NRS221 - Perception of Aging and Aged Care: A Reflection Analysis

This reflection paper explores the author's personal experiences and evolving perspectives on aging and aged care within the context of nursing practice. The author discusses the impact of stereotypes on interactions with elderly patients, highlighting challenges related to preconceived notions about their health, learning abilities, and preferences. The paper emphasizes the importance of developing therapeutic interactions and continually updating one's understanding of the aging process. It also touches upon the demographic shift towards an aging population in Australia and the increasing need for specialized healthcare. The author reflects on the definitions of 'elderly,' 'old,' and 'aging,' and references relevant literature to support their insights. This reflection underscores the significance of empathy, knowledge, and adaptability in providing effective care for older adults.

Running head: AGING 1
Reflection
Name
Institutional Affiliation

AGING 2
Reflection
Stereotypes refer to untrue myths, generalizations or beliefs that people have
regarding aged people. Some negative stereotypes have a potential of propagating ageism,
while positive stereotypes propagate respect amongst the aging people. Positive stereotypes
include that age is associated with wealth, health and wisdom, while negative stereotypes are
that the aging people are unhealthy, lonely, and dependent and have poor mental and physical
functioning (Dionigi, 2015). In Australia, for instance, older people are perceived o be crime
victim, forgetful, uncomfortable with instructions from younger people, don’t care about their
appearance and experience difficulty learning new and complex things.
These stereotypes have a significant impact on registered nursing practice. Aging
people are at high risk of healthcare condition and require specialized care (Bernoth &
Winkler, 2017). Based on my experience in the field of nursing, I have found it challenging
to attend to older people due to some misguided beliefs. For instance, while working in the
gerontology department, I realize that I lack the skills and knowledge in dealing with older
people. Therefore, I often act based on the stereotypes that they have ill health, have learning
difficulties, and do not like receiving instructions from younger people. However, I still strive
to develop therapeutic interactions with the patients, which in most cases have proved
successful. After several interactions, I have decided to study more about old people and I am
continually changing my perceptions; hence improving my interactions.
The ‘elderly’ refer to people aged 65 years and above. The term ‘old’ has no limit in
terms of years. It refers to someone who is no longer young, and is used in comparison to a
younger person. The aged refer to people who have lived a specific and long period of time.
Aging is the process of getting old.

AGING 3
References
Bernoth, M., & Winkler, D. (2017). Healthy ageing and aged care. Oxford University Press.
Dionigi, R. A. (2015). Stereotypes of aging: Their effects on the health of older
adults. Journal of Geriatrics, 2015. .doi:10.1155/2015/954027