Discussion: Psychological Aspects of Aging

Theories of successful aging explain factors that support individuals as they grow old, contributing to their ability to function. Increasing your understanding of factors that support successful aging improves your ability to address the needs of elderly clients and their families.

To prepare for this Discussion, review this week's media. In addition, select a theory of successful aging to apply to Helen's case.

Post a Discussion in which you:

Explain key life events that have influenced Helen's relationships. Be sure to substantiate what makes them key in your perspective.

Explain how you, as Helen's social worker, might apply a theory of successful aging to her case. Be sure to provide support for your strategy.

Read a selection of your colleagues' posts.

Respond to at least two colleagues who applied a theory of successful aging to Helen's case that differs from the one you applied. State whether you agree that your colleague's strategy for applying the theory to Helen's case is likely to be helpful. Provide support for your response and suggest one additional way your colleague might support Helen's psychological well-being.

Learning Resources

Note: To access this week's required library resources, please click on the link to the Course Readings List, found in the Course Materials section of your Syllabus.

Required Readings

Plummer, S.-B., Makris, S., Brocksen S. (Eds.). (2014). Sessions: Case histories. Baltimore, MD: Laureate International Universities Publishing.[Vital Source e-reader].

"The Parker Family" (pp. 6-8)

Zastrow, C. H., &Kirst-Ashman, K. K. (2016). Understanding human behavior and the social environment (10th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.

Chapter 15, "Psychological Aspects of Later Adulthood" (pp. 685-714)

Newell, J. M., &MacNeil, G. A. (2010).Professional burnout, vicarious trauma, secondary traumatic stress, and compassion fatigue: A review of theoretical terms, risk factors, and preventive methods for clinicians and researchers. Best Practice in Mental Health, 6(2), 57-68.

Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

Shier, M. L., & Graham, J. R. (2011).Mindfulness, subjective well-being, and social work: Insight into their Interconnection from social work practitioners. Social Work Education, 30(1), 29-44.

Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

Required Media

Laureate Education (Producer). (2013). Parker family: Episode 2 [Video file].