My Journey to My Masters in Elder Care
Active Aging for the Hill Home
I envision the television version of retirement; sitting on the porch with my husband, planning our next trip, visiting with the grand kids, volunteering somewhere and being active in my church. I can only think of two things that would hinder me in this dream. Both boil down to a lack of proper planning by…
Read MoreDo you think “compassionate ageism” still exists today?
Compassionate ageism is a belief that older people are needy and deserve special policies to help them (Quizlet, 2013). In using this definition, all the sons and daughters caring for granny have compassionate ageism. All the in home workers and nonprofit organizations fighting for elder rights have compassionate ageism. I believe it exists more so…
Read MoreThe state and inequality in old age (shifting risks)
It seemed obvious to me that old age exacerbates inequities and the change in elder societal standing perpetuates that inequity. This results in the stagnating of policies on the books or the lack of relevant policies being presented. Further thinking and reading seems to be shifting my attitude. It has become evident to me that…
Read MoreSeptember is National Senior Center Month
Older women Older women face the same disparities as populations of color and for older women of color it is doubly so. In addition a woman’s situation in older years is also effected by marital status. The text lists those that are most at risk of poverty in old age are women who have never…
Read MoreGender Inequities in the Social Security System
African American and Latina women are more likely to rely on Social security for 58 to 90 percent of their retirement income than any other group. African Americans women also receive less money monthly than any other groups (Hooyman & Kiyak, The Resilience of Older Women, 2005). Other than the reality that women are often paid…
Read MoreAre We Handling Our Elders?
It seems the answer to this question is both enlightening and troubling. The main reasons for our ineffectual handling of social policies for older adults are: 1. American Values: Social programs were developed to aid deserving seniors who had paid into the system while working. As we devalue our Elders It becomes less important to ensure…
Read MoreDon’t Yell!!! I Can Hear You
Changes are a natural part of aging and do not necessarily mean a significant loss in Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) or Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs). During this course I have had to rethink my definition of aging. I like most people equated aging with being old, when in fact our text says…
Read MoreWhat is Good Health?
The World Health organization defines good health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being (Hooyman & Kiyak, 2005). By this definition I am not sure that I currently make the cut. What I do know is that aging should be filled with love, pleasant times and no stress. That being said, I…
Read MoreActive Aging Framework
The World Health Organization defines Active Aging as the process of optimizing opportunities for health, participation and security in order to enhance quality of life as people age (Michel, 2002). As from birth we are all in a constant state of aging, what does this definition truly mean? As children and as adults this process is…
Read MoreThis Is What My Mom Gave Me
My mother died at 79 from complications arising from MS. In her 79 years (born in 1929) she amassed volumes of knowledge. Things like how to survive an economic down turn (depression in her terminology), how to raise a child, how to get and use education to your benefit, the importance of family, and the…
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