Aspen University APMO8- Module 1-Ageing Bias
Context
APMO8- Module 1-Ageing Bias: Three-part APA Paper
Student Name
APM08
Aspen University
Community Health Nursing I
Month Date, Year
Three-part APA Paper
Aging is deemed as a time of diminishing physical and mental capabilities. Cognitive gaining is a phase in life where we have some people who are more successful than others. During this phase, some people may find deeper and new satisfaction in life. However, aging can come with severe mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, dementia, and at times psychosis which is realized more when a bigger number of the population ages (Costa, 2018). An initiative by Mental Health America (MHA) helps develop psychosocial interventions that enhance the quality of life and mental health as people age and it acts to maintain, sustain, and recover wellness.
Since aging is associated with many mental health issues, it is important to note that, while one is finding ways to cope with these conditions, recovery should be at the center of the treatment and objective. Having a positive attitude can cause a huge difference in aging. However, mental illnesses such as dementia should be identified and treated at an early stage. Unlike other mental health conditions, dementia is viewed differently as it cannot be reversed (Sixsmith et al, 2017). But some confusion eased, and a quality life restored by gleaning from the lessons of positive aging. Further, people with any type of dementia can benefit from such psychosocial interventions. This paper will discuss the psychosocial treatment for the aging as discussed by Mental health America and some of the aging biases that have been witnessed and finally create a community education plan that will adequately address aging biases
Part1. Consider events that have influenced current nursing practice
While knowledge can change, experiences are imprinted in our minds as imprinted memories that improve with each successive encounter. Experiences may have a significant impact on individual service delivery as well as their viewpoint on a variety of topics. This idea was born out of my interactions with patients who had a wide range of social, biological, and cultural features. They were from diverse cultural origins, had varying ages, and were of various genders and living situations. Working in such a diverse environment needs not just commitment, but also knowledge, sensitivity, competence, vigilance, respect, and a good attitude towards caring for the aged. During my interactions with those groups, different ideals were ingrained in me, and have shown and influenced my work since then, as well as helped me enhance my way of communication comfort. The effects have been felt on both the goods and negatives end of the spectrum.
To begin with, my social abilities, especially interpersonal connections, have much improved. By striking up a nice discussion with your patients, you may put them at ease and perhaps gain their trust. This rapport might lead to a lot of unanticipated outbursts and, as a result, the release of crucial information treatment planning. Comprehending the art coming together socially is a process that, when finished effectively, will have a beneficial impact on healthcare providers’ lives, particularly nurses. My patient’s fear of spending more time in my office than is necessary is always higher than their fear of their diseases. Second, my abilities and knowledge have vastly increased. Interacting with people of other ethnicities, for example, revealed that certain illnesses might be contracted. In addition, unlike illnesses, the various living conditions would attract. Geographical locations, food, and nutrition, as we as the capacity to buy medications and the body’s susceptibility to diseases, might all contribute to these findings. This is a field of study that I have continued to pursue to this point, with fresh discoveries being made and more potentially on the horizon. These revelations have increased my self–assurance and comfort level while interacting with patients. The field of medicine has never been more fascinating.
Further, working with big groups of people necessitates excellent preparation and execution abilities. At times, different departments may require the professional skills of a nurse. This necessitates the capacity to distribute periods appropriately without favouritism, omission, or bias. Furthermore, as a health care provider, having flexibility is an unquestionable asset. Frequently, one is called upon in an emergency or when their knowledge is crucial to a patient’s survival. Both the timetable and the operation requirements may be jeopardized in such a circumstance. I can attest to the fact that they are essential in healthcare delivery. Having learned how to engage with various groups of individuals, it was clear each one required a different amount of inquiry and therapy. A health care nurse should do a comprehensive examination of the patient to avoid misdiagnosis.
Finally, I realized that assessment is an essential component of a successful health system. Strengths and shortcomings are identified via assessment. Being conscious of oneself improves health care since it allows one to focus on what they can do best and maximize benefits with ease.
Part 2. What aging prejudices Observed and perpetrated.
According to estimates, the elderly account for half of all hospital admissions. Geriatric care is a highly important and necessary component of health care delivery. As people get older, their bodies become more vulnerable to both acute and chronic diseases. As a result, extreme caution is required to monitor declining health and improve the early identification of disease. Preventing illnesses, worsening of current disorders, and additional complications. The elderly may face prejudice, discrimination, stereotyping, and stigma as a result of their condition. They can be perpetrated by society as a whole, or they can be institutionalized.
An elderly lady once paid a visit to the health institution where I worked. In the labor room, we were quite busy working on an emergency, but luckily, the institution had a nurse intern on staff. She then moved on to help the elderly woman who appeared to be ill. The youthful nurse inquired about her name, but she seemed oblivious to the query. She was partially deaf to a degree. The lady was repeatedly asked to repeat whatever she was uttering. The young nurse became irritated and yelled at her to go. The nurse’s discriminatory attitude was uncalled for. Effective communication and comprehension are essential for the elderly. Time and space should be allocated to express themselves fully. Discrimination is highly visible in the workplace.
It wouldn’t surprise me if an experienced geriatric nurse was laid off reason being she couldn’t attend a night shift due to a fever only to be replaced with a new graduate who is inexperienced but more active. One tends to become too passive as they age despite one’s experience and knowledge. Because many institutions are motivated by productivity, which is proportionate to employee activity, most employers neglect experience and skill competency. Retaining the aged in any business is critical since it will help to guide the junior employees. Staff members provide their diverse set of skills, expertise, and experience. Furthermore, this disrespect for the elderly is accompanied by an organization’s disregard of their thoughts and opinions referring to them as aged.
In Africa, the elderly was treated with regard. It was a respectful society. The elderly was regarded as the stewards of the community culture. History, language, and customs all have a role. With the old, this is experiencing a quick substantial shift. Now they are despised and viewed as weak and unworthy people. Some civilizations go so far as to deprive the elderly of their right to vote. It is a grave violation of the constitution to deprive people of their freedom. The constitution specifies a minimum voter’s age but not their maximum.
When I informed an elderly man that needed to bathe, I had no idea that he was one of these folks need to be looked after. They generally live alone in hiding, also in their homes. As a result, they are unable to obtain attractive clothing or afford to bathe. They are generally inundated by hopeless thoughts. Being sympathetic, kind, providing privacy and patient are some of the values that geriatrics care providers should possess for good outcomes. It’s sad that, despite getting regular visits from the elderly, certain health facilities have seen no need to hire qualified employees in the sector. As a result, introducing specialization for the coaching of professionals who will care for the vulnerable population is crucial and urgent. Educating the broader public and then the aged on the need for equitable treatment of the elderly will result in the long-awaited cooperation well-being of the demographic vulnerability.
Part 3: Develop an aging prejudice education strategy for the community.
Minimal social assistance: It is available by Mr. Decker’s ageing wife, who still remains with him, his daughter, who vThe prevalence of prejudice against the elderly is disturbing and has to be addressed. The greatest method is to educate the community about the process of aging and to let them know that they, too, will eventually die (Sixsmith et al, 2017). It’ll just be a matter of time. To improve understanding, various age groups should be addressed differently. The emphasis, however, should be on little ones.isits them periodically, and his nephew and his nephew’s wife, who occasionally help out. His capacity to follow the care instructions provided by the caregivers has been greatly impacted by his poor social support. Numerous research offer proof of the influence of social support on health outcomes. According to the individuals surveyed in a study by Seelbach & Brannan (2022) enhanced social welfare was linked to practical and affective gains in health.
An example of a community education strategy.
Children | Middle-aged | Well aged |
1.The aging process is an unavoidable aspect of human growth | 1. Needs of the elderly and how to prepare for this unavoidable stage of life | 1. Personal cleanliness and medicine administration aspects of personal care |
2. Aging-related issues, including aging myths and prejudices | 2. Self-concept-the ability to motivate oneself to grow into a mature and constructive member of society | 2. Life experiences- enhances their image because it is their identity |
3.The contributions of older persons as individuals | ||
4. The parallels and contrasts in the relationship between young and old |
Conclusion
In conclusion, there is so much hope for aging people as psychosocial interventions such as support groups, caregiver education community programs and art interventions have been demonstrated to enhance the quality of life. Therefore, there is a need to have a sense of purpose and community network to reveal the purpose necessary for brain health, which is a crucial component of aging properly. However, it is important to understand that positive aging begins with staying positive, getting enough sleep, connecting with other people, getting physically active, taking care of one spirit, and eating healthy. Further, it is important to note that aging well is everyone’s agenda and thus the need to involve everyone in creating policies that focus on the quality of life as well as person-centred goals.
References
Costa, L., Veloso, A, Loizou, M., Arnab, S. (2018). Games for active ageing, well-being, and quality of life: a pilot study. Behaviour & Information Technology, Article 37(8), 842-854. https://doi.org/10.1080/0144929X.2018.1485744
Sixsmith, J., Fang, M, Woolrych, R., Canham, S, Battersby, L., Sixsmith, A. (2017). Ageing well in the right place: partnership working with older people. Working with Older People. https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/WWOP-01-2017-0001/full/html?casa_token=Gs3CrNEZxDsAAAAA:e4Jnkt302p_3hkdN2No7aOERS_W3izFAtvtsjkVO32zdLbSc8J5c2ejwxvDMCBcJu8poA_me07Tq7G3OkRJPc8jO3rHhAc5kLnlOb9oJKtbOYcjQF20AKw