Hello, I am an experienced Geriatric Care Nurse Specialist. I advocate, consult, and navigate older persons through our encumbered system.
I feel strongly that "old age" needs a make-over. We will decline. We will face losses. It is a struggle for most to remain positive during these changes. The emotional awareness at hand may well be depression, something I address with the majority of clients and caregivers.
I encourage you to write about purpose and identity. If a 40 year old goes to an event, s/he may be asked: "Tell me about yourself". Most will start with their identity in their occupation and roll over into discussion of family. When a 65 year old goes to an event, they are asked, "Did you retire yet?" to which the person responds as, "I am a retired (teacher - for example)". At 80 years old... the person is not asked about identity or purpose... if s/he was asked, what would be said? In my view, we all need identity and we all need to feel important, useful, or purposeful.
Thank you, Jennifer. You make great points! I have written about purpose and identity for Psychology Today and will on substack as well. I also welcome you to share your experiences on here - I am happy to post an article you write. Your expertise will benefit many.
Hi Jennifer - sorry for the delay - I was sick for about a week. An article that is between 400-1000 words about purpose and/or identity. You are welcome to separate the two and send them separately if you want. You are welcome to write about your experience or something more scholarly.
Hello, I am an experienced Geriatric Care Nurse Specialist. I advocate, consult, and navigate older persons through our encumbered system.
I feel strongly that "old age" needs a make-over. We will decline. We will face losses. It is a struggle for most to remain positive during these changes. The emotional awareness at hand may well be depression, something I address with the majority of clients and caregivers.
I encourage you to write about purpose and identity. If a 40 year old goes to an event, s/he may be asked: "Tell me about yourself". Most will start with their identity in their occupation and roll over into discussion of family. When a 65 year old goes to an event, they are asked, "Did you retire yet?" to which the person responds as, "I am a retired (teacher - for example)". At 80 years old... the person is not asked about identity or purpose... if s/he was asked, what would be said? In my view, we all need identity and we all need to feel important, useful, or purposeful.
I appreciate your work.
Respectfully,
Jennifer
Thank you, Jennifer. You make great points! I have written about purpose and identity for Psychology Today and will on substack as well. I also welcome you to share your experiences on here - I am happy to post an article you write. Your expertise will benefit many.
It would be my pleasure to write an article. Please email me with the particulars if this is not the correct forum for that discussion.
jennifer@seniorlifegcm.com
Hi Jennifer - sorry for the delay - I was sick for about a week. An article that is between 400-1000 words about purpose and/or identity. You are welcome to separate the two and send them separately if you want. You are welcome to write about your experience or something more scholarly.