identities struggle more with retirement?
Because they may lose a major source of purpose, routine, and self-worth
Which theory believes staying involved leads to greater happiness in old age?
Activity Theory
Who developed Activity Theory?
Robert Havighurst
What activities can help retirees maintain good mental health and well-being?
Volunteering, exercising, hobbies and spending time with family and friends.
List three potential ways retirees may counteract identity loss.
Developing connection (clubs, activities), exploring hobbies and allowing oneself the freedom to explore potential interests.
How can retirement increase the risk of depression in later adulthood?
It can reduce social interaction, structure, and feelings of usefulness.
Give two examples of disengagement in later adulthood.
Retiring from work and reducing social involvement.
Summarize any theory discussed in this presentation.
(Integrity vs. Despair) Helps describe why people experience certain emotions upon retirement. Voluntary retirees exhibit ego integrity, while forced retirees exhibit feelings of uncertainty and despair.
(Activity Theory) Physical or mental activity can help to promote a sense of self and reassurance in retirees, especially if they had that routine striped by force.
(Disengagement Theory) Retirees would benefit from having their horizons narrowed, and a mutual withdrawl from both the individual and society is necessary for healthy aging.