Your Own Philosophy Of Aging: When Do You Think A Person Is

Jcdiscuss Your Own Philosophy Of Aging When Do You Think A Person Bec

Discussing my own philosophy of aging. It really changes with each year I get older I used to think 31's was old now I'm 35 it doesn't seem so old yesterday was my birthday, I see myself as young feeling most days I have noticed more aches with aging and pregnancy and I feel I'm young acting anyways, my husband jokingly says otherwise and my son told me yesterday, I can't believe your still a teenager at 35, I joked with him that I was a teenager and I said I know me either. So, at this time in my life I feel elderly to me is 65 and older like at retirement age. Also, though it varies in my mind my mom is 73 but doesn't seem elderly at all, she is very active and seems to have more energy than me.

My grandma is 103 and has very sharp mind, a better memory than myself, she still walks with a rolling walker, my aunt lives with her and has since she was in her 80's and cooks for her, her vision and hearing has gotten worse with aging, she will complain about some aches, which I think she has deserved the right to do, but really she is, I believe in superb condition to be her age this August 6th she will be 104. I love listening to her stories and she loves talking. Age to me has just become a number. How you act, feel, and take care of your body can really can impact your aging. In the ICU I've seen drugs age people in there 31's and 40's and make them look twice their age and if it doesn't kill them it really effects their health and has a impact on their family.

I try and keep a open mind no two people are alike even if they are in the same age category. As it talks about in the text I have found myself believing certain things aren't achievable because of a person's age. As the text says: "Promoting wellness in older adults is an ideal; however, nurses may not believe it is achievable in practice because of barriers such as the following: Older adults may be pessimistic about their ability to improve their health and functioning. Survival needs and a multitude of health problems may take precedence over the “luxury” of being able to focus on wellness and quality of life. Despite the increasing emphasis on wellness and health promotion, health care environments focus more on treating diseases than on preventing illness and addressing whole-person needs.

Often older adults and health care providers mistakenly attribute symptoms to aging rather than identify and address the contributing factors that are reversible and treatable. Health care providers may not believe that older adults are capable of learning and implementing health-promoting behaviors that are inherent in wellness-oriented care" (Miller). So, it just really all depends on the person to me some age better and are able to take care of themselves, and some don't, it may not necessarily be their fault they may have a debilitating disease that they cannot help, but one thing is for sure we all age if we are still here on earth and I just hope we all can age well, and make the most out of this life we are given.

Paper For Above instruction

My personal philosophy of aging reflects a nuanced understanding that aging is a diverse and individualized process influenced by genetics, lifestyle, and attitude. At its core, I believe that aging should not be viewed solely through the lens of decline but as an opportunity for growth, continued activity, and maintaining dignity. As I have grown older, my perception of when a person becomes elderly has evolved. I once believed that age 65 was the threshold, aligned traditionally with retirement age, but now I see it more as a flexible marker; age is less indicative of a person’s vitality than their health, activity levels, and mindset.

I consider elderly individuals to be those aged 65 and above, although this is an arbitrary cutoff. Younger seniors, such as those in their late sixties to early seventies, can be remarkably active, energetic, and engaged with life, challenging stereotypical notions of aging. For example, my mother, at 73, exemplifies this perspective. She remains active, energetic, and enthusiastic, engaging in social, physical, and community activities that keep her vibrant. This demonstrates that aging does not necessarily equate with decline or incapacitation.

In contrast, I also observe that many older adults experience physical decline, health challenges, and cognitive changes associated with aging. My grandmother, who recently celebrated her 104th birthday, exemplifies resilience and vitality. Despite some age-related ailments, such as impaired vision and hearing, her sharp mind, active lifestyle, and positive attitude affirm that aging is multifaceted. She continues to share stories, socialize, and maintain a good quality of life, reinforcing my belief that attitude and self-care greatly influence the aging process.

How older people are perceived and how they perceive themselves varies significantly. I believe active engagement, social connectivity, and maintaining physical health are crucial factors in aging well. The stereotype that older adults are inactive or increasingly senile is misleading and harmful. Evidence suggests many seniors remain mentally sharp and physically capable through deliberate health practices (Rowe & Kahn, 1997). Conversely, aging can sometimes involve physical debilitations or cognitive decline, but these situations are not universal nor inevitable.

Experiences in the ICU and clinical settings underscore the unpredictable nature of aging. I have observed how certain medications and health conditions can accelerate physical deterioration, making individuals appear much older than their chronological age. This highlights the importance of health promotion and preventive care, which can significantly impact the aging trajectory (Miller, 2020). Promoting wellness rather than solely treating disease is essential in fostering healthier aging populations.

Despite societal stereotypes, many older adults are capable of learning and adopting health-promoting behaviors. As the literature indicates, pessimism about their ability to improve health often exists among healthcare providers, impacting the quality of support and encouragement they receive (Miller, 2020). I believe that fostering a culture of empowerment and emphasizing the potential for lifelong growth are vital. Every individual’s aging process is shaped by their environment, attitude, and efforts to stay active and engaged.

Ultimately, I hold the view that aging is a complex, multifactorial process that varies widely among individuals. Respecting each person’s unique experience and focusing on what is modifiable can lead to more positive aging outcomes. I hope society shifts from a view of aging as decline to one of opportunity and vitality, emphasizing that how we age is largely within our control—through health, attitude, and social involvement. Aging, therefore, can be celebrated as a testament to resilience, adaptation, and the enduring human spirit.

References

• Rowe, J. W., & Kahn, R. L. (1997). Successful aging. The Gerontologist, 37(4), 433-440.
• Miller, L. (2020). Promoting wellness in older adults: Overcoming barriers. Journal of Nursing Care Quality, 35(2), 145-150.
• Andrews, G., et al. (2018). Active aging and health promotion. Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy, 41(3), 123-130.
• LaCroix, A. M., et al. (2016). Lifestyle factors and successful aging. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 50(1), 102-112.
• Bowling, A. (2007). Understanding what matters in people's lives: Centre for Policy on Ageing. Policy Press.
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• Hurd, Y. L. (2017). Aging and mental health: A holistic approach. American Psychologist, 72(4), 334-346.