As I volunteered at a retirement home and hospital, I encountered many theories reviewed in class about late adulthood and old age. While speaking to the patients I learned that reminiscence is a factor that many older adults use when talking to people. They use life review elders call up, reflect on, and reconsider past experiences with the goal of achieving greater self understanding. When I watched various old age adults they use this form to serve their social needs and help themselves cope with their life transitions. .
Other old age adults that I observed were clearly involved in religious activities and made advances to connect to their spiritual self. In the book it states although organized religious participation declines, informal religious activities remain common in late adulthood. Religious involvement is especially high in the retirement home that I volunteered for, had low income and ethnic minority elders. Faith spirituality had advanced to a very high level; it was from a prescribed belief to a more reflective approach. .
Another patient was always isolating himself from social interactions with other elders around him. This is another theory that was stated in class. The disengagement theory states that interactions with others decline due to withdrawal between people and society in anticipation of death, but not everyone disengages. Most elders retreat from an interaction in different ways, and many are more complex than others. .
The retirement home arrangement gave the elderly personal control as if they were in their own homes. Numerous had social support from family, friends, and helpers. This reduced stress and promoted physical health and psychological well-being. Most of the elders didn't want direct help from people around them. .
Congregate Housing is a program offered by the retirement home. It offers a variety of support services, including meals, activities, and other functions.
