Abstract
This paper analyzes various studies that deal with the success or failure of animal therapy with the elderly. The treatment discussed is, specifically, the use of domestic and farm animals in helping elderly people deal with depression that is a consequence of their lack of independence.

From the Paper
"For many elderly citizens, the problems of aging can be compounded by depression -- an illness that affects the body as well as the mind. A major depression affects people's ability to work, study, sleep, eat and enjoy activities that they once found pleasurable. Symptoms include persistent feelings of sadness and anxiety, which can compound other physical illnesses as well."

Tags:aging

Abstract
A descriptive essay about the effects of Alzheimer's Disease and how to best treat the patients. The author discusses the mental, behavioral and emotional difficulties experienced by carriers of the disease, exposing the roles to be played by the caretakers.

From the Paper
"Alzheimer's Disease is a progressive disease affecting an estimated 4 million people in the United States. According to GW Small in a consensus view on Alzheimer's Disease, ?between 6% and 8% of all persons over 65 have the disease.?(1) Caring for a parent with Alzheimer's Disease can be one of the most challenging positions a person can experience. The person who was once the primary caregiver is now dependent on the child as their caregiver. Although the caregiver still loves this parent, she begins to dislike and resent the person her parent has become. The behavior changes associated with Alzheimer's Disease can cause embarrassment and anger at the parent's behavior. This confusion in emotions can cause much anguish for the caregiver. The immediate family will also be affected by Alzheimer's Disease as well. Children and spouses may feel neglected because they're not receiving the caregiver's full attention. The caregiver should prepare herself by knowing what the impaired person can and cannot do and anticipating problems by planning ahead. The caregiver should also know where to go for help. Family or another means of support become a necessity. Alzheimer's Disease is a debilitating disease that can rob not only the quality of life from the victim, but the caregiver as well. Knowing what to expect and how to respond will help the caregiver function successfully in her role."

Tags:sick, ill, old, elder, care, patient, hospital, mental, emotional, slow, behavior, doctor

Abstract
This paper explores what it means to grow old in today's often uncompassionate society. It discusses the perception that aging is not only seen as being "one step closer to death", but it is traditionally associated with images of physical illness, senility and helplessness and shows ,in contrast, that the elderly are a vastly diverse group of individuals that cannot be so easily classified. It provides a brief history of the science of aging and of the stereotypes that have contributed to the attitude of ageism in society today. It examines how the older population is forever expanding, its economic and political bases are becoming stronger and its technological sophistication is growing at a remarkably swift pace and how the images most of society holds of the senior sect have not evolved at the same rate.

From the Paper
"For example, recent studies have shown that changes in mental abilities of older people vary as much as their physical abilities and that mental decline is not inevitable. Learning a new language in later life, for example, might require more effort, but on the other hand the older language learner may be perfectly capable of exerting that effort. Studies also show that physical activity, along with a strong social support system and a belief in one's ability to handle what life has to offer, can all make significant contributions to strong mental function in old age (Matcha, 1996)."

Tags:discrimination, elderly, prejudice, senior, myths

Abstract
This paper presents a critique of the movie, "Grumpy Old Men," directed by Donald Petrie. The paper takes a look at the main characters in their roles as children, teens, adults, and elders. The paper examines the engagement theory and the continuity theory using the main characters as examples. The role of seniors in America is described through this movie.

From the Paper
"At the beginning of the movie, John and Max are practicing the disengagement theory of life for elders (Hiller pg. 69, 70 textbook). Both are shown as grumpy old hermits. The bait seller Chuck and Ariel practice the activity theory (Hiller pg. 67, 68 textbook). Ariel kind of drags Max and John into the activity theory way of life and makes them remember feeling they had when they were young. This feeling and desire shows their need for intimacy and romantic love (Hiller pg 124, 111 textbook). It is shown by the way John and Max got ready for a date with Ariel. The movie illustrated the fact that desire for love does not go away with age (Hiller pg 124, 111 textbook). It made me think of my first date using dad's aftershave and feeling joy and fear all at one time. I think John and Max showed this first date theme very well in the movie."

Tags:cohorts, continuity, elders

Abstract
This paper looks at the epidemiology and risk factors for falls and discusses an objective assessment of falls risk. It discusses interventions for community and hospital settings, as well as for residential aged care facilities. The paper concludes that multi-factorial approaches appear to be more effective in hospitals and in people living in residential aged care facilities.

Table of Contents:
What Measures Are Used To Monitor And Revise Quality Program Implementation?
Are The Measures Appropriate Considering The Circumstances? Why Or Why Not?
What Regulatory And Accreditation Standards Exist?
What Strategies Are Used For Meeting These Standards?
Are The Strategies Appropriate Considering The Circumstances? Why Or Why Not?
What Barriers May Interfere With The Implementation Or Revision Of The Quality Measures Described In The Study?
How Could The Organizations Overcome These Barriers?
Conclusion

From the Paper
"There is no doubt that the problem of falling as outlined in this case study is a complex problem with no easy solutions, or for that matter, quantifiable metrics that can be identified clearly as the root causes where preventive medicine or safety programs may be implemented to reduce the risks and incidents. However, it may be concluded from the analysis of this study that addressing this problem may require a case-by-case remediation where a particular patient may be identified as a risk of falling due to various issues requiring necessary safety measures and patient handling may be implemented. Protocols that address special handling for these types of patients should be initiated as per published policy and procedures of the organization along with the appropriate staffing required for such handling."

Tags:QI risk elderly, nursing home

Abstract
This paper discusses what Alzheimer Disease is and what the causes and effects of the disease are. It further examines available treatment for this conditions and investigates new breakthroughs in the medical field regarding treatment. The writer also looks at the predisposition of the disease and its patient.

From the Paper
"Alzheimer disease (AD) is a progressive neuro-degenerative disease. It is characterized by memory loss, language deterioration, impaired visuospatial skills, poor judgment, and an indifferent attitude (NINDS, pg). This disease was first described by the German physician, Alois Alzheimer, 90 years ago (Manbir, pg). Alzheimer first demonstrated the typical microscopic changes in the autopsy of a woman in her 50 s who had suffered what seemed to be a mental illness. Through the microscope he saw brain cells filled with twisted strands of fiber and surrounded by dense deposits (Manbir, pg). These features are the hallmarks of Alzheimer s disease. In this disorder gradual decline of brain function leads inevitably to death which can be anywhere from three to twenty years after the disease is diagnosed (Manbir, pg). AD is a progressive disease and its course varies from person to person. The most common cause of death in Alzheimer s patients is infection (NINDS, pg)."

Tags:medical, treatment, patient, dementia, memory, cognitive

Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that while the mind remains the most important aspect of being human, the brain is physical and has physical characteristics that can be measured. This paper presents an overview of the human brain and cognitive measures that assess the state of the mind during the life of an individual, from prenatal formation through the end of life in either a normal manner or down the more unfortunate path of dementia. Specific attention is focused on adolescence and particularly the onset of puberty as well as effects on the adult brain from damage occurring during adolescence; a discussion of the occurrence of neurogenesis in the adult brain; the brain aging processes; newly emerging ideas of how the brain does its work and how these ideas may affect research and treatment of dementia related brain degradation.

Outline:
Conclusions
References

From the Paper
"Raz also found no relationship between education and the onset of these various physical changes. It is interesting to consider the actions of neurogenesis in relation to both depression and aging, in light of the Schmitt and Raz studies. The long held belief of non-neurogenesis in adulthood may not only be wrong, but cessation of neurogenesis may actually be a trigger to move toward the final stage of life.
"While physical changes can be measured, providing opportunities for relatively rigorous statistical analyses, measuring changes in behavior as humans and human brains age, is a much more difficult task. A primary question - What is normal behavior? - must be assessed before any measurements can be made."

Tags:cognitive, dementia, nervous, system

Abstract
History
Location
Occupations
Schooling
Family
Context of Interview
Discussion
Activity in normal day: sleep, exercise, groups
Diet
Sensory changes
Memory assessment
Changing relationships: family & peers
Retirement and goals
Analysis
Physical performance: causes of illness, injury, and
sensory dysfunction
Education - Engagement process (Schaie), memory
Ego integrity versus despair (Erikson), Grant Study
Role of religion
Continuity theory (Atchley)
Balanced investment - role of siblings and family
members

From the Paper
"Born in 1932, AB is a sixty-eight year old female from the central New York state area. AB grew up in a small town with her twin brother and two sisters. Her father passed away when she was two, and her siblings were then raised by their single mother. In her adult life, AB has worked as a dietitian at a University Hospital. Currently, AB resides at the retirement community in New York."

Tags:aging, cognitive, elkind, erikson, geriatrics, late, old, social

Abstract
This paper defines and clarifies the debate over different types of aging. Starting with the revolutionary work of Havighurst in the late 1960?s and incorporating research from the present day, this paper defines the three central components of aging: physiological, psychological (cognitive), and social. Numerous examples of both successful and unsuccessful aging across all three components are described, and backed by empirical research. No clear "recipe" for successful aging can be given, but this paper is a thorough and modern overview of this facet of psychology as it stands today.

From the Paper
"In the late 16th century the Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon set out on a quest to discover the fountain of youth. Intruding into uncharted and hostile Indian Territory, de Leon was struck dead by an arrow to his heart, at the age of 47. Today millions of Americans and billions worldwide are experiencing the golden years that evaded De Leon. But does older age necessarily equate to 'golden years'? Since at least the 1960s gerontologists have been developing conceptual frameworks, called schema, to describe ideal outcomes of the aging process. One of the most commonly used terms to describe good old age is "successful aging", often attributed to R.J. Havighurst (1961). This concept lies at the core of the practice of gerontology; the Havighurst article appeared as the first conceptual piece in the first issue of the discipline's prime publication, The Gerontologist. Defining 'successful' aging has been an issue of debate ever since. However, a complete definition must include at least three components: physiological, psychological (or cognitive), and social. It also must be able to be clearly distinguished from the opposite end of the spectrum, namely, 'unsuccessful' aging."

Tags:age, alzheimer, cognitive, development, developmental, geriatric, geriatrics, gerontology, havinghurst, old

Abstract
In this article, the writer assesses what factors may lead to the loss of identity in one particular group in society; the elderly. Indeed, the writer notes that examining the loss of identity in old age is a very pertinent subject for the social scientist. Identity loss is very often accompanied by the onset of old age and therefore this preponderance makes it a valid place to begin. The study of what causes identity loss in old age therefore forms the first part of this work. Following this, the writer offers a brief examination as to what methods social care practitioners can employ when attempting to counter such developments in the elderly.

From the Paper
"One of the most prominent factors that can result in loss of identity occurs when significant and prolonged change takes place within an individuals life circumstances. Now although such change can occur under a variety of auspices, the onset of old age is one of the most prominent. The general factors that allow identity to be fostered and nourished, i.e. work, home environment, family and friends, societal contacts etc are the very factors that tend to become unstable in later life. Family and friends, particularly if they relative contemporaries in age often die, leaving only the individual remaining. The individual concerned may be living in the same house, alongside all the identity forming belongings they have accumulated over the years. However, without the human element of the home environment, identity loss can often be the result of such circumstances. Naturally, retirement leads to the almost complete loss of identity provided by employment."

Tags:social, activities, past, experiences