Older Adult/Geriatric Observation:

Select an individual who is in the late adult phase of the life span (~ 65 years of age or older). This can be a family member, friend, client/patient or neighbor. Spend time with this individual and through your observation, assessment and interviews answer the following questions:

Describe this individual’s physical characteristics. Include: age, race, ethnicity, height, weight, mobility, any impairments, any age related physical changes, overall health, energy level, hygiene, etc. (25pts)

Explain the persons living arrangements. Do they live at home? Alone? With spouse? Family? How does he or she feel about where they live? Are they happy? Isolated? Do they feel safe? What do you observe about the home? Is it clean? Does it look safe for this older adult? What safety changes would you recommend for this home for the older adult? (10 pts)

Does this person appear well nourished? Do they do their own shopping and cooking? If not, who does? Do they still enjoy eating? If not, why not? Do they take anything to supplement their nutrition? What can you recommend? (10 pts)

List each medication this person is taking and the reason for each. What are the side-effects of each? What is your older adult’s personal experience with taking these meds? How do they feel about taking these meds? What are some of the challenges they experience around their medications? (ie, side effects, vision, sleep, memory, dexterity) (25 pts)

What activities do they enjoy? Do they spend time with family and/or friends? Are they able to exercise? What activities/exercise would you recommend for this individual? (10 pts)

What are this individual’s spiritual beliefs? Do they practice a formal religion? How do these beliefs/practices support this person at this stage of his or her life? (10 pts)

Share some time reminiscing with this older adult. This supports which psychosocial phase of development (Erikson)? What did you learn about this person’s past or history that was interesting or surprising to you? What did you observe about this older adult as they were speaking to you about their past? (Were they happy, sad, excited, etc?) (10 pts)

ANSWER

A Glimpse into the Late Adult Phase: Observing an Older Adult’s Life

Introduction

This observational essay offers insights into the life of an older adult in the late adult phase, shedding light on various aspects of their physical characteristics, living arrangements, nutrition, medications, activities, spiritual beliefs, and reminiscences. Through observation, assessment, and interviews, this narrative delves into the multifaceted dimensions of an individual’s life during this unique life stage.

Physical Characteristics and Overall Health

The subject of this observation is Ms. Thompson, a 72-year-old African-American woman. She stands at 5’4″, weighs approximately 140 lbs, and exhibits moderate mobility limitations due to osteoarthritis. Ms. Thompson’s overall health appears stable, with her energy levels varying from day to day. She maintains personal hygiene, although tasks like bathing and dressing are becoming more challenging. Signs of age-related physical changes, such as wrinkles and thinning hair, are evident.

Living Arrangements and Home Environment

Ms. Thompson resides alone in a cozy apartment within a senior living community. She expresses contentment with her living arrangements, as she values the company of her neighbors and enjoys participating in communal activities. Her apartment is clean and well-maintained, with safety features like grab bars in the bathroom. However, it lacks proper lighting in certain areas, which could be a potential safety concern. Installing additional lighting would enhance her safety.

Nutrition and Medications

Ms. Thompson struggles with maintaining a well-rounded diet, as grocery shopping and cooking have become challenging tasks. Her daughter visits weekly to stock her pantry and prepare meals. Ms. Thompson’s nutrition appears suboptimal, prompting concerns about her intake of essential nutrients. She takes multivitamins to supplement her diet, but her adherence is inconsistent. She is on multiple medications, including those for hypertension and osteoarthritis, with occasional dizziness and fatigue as side effects.

Activities and Social Interaction

Despite mobility limitations, Ms. Thompson remains engaged in light activities within her senior community, such as knitting and attending group discussions. She values her interactions with family and friends, considering them integral to her emotional well-being. Physical exercise is limited, and recommending gentle chair exercises could potentially benefit her overall mobility and well-being.

Spiritual Beliefs and Reminiscing

Ms. Thompson is a devout Christian who finds solace and strength in her religious beliefs. She attends church regularly and finds comfort in her spirituality, especially during times of solitude. As we reminisced about her past, it became evident that her stories revolved around her family, career, and life experiences. This reminiscing aligns with Erikson’s psychosocial stage of ego integrity vs. despair.

Conclusion

Observing Ms. Thompson’s life provides a glimpse into the intricacies of the late adult phase. Aspects of physical health, living arrangements, nutrition, medication management, activities, spiritual beliefs, and reminiscing collectively shape her experiences. The insights gained from this observation emphasize the importance of a holistic understanding of an older adult’s life to provide tailored care and support during this life stage.