Mary is my 86-year-old grandmother residing in Seal Beach, California. Despite her age, she remains a remarkably intelligent and resilient woman, having led a fulfilled life thus far. Later adulthood, the most extended phase of human lifespan, commences at the age of 65.
In the case of my grandmother, she falls into the old-old age category, which begins at seventy-five years old. The interview primarily addressed three specific aspects: physical development, social development, and biological development. Each aspect relates to different stages of a person’s life, but these aspects can undergo significant changes over time. Notably, physical development is the first aspect that exhibits noticeable changes.
The physical change encompasses the alteration in appearance, strength, and endurance. Physical development also comprises the daily activities a person engages in. My grandmother resides in a retirement home named Leisure World, which is a community designated for individuals aged fifty-five and above. She independently covers her housing expenses and has the freedom to pursue her desired activities without adhering to a fixed schedule.
According to M. Flaherty, nursing homes are not a desirable place to be due to alleged abuse and neglect by staff members (personal communication, September 28, 2013). As she enjoys extensive independence, she has ample leisure time to engage in activities of her choice. This includes going out with friends and participating in social events like theater outings or gatherings.
She has a passion for reading numerous books and occasionally watching TV. She is interested in experimenting with technology, such as her computer and iPad, which she is still familiarizing herself with. Mary Flaherty doesn’t feel the need to work anymore, but she does miss the financial benefits it provided. The social security checks she receives are barely sufficient to cover her living expenses.
Despite the wealth of wisdom and experience possessed by older individuals, society often overlooks and undervalues them. Retired individuals who have dedicated many years to work receive social security from the government, but it is often inadequate compared to their countless hours of contribution. However, this person maintains a positive mindset and accepts the unavoidable physical changes that come with age as part of aging. Additionally, managing her health has been an easy task for Ms.
Flaherty’s lack of concern for her body stems from the absence of any significant changes. She regularly consumes pills and a plethora of vitamins, emphasizing that death is an unavoidable reality that affects everyone equally. Consequently, she opts to seize every opportunity and maintain an optimistic outlook.
The next type of development is social development, which pertains to a person’s interactions with others in their environment. Ms. Flaherty has chosen not to drive anymore due to her belief that individuals aged eighty and above should prioritize the safety of others. Therefore, she now relies on the retirement home bus.
Flaherty resides in a location where she has easy access to various destinations within a few miles. This includes the grocery store, book store, and shopping centers. Additionally, her family is always ready to provide her with transportation whenever necessary. Despite having these convenient options, Flaherty doesn’t go out as frequently as she used to in her youth. Fortunately, Ms. Flaherty still has the opportunity to explore the world outside her home.
Flaherty’s retirement home offers a wide range of free social activities for her to participate in. These include attending a weekly theater performance, taking dance lessons, attending community meetings, and joining creative classes that teach sewing and knitting. While there are many activities that she used to enjoy when she was younger, such as dating, she believes that individuals at her age are too old for that. Ms. Flaherty looks forward to these activities every year.
Flaherty ensures active participation in voting for important issues and her perspectives have evolved with age and greater involvement. Health insurance holds significant importance for older adults as they frequently encounter various health problems. Ms. Flaherty possesses HMO coverage that encompasses nearly all medications, transportation to and from the hospital, as well as any necessary therapy.
Ms. Flaherty identifies herself as a self-reliant woman who leads a busy life and embraces a contemporary perspective, while not fixating on the past. Her accomplishments in life stem from these attributes. She discovers contentment through strong familial bonds and having a sense of backing. Concerning the aging process, biological development pertains to the bodily changes experienced by older individuals.
Ms. Flaherty’s energy levels began to decrease, making it difficult for her to take long walks. This physical change made her realize that she was aging, which initially upset her. However, she now finds it amusing when looking back on it. In the past, older individuals were often stereotyped as weak, prone to bone fractures, and having poor memory.
Despite acknowledging that not everything is true, Ms. Flaherty, aged eighty-six, continues to maintain good health. Although her memory has declined and she occasionally forgets things, she has not suffered any major memory loss.
Flaherty’s physical condition has undergone changes, resulting in regular back pain and the need to be cautious due to arthritis. Additionally, her balance occasionally becomes unsteady, posing challenges for dancing. She experiences both good and bad days, emphasizing the importance of remembering medication intake.
Flaherty welcomes the idea of death, as she believes that it will bring her closer to her departed loved ones in heaven. Old-old individuals are often undervalued and perceived as societal burdens. However, they possess a wealth of wisdom and have much to offer younger generations. The development of a human being encompasses various stages, and in this particular instance, the focus is on the development of old-old people.
My grandmother maintains a positive perspective on life and ensures she has no regrets, as well as feeling loved. Unfortunately, elderly individuals are often neglected and the attention they receive is diminishing. It is the responsibility of social workers to ensure their voices are heard. References: Kirst-Ashman, & K.
According to Zastrow (2010), biological development, social development, and physical development are interconnected aspects of understanding human behavior and the social environment (pp.7-8).
