Lesson 28: Positive Aging

Attention

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this lesson's material, students will be able to:

  • MHRT Outcome: Knowledgeable about changing treatment needs for adult stages of transition.

Teaching

Read Chapter 12 in Vaillant

So...how do we sum up all of what we have learned about successful aging? I like what Vaillant does in the beginning of Chapter 12 when he refers to old age AA watchwords:

  • Let go and let God
  • First things first
  • Keep it simple
  • Carpe diem
  • Use the telephone

We will all make the journey into old age (if death does not intervene)...will we be able to have the integrity to hold on to these "watchwords"?

As Mental Health workers you will also be in the role, regardless of the age of your clients, in helping them through the transitions of their lives. One of the great aspects of working in this field is to witness people in transition not only from hospitals to supported housing to independent living, but through the normal age-related transitions of life...sometime a "redo" of the stages that were so impacted by mental illness.

Consider that a person becoming an adult after a journey with mental illness may emerge at Erikson's first stage, Trust vs. Mistrust all over again...then as the person progresses they may encounter each additional step...

Assessment

Possible Class Discussion

Review each of the stages in Erikson's theory as they are presented in the graphic in the Lesson Plan. Pay attention to "Resolution or Virtue" column. Discuss ways in which we might offer our mental health services to help individuals who are at different stages of development. Focus on these Virtues...Example:. an adult with mental illness may be at the first stage of Hope...our services would focus on developing trust and on helping the person appreciate relatedness...we might teach them to reach out and accept help when they are in crisis rather than rely on their own resources. Relate ways in which you might provide support to a person at each stage (though I don't want EACH of you to cover EACH stage...let's just see if we can get them covered collectively among the entire class)