Mental Health
TRUE or FALSE: Accurate diagnosis and treatments can often be made for older adults.
FALSE. Diagnoses and treatments are often inaccurate because older adults experience mental health disorders differently than younger people which results in inadequate training involving elders.
What is bereavement?
Bereavement is the grieving process and range of emotions someone experiences after a loss.
Which of the following is NOT a common physical problem associated with aging?
a) hearing loss
b) stroke
c) paralysis
d) diabetes
c) paralysis
How many main stages of death are there?
5!
What are 3 symptoms of elderly depression?
Sadness/despair/hopelessness, lost interest in social activities/hobbies, weight loss/lost appetite, thoughts of death, memory problems, neglecting personal care, sleep disturbances, lack of motivation/energy, etc.
What are two of the most common mental health illnesses in the elderly?
Depression and Dementia
How many stages are there to the grief and bereavement process?
There are 5 to 6 total stages depending on how severe the loss and grief is to someone.
TRUE or FALSE: The molecular and cellular damage involved with the process of aging leads to a gradual decrease in physical capacity of older people.
TRUE. This decrease contributes to a growing risk of disease and ultimately death.
In what stage does the person experience their final days/hours of life?
a) Disposition of Remains
b) Active Dying Stage
c) Moment of Death
d) Pre-active Dying Stage
b) Active Dying Stage
*In this stage, a person often has a loss in appetite and thirst, changes in breathing, confusion, and a withdrawal from surroundings.
TRUE or FALSE: The only two changes that are affected by aging are physical and mental changes.
FALSE. The body and mind may include physical, mental, cognitive, and behavioral changes as a person grows older.
What is dementia?
Dementia is a syndrome in which there is a deterioration in memory, thinking, behavior, and the ability to perform everyday activities.
What is one way we can support someone in grief?
a) financial aid
b) continuously spending time together
c) only be present in the initial period of loss
d) practical assistance with tasks
d) practical assistance with tasks
*This can be meal preparation, childcare, funeral arrangements, etc to alleviate stress for the grieving.
What are 3 normal physical body changes in the aging?
Skin, bones/joints, urinary tract, heart/lungs, eyesight, hearing, body comfort, etc.
This stage can involve ongoing rituals, traditions, memorials, etc to keep the memory of the deceased alive.
Which of these is NOT commonly recommended for healthy aging?
a) maintaining a healthy diet
b) building up immunity against cancers
c) keeping physically active
d) reducing stress
b) building up immunity against cancers
What are 3 symptoms of dementia in the elderly, NOT including memory loss?
While memory loss is the most common symptom of dementia, there are many others such as:
Sleepiness, hallucinations, disorientation of time/place, misplacing belongings, changes in personality and behavior, problems with abstract thinking, etc.
What is the final stage to the bereavement process?
This can be either Acceptance and Adjustment or Complicated Grief depending on the individual.
*Complicated Grief follows Acceptance/Adjustment if the process is prolonged and begins interfering with daily life.
The extent of opportunities as someone gets older depends heavily on a person's ______.
a) health
B) intelligence
c) creativity
a) health
*Opportunities throughout life such as further education, pursuing a passion, a new career, etc can all be obtained as long as the person is physically and mentally healthy.
How would you describe the Pre-active Dying Stage?
The Pre-active Dying Stage refers to the period that involves
What is the name of the period in the bereavement process in which a person may experience positive psychological changes after a loss?
Post-Traumatic Growth
(not all stages are bad!)