Читать книгу Helping Relationships With Older Adults - Adelle M. Williams - Страница 86

The process of helping to promote successful aging can be implemented by counselors in individual counseling, group counseling, workshops, or courses. The underlying philosophy or theme for these endeavors has been stated by Bortz (1990):

Aging is a self-fulfilling prophecy. If we dread growing old, thinking it is a time of forgetfulness, and physical deterioration, then it is likely to be just that. On the other hand, if we expect to be full of energy and anticipate that their lives will be rich with more adventures and insights, then that is the likely reality. We prescribe what we are to become. (p. 55)

Three key concepts anchor the development and implementation of promoting successful aging work. The first concept assumes that older people can prescribe their future and that counselors can effectively help them with this process. The second concept assumes that although general knowledge of developmental stages and sociocultural background is helpful in formulating working or guiding hypotheses, it is no substitute for developing a comprehensive understanding of the client. Third, each person uniquely interacts with and creates his or her own environment. Different cultures might have distinct views on the aging process, but individuals vary in their awareness and interpretation of these views. It is likely, however, that almost all people have concerns regarding aging and can be helped to age more successfully. Guided Practice Exercise 3.9 provides the opportunity to examine cross-cultural aging, which will be valuable in understanding older clients who seek counseling services.

Guided Practice Exercise 3.9

Individuals from various cultures experience aging differently. It may be welcomed or viewed with disdain. Identify two older adults from different ethnicities and examine their views of aging, the ways older persons are treated in their society, and their use of professionals for personal problems. Share the similarities and differences with your colleagues. Are you surprised by your findings?