PSYCHOLOGY OF AGINGUNIT 8: CHAPTER 13HEALTHY AND HELPFUL ENVIRONMENTS

Robin Cooper, LCSW

Foos, P.W., & Clark, M.C. (2008). Human aging. Boston, MA: Pearson Higher Education.

GETTING STARTED

Welcome Microphone check Technical difficulties: 1-866-522-7747 No seminar in Unit 10 End of term surveys Tonight: Unit 9 Project, Review of chapter

content (healthy/helpful environments) with open discussion and field trips

ECOLOGICAL THEORY OF AGING

Ecological theory of aging The ability to complete a task is a result of the

congruence between what the environment demands of us and the capabilities of the person attempting the task, thus person-environment congruence.

The fit between the person and their environment is paramount.

Can you think of some examples of a poor fit between the person and their environment?

Are people with lower competencies more or less vulnerable to environmental demands?

TYPES OF PERSON-ENVIRONMENT CONGRUENCE

Levels of fit Social congruence Physical congruence Psychological congruence

Social Congruence Fitting in with other people Many older adults choose to live near friends and

family

TYPES OF PERSON-ENVIRONMENT CONGRUENCE

Physical Congruence Being able to move around or work in a given space Can you think of some examples of things that might

improve physical congruence for older adults? Psychological Congruence

Feelings about a place and your identity in that space Oftentimes, the longer you live in a space, the more

attached you become What are some examples of psychological congruence

for you? Examples of levels of fit in the aging population? Examples of overlap between the levels of fit?

HOUSING OPTIONS

Housing options for the elderlySingle-family homesLiving with a relative or friendSenior apartments Retirement communitiesAssisted living facilitiesContinuing care retirement communitiesNursing homes

HEALTHY/HELPFUL ENVIRONMENTS

Aging in place Only 5% of people choose to move from their

homes after retirement Most older persons hope to remain in their own

homes as long as possible, preferably until death What are the biggest benefits of this?

Activities of daily living and instrumental ADLs

Variations of remaining at home by race and gender

HOME CARE

Programs and services provided in the home Information and referral Companionship services Help around the house Home modification Transportation Nutritional assistance Geriatric case management In-home health aides, nurses, and therapist Hospice care Adult daycare Respite programs

HEALTHY/HELPFUL ENVIRONMENTS

Financing long-term carePrivate insuranceMedicareMedicaid

What are some of the implications and controversies surrounding each of these financing options?

QUALITY OF LIFE IN INSTITUTIONS

Must consider the abilities, needs, and desires (choices) of residents in their design and provision of service.

Should encourage independent behaviors

Must work to maintain respect and communication between workers and residents

PROGRESSIVE DESIGNS

Human factors approach and ergonomic design

Gerontechnology Architectural design for elders The Eden Alternative

Field trip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKRMd-r2dN8

Your thoughts? The Green House Design

Field trip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eajQ5CzyOec&feature=related

Your thoughts?

CLOSING

Tonight: Review of chapter content (healthy/helpful environments) with open discussion and field trips

Any questions? Next week: Unit 9

Topic: Optimization of Aging, Professional Interventions

Reading: Chapter 15