Retirement: Third Age New Beginnings

More about Older Can Be Bolder

2012-02-06T15:11:00.000-08:00

Chap 1 Appearance (how we look as we age) it covers such topics as: a. men’s baldness, b. older women’s beards, c. why we get wrinkles d. bags under our eyes e. why do we shrink as we get older and f. why do we tend to get fatter (there is much more I am just giving you a taste,

Chap 2. Physical Function a. Do our bodies run out? Including lung capacity, our five senses, our eyes watering, being less productive, why do we older men pee so often, and male menopause, (just a taste)

Chap 3. Mental Health a. what’s happening to our memory and what can we do about, does it really work, b. information about Alzheimer’s, c. information about Parkinson’s disease, d. material about depression and what we can do about it e. material about accidents at home and on the job f. as we age are we; wiser, more religious, more likely to volunteer, now much sleep do we need.( jat)

Chap 4. Longevity [Note my mom will be 96 years old on Feb 8^th]

a. when are we old b. is life expectancy increasing, c. the secret of longevity, d. Is there a kind of food that helps increase longevity. e. Why do women live longer than men .( jat)

Chap 5. Ageism a. what is it b. what are its most frequent forms c. is it as bad as the other isms d. is it declining e. What about jokes and birthday cards f. what causes it and what are if effects g. do doctors discriminate against old people h. how can we reduce ageism. .( jat)

Chap 6. Benefits a. are older people bankrupting the government b. are we pushing the cost of medical care c. should health care be rationed by age d. do most old people wind up in institutions? e. are most caregivers young people, f. when are old people entitled to Social Security, Supplemental Security, Medicare f. when can people join the AARP, g. How many benefits are there to aging?

[It’s a good deal and I have learned a great deal, I hope Erdman carries on, for seniors it becomes new dawn For more info google oldercanbebolder]

Ageism In BC Step 2 Larry and Yongjie

2012-02-03T18:14:00.000-08:00

In step 1 I published Dr. Erdman Palmore’s Ageism Survey and I have waited some time before discussing the results found in our British Columbia study. Hopefully you examined the survey to see if the statements have meaning in your life. Now I am using my blogspot to take another step toward reduction of ageism. Combined responses to Palmore’s Survey were rank ordered and patterns of correlations examined. One major pattern involving six items appears to reflect attacks on relational self-esteem. Lesser correlations were found involving employment, humour, and victimization.

This study is a step toward understanding the prevalence of ageist experiences in Canada. I hope that looking at the major results (step 2) will help increase the opportunities to discuss and reduce ageism within Canada.

Ageism and Humour

Cynthia Rich, one of the founders of The Old Women’s Project, in her interview with Lipscomb (2006) commented that “We can do a scholarly analysis of birthday cards—the cards that inform me as an old woman just how disgusting and hideous I am. Then I’m chastised that I don’t have a sense of humour when I object to the same comments we hear used in sexist and racist jokes.” Ellis and Todd (2005) investigated the use of ageist birthday cards in Canada. They found that over seventy percent of the cards sent to persons between 70 and 100 years old had negative themes, indicating there is nothing to look forward to in "old age.".

Ageist humour is often exchanged between friends. “Kidding is a precision instrument for assessing the kind of relationship one has with a person.” (Pinker, p. 554) Joking may be an outlet for older persons who have internalized the ageist cultural values about themselves and are releasing anxiety in a relatively safe environment. Ellis and Morrison (2005) suggest that joking about age among peers may be acceptable but is inappropriate when directed toward someone older than one’s self.

More personal comments were written in the margins of our survey about these two items than any of the others. One example is “What’s wrong with this? If I lost my sense of humour, I’d be in real trouble.” Another was “ When I hear I'm starting to joke about age, I put a stop to it right away!”

Crime and Victimization

While both of these two items were only reported by a small number of respondents, criminal actions against older persons cannot be taken lightly. Shields, King, Fulks & Fallon (2002) surveyed older residents in rural Ohio about experiences of criminal victimization. Respondents reported infrequent incidences and attributed this to informal support networks.

Attempts have been made to distinguish between elder abuse and other crimes. The media is much less likely to focus on other things than elder abuse. Leedahl & Ferraro (2007) suggest that, in light of the rapidly aging population, unless government takes policy action, this problem could become a major crisis. Podnieks (2006) argues that increased social inclusion provides an excellent opportunity to bring the issue of elder abuse to the forefront.

Attacks on Self-Esteem

There's a connection between attacks on self-esteem, being treated with less dignity and respect, being patronized, not being taken seriously and having someone assume that lack of understanding because age seems obvious. Mark Leary (1999) asserts that the “…self-esteem motive functions not to maintain self-esteem per se but rather to avoid social devaluation and rejection.”(p.32) Danu, Holmes, & Wood (2007) argue that the connection between one’s self-concept and self-esteem is moderated by the level of a person’s acceptance from others. It appears that ageist comments directed toward older people forces them toward inclusion in a stereotyped devalued out-group.

Employment and Age Discrimination

Much of the existing research on this subject has been conducted in the United Kingdom. For instance, Duncan and Loretto (2004) found that limitations on promotion were the most common theme reported by respondents of the age of 40+. Decreased opportunities for training were also frequently reported. In spite of changes in age employment policy in the UK, McVittie, McKinlay, and Widdicombe (2003) report that, “Evidence suggests…that equal opportunities have not improved prospects for older workers.” (p.595) Further, they warn that employers are using “language of equal opportunities” (p.609) to construct a “new ageism”, manipulating language to justify not hiring and discrimination against older workers.

Note: Number of Respondents = 815

Older Can Be Bolder

2012-02-03T07:40:00.000-08:00

I highly recommend Erdman Palmore’s new book Older Can Be Bolder: 101 answers to your questions about aging. It is full of ideas and facts that many people looking for information about aging will be VERY interested in reading. Dr. Palmor is a Professor Emeritus of Medical Sociology at Duke University Center for the Study of Aging.

The chapter titles are: Chapter 1 APPEARANCE, Chapter 2 PHYSICAL FUNCTION, Chapter 3 MENTAL HEALTH, Chapter 4 LONGEVITY, Chapter 5 AGEISM and Chapter 6 BENEFITS.

Here is the Preface: Some people grow timid as they age because they are afraid of aging. They haven’t heard the good news about aging: you can grow bolder as you grow older. Many people are afraid to ask questions answered in this book because they think only about the problems of aging and not the benefits of aging. The answers in this book recognize the problems, but also the many advantages of aging

This is a soft cover book that costs under $10 Canadian. I purchased the book through Amazon.com After you read the book I would be interested in reading what you think. Note: The online book is less than $3.00

Adapting to Retirement and Self-Image Management

2012-02-02T09:58:00.000-08:00

Over the last five months, after ending 40 years as a university professor I have been slowly adjusting to my life in retirement. Since September I have been working on a number of activities including expanding my blog entries, volunteering, and marketing my retirement workshop.

On a number of times I have still “visited” both the Langely and Surrey campuses, mostly having to do with my wife’s activity as a student in the Fine Arts dept. She will be graduating this spring as the first Fine Arts undergraduate student.

Especially as we drive toward the Surrey campus I feel warm and tingly inside as we pass by buildings and roadways that I have driven by hundreds if not thousands of times before. To explore these feelings I “naturally” did what I have also done frequently; I investigated to find out what research has been done about this experience. I found an article by Ursina Teuscher about identity diversity. It has helped widen my understanding of retirement [i]

Her research investigated 792 Swiss persons. Men and women as well as retirees and non-retirees were about equally represented.

She found that the “…professional domain remains important for self description even after retirement.” Surprisingly, “The loss of the professional role after retirement apparently did not lead to loss of professional identity.” “The best predictors of the importance of retirement status for self definition were a positive attitude toward aging and long job duration.”

How might we explain these findings? “...it is therefore plausible that identity diversity may have acted as a buffer…which would explain the correlation with high identity diversity and life satisfaction, but also the moderating effect of job deprivation…. “Thus, higher diversity is more likely to be beneficial than costly in narrative identity and “…the fact that professional identity is maintained after retirement should not be viewed as lacking adaptation to the new circumstances of retirement, but as a way of maintaining positive past identities as part of an ever richer and more diverse self-image.

I will close now as I am awaiting a call from the Seniors Centre for a discussion about my upcoming retirement workshop

Teuscher, Ursina (2010). Identity Development and Retirement, INT’L Journal Aging and Human Development, 70(1) 89-106.

The Journey of Meditation

2012-01-30T19:27:00.000-08:00

Mindfulness is a somewhat complex therapeutic description of using meditation as a primary health factor. Over the last several years I have strengthened my understanding of of meditation by following the doctors” informational presentations on their website.

For more info visit their site.
http://www.nicabm.com/mindfulness-for-professionals/

Compating Ageism Step 1

2012-01-23T09:39:00.001-08:00

Combating Ageism Step I

Larry Anderson , Yongjie Yon

Some time ago Yongjie and I, using Erdman Palmore’s Ageism Survey, conducted a research project that examined the prevalence and patterns of ageism in British Columbia. In 2004 Palmore gathered information in partnership with the Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP) news Letter. Our research project was started in 2006 using senior’s recreation centres in suburban British Columbia. In the spring of 2007, we expanded our scope to cover the rest of British Columbia. This included survey publication in The Senior Connector, a survey distributed by the Council of Senior Citizen Organizations (COSCO), participation by a large seniors trailer park and by some senior’s organizations outside the Lower Mainland.

Combined responses from these sources were rank ordered and patterns of correlations found. This study is a step toward understanding the prevalence of ageist experiences in Canada.

Now I would like to use my blogspot to take another step toward ageism reduction. First I will display Dr. Palmore’s Ageism Survey and wait several weeks before I print up the ageist correlations found in our study. To me it would be very exciting to have persons from all over the world examine their lives using the ageism survey. I’m not expecting you to send your ageist experiences to me; although that would be great, but I do hope that looking at the results of Yongjie and I’s project (step 2) will help increase the opportunities for you to discuss this topic among with your friends, family and others. So here is the survey (Step 1)

The Ageism Survey

1. I was told a joke that pokes fun at old people.

2. I was sent a birthday card that pokes fun at old people.

3. I was ignored or not taken seriously because of my age.

4. I was called an insulting name related to my age.

5. I was patronized or “talked down to” because of my age.

6. I was refused rental housing because of my age.

7. I had difficulty getting a loan because of my age.

8. I was denied a position of leadership because of my age.

9. I was rejected as unattractive because of my age.

10. I was treated with less dignity and respect because of my age.

11. A waiter or waitress ignored me because of my age.

12. A doctor or nurse assumed my ailments were caused by my age.

13. I was denied medical treatment because of my age.

14. I was denied employment because of my age.

15. I was denied promotion because of my age.

16. Someone assumed I could not hear well because of my age.

17. Someone assumed I could not understand because of my age.

18. Someone told me, “You’re too old for that.”

19. My house was vandalized because of my age.

20. I was victimized by a criminal because of my age.

Getting Past Ageism Continued

2012-01-19T12:53:00.000-08:00

10. Build intergenerational bridges to promote better understanding.

Ageism often builds in the context of ignorance. The more generations realize they are connected to each other throughout the lifespan and affect each others' wellbeing, the greater the opportunities for reducing negative attitudes against young and old, alike.

11. Provide support for organizations that address ageism.

There are a number of organizations that advocate for better treatment and greater acceptance of older adults. Their influence and effectiveness depends, to some extent, on their membership size and the adequacy of their finances. Join. Be involved. Be part of a positive solution.

12. Push for changes from your elected representative.

Policies that perpetuate ageism can be changed if enough people let the appropriate politicians know that they want this change. Keep informed on key aging issues and policies. Know the names of government officials to contact

Getting Past Ageism Continued

2012-01-17T12:07:00.001-08:00

8. Watch our language.

Most of us, including health professionals, health advocates and consumers use terms and expressions that may perpetuate ageism. We depersonalize older adults by referring to them generically as "the elderly" or "our seniors".

9. Talk openly about aging issues and ageism.

The more ageism and age discrimination remain hidden, the more people believe it is acceptable to act this way. Show and recognize the heterogeneity of seniors. Older adults are not all the same. Let

others see real older people - people who are resourceful, articulate and creative, who are familiar as valued friends or coworkers. Also include older adults who have conditions that may limit their abilities in some ways; they are not limited in other ways. People who do not fit the stereotype are a powerful way to fight ageism.

My Journey with Mediatation

2012-01-15T14:47:00.001-08:00

My initial understanding of meditation came through a relationship with one of my former students several years ago. He was raised in a Buddhist household and is still a good Buddhist on his way to a PhD. Christian parents raised me but I am not a religious person now. This does not reduce my commitment to meditation. I mention this because the process of meditation has been connected with religious organizations for centuries.

Most of my adult life I have not been a religious person. But for the last five or six years I have made it a point to study and frequently practice meditation. Examples of its importance to me are briefly discussed below[i]

There are two factors that become more transparent through the practice of meditation; breathing and mental processes. From our births effective breathing and healthy hearts are the primary forces that keep us alive.

Being a psychologist I was and still am very interested in mental processes displayed by meditation. More recently, as I age , I have also come to understand more about the foundation of deep breathing and its relationship to living a healthy life.

On one hand the importance of breathing is so obvious to non- medical persons that we seldom “think” about slow relaxed deep breathing. It does come up in social relationships when someone tells us to “take a deep breath” and slow down.

On the other hand deep slow breathing is a key factor in meditation. It helps us become aware of our “attachements” which are thought processes such as our names, what we do for a living and strong feelings such as fear, anger, and pride.

I have different types of word patterns to help me lessen my attachments and return attention to my breathing. For instance when I am walking I count my steps. As I breath in I count 1 2 3 4 steps. With a couple of seconds in between I then breath out I counting 5 6 7 8 steps. When I am driving my car I silently chant a Buddhist chant “Nom Me-a-ho Renge Kyo. “ Using these two tools I become more aware when “attachements” arise like worries or memories and attempt to take over the “here and now.”

Another way that I “use” meditation is when I wake up during the night and am having a difficult time getting back to sleep. I begin to use the “Nom--- “ chant and soon fall asleep.

I would like to mention that I have Tinnitus, a ringing in my ears. There are two sound patterns. One is a steady whistle and the other reflects my heartbeat. Particularly when I am returning to sleep I like to listen to my heartbeat and am now listening to it as I close this short essay.

I think that I may have made practicing meditation sound too easy. It takes time and dedicated effort. During my journey I have read several very useful books. Two of them are listed below[ii]

[i] Goddard, Phil H. Maharishi International University (1992) Transcendental meditation in the aging of neurocognitive function: Reduced age-related declines of P300 latencies in elderly practitioners. Order number 9228949

[ii] Tolle, Eckhart, (1999). The Power of Now: A Guide to spiritual enlightenment, Namaste Publishing and New World Library, Navato, California

Further Steps to Combat Ageism

2012-01-14T07:18:00.000-08:00

7. Speak up about ageism.

When someone you know uses ageist language or images, tactfully let them know about the inaccuracy. Educate them about the correct meaning. When someone disparages a senior, tells a joke that ridicules them, or makes disrespectful comments about an older person, we can let them know that this is hurtful and that as seniors or advocates we find the comments offensive and harmful.

8. Watch our language.

More information about combating ageism

2012-01-13T12:17:00.000-08:00

6. Monitor media and respond to ageist material.

Changing the typically negative ways in which older adults are portrayed in news programs, commercials, films and television shows that reach millions of people on a daily basis is necessary if ageism is to be reduced. Write a letter to or e-mail the editor, TV sponsor or movie producer.

2012-01-11T08:19:00.000-08:00

4. Learn more about ageism and discrimination.

It is very common for older adults to face discrimination in housing, health, and other key services. They may be treated as burdens on services, excluded from or simply refused admission to services. Learn to recognize when "neutral policies" are not "neutral" in their effect on seniors. Also recognize how ageism intersects with other "isms" such as sexism or racism. and

5. Listen to seniors who have experienced ageism.

They are in the best position to tell us how ageism affects their lives.

3. Learn More About Aging

2012-01-08T09:11:00.000-08:00

The better informed we are about aging and what to expect, the better we are able to evaluate and resist many of the inaccurate and negative stereotypes of aging. (For instance Erdman Palmore who is one of the experts on the topic has just released a new book on aging called “Older can be Bolder”: One hundred and one answers to your questions about aging). For more information go to www.amazon.com. Erdman has done a great deal of work in helping us to understand the major factors of life as we age and it was his work a number of years ago that got me into the study of ageism.

2. Go Beyond Stereotypes of Aging

2012-01-05T09:16:00.000-08:00

Recognize that a label like "elderly" or "seniors" tells us little about what to expect from the person. These labels do not tell us whether the person is kind or uncaring, healthy or her health is diminishing, mentally capable or mentally incapable, a reliable or an unreliable worker or volunteer. Labels do not tell us about the person's capacity for friendship or creativity or accomplishment. Address ageism by highlighting older adults' individual, collective, and lifelong contributions to our society.

How Do We Get Past Ageism?

2012-01-02T10:26:00.000-08:00

This material was provided by the Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse. There are twelve points made. I will be putting them on my blog over the next few weeks. If you are in a hurry to read them you can google the Network cite.

1. Identify the myths and mis-information.

Recognize the myths about aging and negative attitudes about older adults. Start challenging the myths. There are many erroneous beliefs in our society - e.g. that older adults' lives are less valuable and older adults are less deserving of having their rights respected; that older adults feel emotional pain less or do not have sexual feelings; or that older adults are largely responsible for growing health care or other social costs.

Silent Ageism

2011-12-29T10:00:00.000-08:00

Below is a scenario that illustrates the extent to which older persons can be discriminated. I would very much like to read what you think about coping with this type of situation.

Ben, 76-years-old, is very frustrated, he has gotten used to being ignored. But a neighborhood meeting had been called to discuss the recent break-ins. He was tired of being treated as if he didn’t exist. It wasn’t that he experienced hostility he was ignored with sheer indifference. When he was talked to he was patronized since he had retired fifteen years ago from the community police force, he has gradually spent more and more time alone, especially after the loss of his wife three years ago.

But this is too much. He is tired of being treated like a piece of furniture. He is also tired of being patronized when people did talk to him. He is becoming increasingly frustrated. What can he do??

People from all over the world have visited my blogspot. And quite a few people appear to be interested in both ageism and wisdom. It would be very interesting to me if we could engage in a discussion about what we think Ben could do

Using your own experience it would be interesting to have an international discussion about what he could do to improve the situation.

2011-12-26T09:22:00.000-08:00

How to Retire successfully (Quotes)

“What may be missing is a sense of purpose and some meaning to your life.”

“Many people experience a rapid decline in physical and mental health soon after retirement – often due to illness and feelings of uselessness”

“To be happy…you must stay active.?

“…Retirement is the last opportunity for individuals to reinvent themselves.”

“….. a new beginning of life.”

“It has been found that “..,missing friends from work, being bored, and having trouble adjusting to changed adversely affects many retirees more than the lack of money or poor health.”

Experts state that. “…if you are not spending any time pursuing some activities before you retire, it is unlikely that you will spent time on these activities after you quit work.”

There is no ideal time to retire but “don’t put it off longer than you have to.”

Reasons for opting for semi-retirement:

· You love your field of work

· You want to feel productive

· You can’t think of anything else to do

· You like companionship of like-minded collegues

· You like being around bright people

· You like the social aspect of work

· You love building and creating in a work environment

· You want to get out of your spouses hair.

“Even people who plan carefully for retirement cannot fully anticipate the actual experience because it’s not just the end of employment. It’s the loss of life structure that has been central to a person’s existence.”

John Osborne, retired psych prof U Vic BC

“To redefine and recycle yourself in retirement, you must challenge and change certain assumptions about yourself.”

Further Thoughts about Wisdom

2011-12-22T08:17:00.000-08:00

There are various definitions of wisdom. They do not contradict each other but rather different aspects. The first is by Paul Baltes a German psychologist whose broad scientific agenda was devoted to establishing and promoting the concept of wisdom

· Good judgment and advice in important but uncertain matters of life.

The study of wisdom goes back thousands of years in the human history. For instance the Ancient Greeks saw it as:

· An intellectual, moral, practical life, a life lived in conformity with truth and beauty

More recent psychologists have continued the journey. According to Eric Erickson wisdom is:

· “…detached concern for life itself in the face of death itself.”

For Carl Jung thought that wisdom:

· involves getting in touch with one’s collective unconscious; beginning around midlife

Many of wisdom’s specialists did not believe that age itself generates wisdom.

So how might we apply these ideas to our own journey thought life?

A Life Review might be helpful. The basic assumptions of a life review are:

1. Later adulthood is not only characterized by decline and loss, it includes balance and growth.

2. Intelligence is about the ability to adapt to, as well as shape, our environment.

3. Our society is dominated by negative stereotypes which include:

· Older people cannot make a contribution to society

· Older people are withdrawn into themselves

· Older people have lost the ability to change and adapt

· Older people are physically weak

These ideas are what we refer to as AGEISM

2011-12-19T14:51:00.000-08:00

Wisdom and the Light of Truth

By Me

I march along, blinded by the light of truth

Shining from the inside out, it guides my way

Through Darkness

I see so clearly within the distance

Of my mind, that I fail to hear

The truths of others

And I walk alone in silence.

Blinded by the light of truth

I stumble and I fall

Each step I take less certain

Unknowing that the light I see

Is nothing but a curtain.

I think this is where wisdom comes in. First we can ask what wisdom is about. Often, it is assumed that wisdom becomes a natural consequence of aging and education. However, wisdom is not the same as intelligence, according to the Max Planck Institute. A person may know a great deal about physics but be unable to maintain personal relationships or social interest. We have opportunities to improve the ways we manage our lives, make plans for the future, and think about things we have done in the past as we age. [i]

A working definition will be the “…power of judging rightly and following the soundest course of action, based on knowledge, experience, and understanding.”

Many people, including a lot of us older persons, believe that as we age we tend to live more and more in the past because earlier life events mean more to us. Yet most people, regardless of their age, have fond memories. So why should older people spend more time in the past than younger people? Memories, both positive and negative are useful because they help us act in the here and now as well as future. But releasing preoccupation with the “good old days” or the imagined future helps us focus our experience on the here and now. That’s not to say that the past means nothing. We can learn from it, without living in it.

According to Wille Nelson, an American musician and community activist who is now 76-years-old, to act wisely we must “Be here. Be present. Wherever we are, be there.”

[i] This material was adapted from the Manual For the Assessment of Wisdom-Related Knowledge produced by The Max Plank Institute for Human Development and Education Berlin 1994

Elder Abuse in Ontario

2011-12-16T16:56:00.000-08:00

Elder abuse is an act of omission that harms a senior or jeopardizes his or her life .

Between four and ten per cent of Ontario's seniors experience some type of abuse, which could be psychological, sexual, financial, physical, neglect, spiritual or medical.

Some stereotypes associated with abuse of older adults are:

            -Older victims are somehow responsible for their abuse or neglect

            -Older people are burdens or an inconvenience to their families

            - Abuse of one's partner stops at age 60

            - Older men are not abused by their spouse and/or children

            - Certain cultural communities are immune to abuse and neglect

What can we can do about it?

Google Alerts [googlealerts-noreply@google.com] Posted Dec 1, 2011 By Doreen Barnes

Defining Ageism

2011-12-12T13:36:00.000-08:00

I recently came across and article that takes a deeper look at the definition of ageism.[i] It is very interesting and will help those of you who are following this part of the blog to understand more about the topic. I will copy several outstanding paragraphs and then leave it up to you if you wish to find the original article through your research database.

“The concept includes the classic social psychological components in the form of; 1) cognitive (stereotypes), 2) affective (prejudice), 3) and behavioral components (discrimination), in other words, how we on the basis of the chronological age or age categorization mistakenly; 1) think of, 2) feel for, 3) and act on the aging human being. Furthermore, ageism can operate both consciously (explicitly) and unconsciously (implicitly) and it can manifest itself on three different levels; the individual (micro-level), in social networks (meso-level) and on institutional and cultural level (macro-level).”

Conclusion

“Presently the research on ageism is marked by numerous, more or less diffuse, definitions of the concept of ageism. Many studies investigate both the causes and consequences of ageism without a clear definition of the phenomenon. As a consequence the area is characterized by diverging research results, which are hard to re-test and to compare. It is therefore difficult to obtain a framework on ageism.”

I strongly advise you to go to the article upon which this blog entry is based. Think this will give us all an opportunity to investigate our own understanding of the ageism process and develop ways to reduce it.

[i] Iverson, Thaomas Nicolaj; Larsen, Lars; Solem, Per Erik (2009). Conceptual Analysis of Ageism, Nordic Psychology, Vol 61(3,) p. 4-22.

Ageism On The Road

2011-12-09T11:40:00.000-08:00

Seniors driving test violates human rights

BY LILA VACCHER, THE CITIZEN DECEMBER 9, 2011

I firmly believe in my mind that the treatment of all seniors over the age of 80 years to retest in a large city is discriminating, and is illegal based on the B.C. Human Rights legislation. There are no other drivers that are forced to drive in a city that they are unfamiliar with every year after they turn 80 years of age. I understand that you want safe drivers on the road, but putting seniors in financial hardship, and stressing them out by making them drive in a city that they are not familiar with, is not only putting them in harm's way, but is not based on equality, it is not right, and it is not fair.

Perhaps having their licences restricted to daytime driving or only valid in the city they are living in would be a better option. A de-graduated licensing system, not unlike the reverse situation for teens.

Putting a financial burden on them, and excessive stress like that is enough to give anyone at any age a heart attack. This is taken directly off the Public Service B.C. Human Rights Protection page.

"In B.C., it is illegal to discriminate against or harass a person because of their: race; colour; ancestry; place of origin; religion; marital status; family status; physical or mental disability; sex (includes pregnancy, breastfeeding, and sexual harassment); sexual orientation; age (19 and over); criminal conviction (in employment only); political belief (in employment only);lawful source of income (in tenancy only).

"INTENTION Discrimination does not have to be intentional to be against the law. This means that even if the person responsible for the action or comment did not "mean it," it is still discrimination according to the law. "DUTY TO ACCOMMODATE Employers, landlords, and people who provide a service to the public have a duty to accommodate the special needs of people who may require changes to the usual ways in which something is done. For example, not accommodating the special needs of a disabled person or nursing mother is a form of race; colour; ancestry...sex; sexual orientation; age (19 and over)..."

Ageism can be outright discrimination which strips people of their rightful place in society on the basis of their age alone. Ageism can also be more nuanced. It can be externally imposed on seniors through rules and policies. And it can be internally imposed, where people try to comply with societal expectations by limiting their own possibilities.

Ageism is defined as discrimination on the basis of age that makes assumptions about capacity; removes decision-making process; ignores older person's known wishes; and treats the older adult as a child.

Lila Vaccher Duncan

Retirement and Subjective Well-Being

2011-12-07T15:30:00.000-08:00

I recently found an interesting article regarding subjective well-being and retirement.[i] The authors assert that “retirement…unfolds over time and ecological context which can promote or distract from the quality of life.” Research up to the time of the publication of their article supports the idea that our feelings about retirement depend on how attached we are to our work. If we are strongly attached, as many academics are, we may feel psychological stress. On the other hand “…retirement from the demands of a career job may reduce role strain.”

The authors go on to present their idea of “A life-course ecological approach that is based on a model that looks at “development and change over the life span.” They go on to say “…Research shows that family, education, employment, and other experiences all help to shape the transition into retirement,” They go on to assert that “…with increases in longevity, retirement is more of a midlife transition.”

I think that’s the way I am looking at it. Like most of people, I need to balance my income with my social activity. Last week I was invited to lecture about retirement at the aging class, which I designed some years ago at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Today I received a small check for the lecture. Not much but it will help with the groceries

I also went for a thirty-minute walk to Wall Mart and purchased some colored light bulbs. When I returned home I got our ladder out of the garage and replaced the bulbs that have reached their limits over the last several years. This is related to what I have mentioned above in that my actions were pro-active. I was doing a self-created job, much different from lecturing but still quite satisfying.

As I type these words the Rolling Stones remind me of the song; You can't always get what you want (no). But if you try sometimes you just might find you get what you need.

Perhaps we need to change the word retirement. We could use something new. The word has a history that goes back over 400 years. Its Synonyms are: pullback, pullout, recession, retreat, and withdrawal. I have labeled my blog Retirement: Third Age New Beginnings.

Do you have any ideas?

[i] Jungmeen J.E. & Moen, P. (2001) Is Retirement Good or Bad for Subjective Well-Being? In Current Directions in Psychological Science, Vol 10, (3), pp. 83-86.

A TURN IN THE ROAD

2011-12-02T11:10:00.000-08:00

I have posted more than 100 blog entries since I began the blog Retirement: Third Age New Beginnings. In the beginning I needed a lot more understanding of how to access and reply to Comments. For the last 5 months that has not been a problem. I was able to change process,

It’s wonderful to read how many people from all over the world have been reading my blog entries. But few people to take the time to make comments. It’s like communicating in a pitch-black room.

While I was still teaching at Kwantlen, I enjoyed very much interaction with persons taking my Aging Class. Most teachers do not like to drone on without feedback. From now on if you post a comment I will reply.

Surging around this morning on my computer files I came upon a number of short aging scenarios. I used them in class to facilitate discussions, giving those taking the class the opportunity to express their ideas about the topic. I am going to do that on my blog and see if I can generate discussion and get some feed back.

Here is the first one:

Bill had looked forward to retirement for the last five years. Six months age the long awaited day finally arrived, complete with a party and farewell speeches. For a while he was happy with his newfound freedom. He could sleep in, and didn’t have to deal with, company meetings and the constant pressure of the large mining company that had dominated his life for the last 33 years. Lately though, everything had changed. His wife Betty, who had retired three years earlier was anxious to start their journey in their mobile home which had been parked in the yard for a couple of years. Trivial arguments between them seemed to have become the norm. Somehow he missed the hustle and bustle of his old job. No one came to him for decisions anymore. They were both worried about being able to exist on fixed incomes. His body seemed to hurt in new places. He felt isolated, alone and rudderless. Their neighbors envied the couples leisure. But that didn’t matter. He has come to you for advice. What would you advise?

I eagerly await your comments

2011-11-30T13:34:00.000-08:00

Elderspeak

Have any of you ever experienced the following treatment? In the article, cited below, the authors describe a way of talking described as “elderspeak.” It refers to “ …a specialized speech register resembling baby talk in addressing older adults.” This form of speech uses few clauses, shorter phrases, more filler phrases (e.g., “like,” “you know”), words with fewer syllables, slower speech, and longer pauses. Elderspeak also includes the use of words like “dearie”, “cutie” and “sweetie.”

Stereotyping creates the conditions for elderspeack. The speaker assumes that the older person has low mental ability or some other impairment. Elderspeak has a negative effect on the older person; it creates low self-esteem, it reduces a person’s ability to communicate effectively, it decreases the quality of interaction, and it reduces the older person’s sense of control. Now the question is, what can we do about it? I would like you to respond to this information so we can discuss it further.

Elderspeak[i]

[i] Thorton, R. & Light L.L. (2006). “Language & Comprehension and Production in Normal Aging , Handbook of the Psychology of Aging, 6th ed. IN Aging and Society: A Canadian Perspective, 6^th Ed. P.6

2011-11-23T13:41:00.001-08:00

Ageist Humour

This material was discovered and printed by one of the most outstanding gerontologists, Dr. Erdman Palmore[i]

· You’ve reached old age when all you exercise is caution

· On the front: Nobody should call you an old codger

· Inside: A sexy old codger would be more accurate

· There’s a similarity between babies and old men—both fall asleep over there bottles

· We don’t count an man’s years until he has nothing else to count

· An old maid is a woman who has missed the opportunity for getting divorced.

· Old lady to a friend: “ I had a lot of trouble last night. A man kept banging on my door.

· Friend: “Why didn’t you open it?”

· Answer: “What and let him out?”

· Time may be a great healer, but he certainly is no beauty specialist

· One man asks another, “What did she have done?” Answer: “I don’t know but whatever it was, I sure was wrinkled.

· A man is only as old as the woman he feels.

· Birthday card front: The trouble with being our age, by the time our ship comes in….. Inside: our piers are collapsed.

· The secret of living to be a 100 becomes less attractive as you get older

· At a certain age some people’s minds close up: they live on an old intellectual fat.

· An old man approached his doctor and said: “I’m slowly going nuts over women, I there any way I can speed it up?

· A gerontologist was lecturing about aging processes: “There are three signs of aging: First there is memory…(pause)…and I’ve forgotten the other two.

· Old age is an incurable disease

· Old man: “Why don’t you tell me when you’re having an orgasm? Wife: “ I would but you’re never there.”

[i] Jokes take from Palmore E.B. (1990). Ageism positive and negative Springer Publishing Company, New York, NY.

Satisfaction with Later LIfe

2011-11-20T17:43:00.000-08:00

I look outside as winter approaches and think about how satisfied I am with life. I’m seventy-two with quite a bit to do. I fired up the computer and came across a tool that may be useful to you in examining you life satisfaction.[i] I think it might be useful to you.

Below are five statements that you may agree or disagree with. Using the 1-7 scale below, indicate your agreement with each item by connecting the appropriate number for each statement. It will be valuable to you if you are open and honest with your responding. After all you will be the only person who see’s the results.

· 7 – Strongly agree

· 6 – Agree

· 5 – Slightly Agree

· 4 – Neither Agree nor disagree

· 3 – Slightly disagree

· 2 – Disagree

· 1 - Strongly disagree

Then consider what results indicate and see if you agree

· 31 – 35 Extremely satisfied

· 26 – 30 Satisfied

· 21 – 28 Slightly satisfied

· 20 Neutral

· 15 – 19 Slightly satisfied

· 10 – 14 Dissatisfied

· 5 - 9 Extremely dissatisfied

Time marches on.

[i] J. Corrigan (2000). Satisfaction with life scale, The Center for outcome measurement in Brain Injury, http://www.tbims.org/combi/swis (accessed June, 18,2011) *Note: This citation is for the COMBI web material. Dr. Corrigan is not the scale author for the SWLS

2011-11-16T16:06:00.000-08:00

The Journey into a Leisure World

Last August 31^st I formally retired from Kwantlen Polytech University. My life has taken a different turn. Even though I was only teaching two courses per term over the last several years I have, during the past two months, begun to explore the “real” meaning of leisure activities’

If you look back over my blog entries you will see one of my new activities, acrylic painting. Recently I have been struggling with painting a picture of my mother, who’s now 95, in her earlier years.

What a task; maybe I need to stick with landscape pictures. In any case another of my “leisure” activities is creating entries onto my blogspot.

Last Monday night I had the honor of stepping in for the person who is currently teaching the ageing class. What a joy it was to return to the classroom! It was leisure for sure, In any case, I d decided to look around in my personal library to see what I could find and I found some material in the book cited at the bottom of this post,[i]

There is a small section in the book that focuses on Retirement Leisure. The author asserts, “Individuals select leisure activities to fit their personal identity (how they define themselves) and their social identity (how they believe they are defined by others)

When I was teaching I saw myself as a type of “independent contractor.” There are rules but there is a lot of freedom in decision-making. I decided what I would say and the structure of the evening, which included student group presentations.

But now back to the bigger picture, my teaching is concentrated on the creation of blog entries. I now have 148 posts.

“There is no universally accepted definition of leisure, partly because experiences and meanings are extremely personal and diverse.” The author provides 18 elements that help define leisure. Take a look at them and decide which ones work best for you.

· A social context for establishing and developing primary social relationships.

· A state of mind, attitude or being

· Non-work

· Freedom of choice in selecting activities

· Free or discretionary time

· Relaxation and diversion from work and personal maintenance activities.

· Playfulness or play

· Voluntary activity

· Expressive activities, in which there is internal satisfaction and an emphasis on the process rather than on the end result or product.

· Instrumental activities, which offer external rewards and which have an end product or outcome as a goal.

· Spontaneity

· Utilitarian and meaningful activities.

· Active and passive activities

· Social (group) or individual (solitary) activities

· Expensive or inexpensive activities

· Intellectual (that is cognitive), social, or physical activities

· Intrinsic or extrinsic rewards

· Creativity

· High culture or mass culture

I must stop here because I need to take a shower and get ready from my visit to local Chamber of Commerce dinner as a representative of the Langley Seniors Centre Board.

[i] B.D. McPherson,(2004). Aging as a Social Process: Canadian Perspectives, Oxford University Press

Content of Age-Based Stereotypes(1)

2011-11-11T22:16:00.000-08:00

Clusters of age based stereotypes reflect the ageist attitudes, (some

positive) such as the notion that older aged adults are less competent

the younger adults or on the other hand, wiser. Studies also suggest

the belief that as we age, we are less independent and strong. We are

also seen as less attractive. Hence we often see commercials promising

that the item for sale will help reduce wrinkles. “ Consider the number of

terms that are used for older adults that reflect unattractiveness, such as

crone, goat, hag, witch, withered, and wrinkled (Palmore, 1990)

For those of you who are interested in ageism the items are

on Table 9.3, p. 376, in the book listed below. There are five factors

considered characteristics of aging

Intolerance	Health/Physical Appearance	Personality	Dejected	Activity/Sociability
Get upset easily	Have health problems	Are set in their ways	Poor	Unproductive
Talk to themselves	Never fully recover from illness	Meddlesome	Hopeless	Not optimistic
Grouchy	Walk slowly	Old-fashioned	Unhappy	Physically inactive
Intolerant/impatient	Wrinkled	Think about the good old days	Lonely	Active outside home
Rigid	Talks slowly	Gives good advice	Insecure	Has lots of friends
Critical	Hard of hearing	Interesting to meet Good companion Likeable Interesting Experienced	Complains a lot	Has hobbies

i Whitney,B.E.& Kite M.E. (2006). The Psychology of Prejudice and

Descrimination, Thomson, Wadsworth, For more go to

www.wadsworth.com

An Apology

2011-11-07T07:27:00.000-08:00

Over the past year I have posted over 80 times and in many instances you have made a comment which I was unable to respond to. I think I have it fixed, your comment will show up on my email and I will check it regularly. I am very interested in your ideas.

Sincerely

Larry

Patterns of Ageism

2011-10-30T10:54:00.000-07:00

Until recently, in Canada, there has not been much research

documenting the extent of prejudice towards older persons. Robert

Butler (1969) first coined the term ageism and defined it as “..another

form of bigotry” and “a process of systematic stereotyping and

discrimination against people who are old.”

Ageism is different from the other types of “ism” such as sexism

and racism because, unlike them, ageism, in general may affect

everyone or at least everyone who lives long enough” says Erdmann

Palmore who indicates although there are positive and negative

forms of ageism, in general is has negative consequences to seniors.

Some demographic factors are: Level of education, Ethnicity,

Employment and/or Type of Pension, Distance of closest relative,

neighbor, Marital status, Organizational Membership, Level of

volunteering, Attitudes toward Local and Provincial Governments

Below are three figures indicating Ageism Relationships

2011-10-26T16:16:00.000-07:00

Attitudes Toward Old People Scale[i]

Many visitors to this blog site are very interested in ageism. The following scale for assessing attitudes toward old people was published in 1961; fifty years ago, The research article discusses relationships found between such attitudes and personality variables. Three samples of college undergraduates served as subjects… a scale containing items making unfavorable reference to old people and a scale containing matched favorably worded items was constructed. Only the sentences are included here but the original article includes a scoring procedure

Unfavorable attitudes toward old people were associated with feelings of anomie, and with negative dispositions toward ethnic minorities as well as a variety of physically disabled groups. A (From Psyc Abstracts 36:01:3GD44K.)

The Scale

1. The elderly have the same faults as anybody else

2. The elderlys’ accounts of their past experiences are interesting

3. Most elderly keep a clean home

4. Most elderly seem to be quite clean in their personal appearance.

5. Most elderly would work as long as possible rather than be dependent.

6. People grow wiser with the coming of old age.

7. Most elderly are very different from one another.

8. Most elderly are cheerful, agreeable and good humored.

9. Most elderly respect the privacy of others

10. Most elderly are very relaxing to be with.

11. A nice residential neighborhood has a number of elderly living in it.

12. Most elderly are as easy to understand as young people.

13. Most elderly can adjust when the situation demands it.

14. The elderly have too little power in business and politics.

15. Most elderly need no more love and reassurance than anybody else.

16. It would be better if most elderly lived in residential units that also housed younger people.

17. The elderly seldom complain about the behavior of younger people.

18. It is foolish to claim that wisdom comes with old age,

19. Most elderly bore others by talking about the good old days.

20. Most elderly send to much time prying into the affairs of others.

21. Most elderly let their homes become shabby and unattractive

22. If the elderly expect to be liked, the should eliminate their irritating faults.

[i] Attitudes toward old people: The development of a scale and an examination of correlates. Kogan, N. The Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, Vol 62(1),

Jan 1961, 44-54. doi: 10.1037/h0048053

2011-10-19T16:07:00.000-07:00

Racism, Sexism Unacceptable, But Ageism Continues To Thrive[i]

Getting old is an insidious process. You hardly notice it creeping up on you. But others do. And they’re only too glad to remind you of the fact, sometimes in a joking well-intentioned fashion…often not. Our society has managed, for the most part, to banish racism and sexism, or at least make it politically unacceptable. Look no further than the outrage over a former NDP MLA’s sexist comments about Premier Christy Clark.

But ageism continues to thrive. It often seems to be the last acceptable form of bigotry in politically correct countries like Canada. Younger people are allowed to dismiss what older folks say because of a knee-jerk hostility—and disinterest—towards them. Being old, in their narrow view, is one of the worst crimes you can commit. Which is especially true if you are poor, elderly women or otherwise disadvantaged. It is little wonder that this leads to elder abuse, the acting out of a powerful underlying prejudice in an urban, youth-oriented world where too often seniors are viewed as sub-human.

Mostly, though, its not so much a use that's in play in B.C. just plain thoughtlessness.

An E- street member B. Smith, of Vancouver, tells how in 2007 her dying mother a longtime victim of domestic violence, was put in a ward with men in the hospital “She was very upset, and we her children were frantic,” she said. She and other family members advised the nursing staff that, because of her mom’s history she should only be in a room with other women. And she was moved to another room. But male patients were later moved back into that room---which made her mom’s death from cancer at age of 77 even more unbearable.

”Women should not have to die in fearful conditions.” The 59-year-old Smith noted. “It’s morally wrong, utterly reprehensible and totally preventable.” Smith, a former Alberta hospital admitting supervisor, told me Monday that the policy of mixing men and women in BC hospital wards continues to this day: “They don’t care for the dignity of patients.”

Medical researcher Donna Young said age discrimination really kicks when people turn 90, and patient care often turns from bad to worse. “You’re not treated as a human being anymore,” she said in an interview. “You’re worthless. You don’t contribute to the tax base.”

Young, 69 years old, noted that her mom died this June in a Kamloops hospital, aged 97, after three years of pain and suffering.

My view is that it’s all about attitudes. Age discrimination is not simply a problem in health institutions; it’s endemic in our society. The movie and TV industries tend to ignore old people or treat them as the butt of bad jokes. Ageism is also rife on the Internet, where it generally flies by unchallenged.

What gets ignored is the voice of experience and sense of perspective that comes with old age. And given the current social and economic turmoil in the world, we need that wisdom more than ever. Indeed we need to celebrate it,

Thanks Jon!!!!!!!!

[i] Printed with permission of Jon Ferry The Province Oct 19^th 2011

Retirement Readiness Questionaire

2011-10-18T14:58:00.000-07:00

Directions:

Take some time to think about the following questions and what your answers tell you about your thoughts on retirement. The less the number of thoughts, the less you may be prepared.

1. Why are you thinking about retirement now? (You get one point if you think that someone who knows you well considers your answer Good and Clear)

2. Do you want to retire? (One point if yes)

3. Have you attended a retirement preparation program or seminar focused on financial planning? (One point if yes)

4. Have you attended a retirement preparation program or seminar focused on social planning? (E.g. community activities and interpersonal endeavors)? (One point if yes)

5. How would your finances be if you retired now? (One point if good or better)

6. Have you developed any outside interests, hobbies, volunteer activities or areas of new learning? (One point if yes)

7. Have you planned new activities where you would interact with people on a regular basis, offering opportunities for new friendships?

(One point if yes)

8. What do your family and friends say about you retiring?

(One point if they think you are doing the right thing)

9. Have you considered whether you want a complete or partial retirement? In other words, have you considered part-time or temporary work, or even a less than full-time small business venture? Emphases here are on consideration. (One point if Yes, even if you choose not to go this route)

10. During retirement, will the process of making at least a modest contribution helping out in various volunteer or other activities be sufficient for you, or do you feel you need to make an immediate major difference in what you do? (One point if yes to the first part of the question or to the second part if you feel you have lined up an activity where you can make an immediate major contribution)

11. What is important and fulfilling for you? How do your retirement plans relate to your thinking here? (One point it someone who is reliable and knows you, feels you give a straight answer and considers your answer Good and Clear)

12. What is it that gives you a sense of meaning and purpose in life? How do your retirement plans relate to your thinking here? (One point it someone who is reliable and knows you, feels you give a straight answer and considers your answer Good and Clear)

Scoring--What is your Retirement Readiness Quotient?

· 12 points: You’re in position for a great retirement

· 10-11 points: Your retirement will likely be highly satisfying

· 8- 9 points: Your retirement could have some problems that are likely fixable.

· 6-7 points: You could be challenged by ambivalent feelings about retirement, requiring a solid effort to bring your situation up a notch

· 3-5 points You are potentially in a trouble zone with your retirement now working well, short of a major effort to get it back on track.

· 0-2 points You are in jeopardy of having an unfulfilling retirement, requiring an all out effort to have things work out to your liking

Getting Past Ageism

2011-10-13T16:22:00.001-07:00

[i]Those who have been following my blog entries know that my most definite interest is Ageism. Some while ago I came upon the following material. The persons creating this material have given us permission to use it in ways that can benefit society. So here it is.

1. Identify the myths and mis-information.

adults feel emotional pain less or do not have sexual feelings; or that older adults are largely responsible for growing health care or other social costs.

2. Go beyond the stereotypes of aging.

3. Learn more about aging.

The better informed we are about aging and what to expect, the better we are able to evaluate and resist many of the inaccurate and negative stereotypes of aging.

4. Learn more about ageism and discrimination.

their effect on seniors. Also recognize how ageism intersects with other "isms" such as sexism or racism.

5. Listen to seniors who have experienced ageism.

They are in the best position to tell us how ageism affects their lives.

.6. Monitor media and respond to ageist material.

7. Speak up about ageism.

8. Watch our language.

9. Talk openly about aging issues and ageism.

The more ageism and age discrimination remain hidden, the more people believe it is acceptable to act this way. Show and recognize the heterogeneity of seniors. Older adults are not all the same. Let

others see real older people - people who are resourceful, articulate and creative, who

are familiar as valued friends or coworkers. Also include older adults who have conditions that may limit their abilities in some ways; they are not limited in other ways. People who do not fit the stereotype are a powerful way to fight ageism.

10. Build intergenerational bridges to promote better understanding.

11. Provide support for organizations that address ageism.

12. Push for changes from your elected representative.

[i] http://www.cnpea.ca/How%20Do%20We%20Get%20Past%20Ageism_handout.pdf

AGEISM AND ELDER ABUSE BY UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

2011-10-08T10:25:00.000-07:00

Research indicates that in comparison to middle aged adults, young adults exhibit higher levels of ageist attitudes towards older persons and that elder abuse is increasing. This study examined proclivity of elder abuse by young adults enrolled at the post-secondary level. A total of 206 university students completed questionnaires on attitudes toward older persons and their proclivity to elder abuse. Results indicated that student attitudes are correlated with elder abuse. In addition, proclivity to psychological abuse was found to be significantly higher than physical abuse.

A convenience sample from a research pool was used. Participation was voluntary and respondents received course credits. Informed consent was obtained from participants. Young adults were defined as 18 to 30 and older persons as 65 years and older. A total of 206 (64 males and 142 females) respondents participated in the study. Most participants attained at least some university level of education. The majority of respondents (66.5%) came from areas with a sizable proportion of older persons living in their communities.

. The results supported the hypothesis that ageism based on stereotypes is more common than avoidance or affective aspect of ageist attitudes. They also indicated that the overall proclivity rate towards elder abuse is 32.1% whereby respondents indicated that they would engage in psychologically abusive behaviours toward an older person provided that there were no consequences to their actions.

The most frequent types of psychological abuse came from minor subscales where a majority of respondents reported that they would stomp out of a room during a disagreement with older people. Under the same condition, only 2.4% of respondents reported that they would endorse physically abusive behaviours towards older persons such as slapping and pushing them.

Psychological abuse has consistently emerged as the most prevalent form of elder abuse in both proclivity and the prevalence estimates. Such findings may be due to the relative lack of sanctions placed on minor psychological aggression (i.e. verbal) compared to other forms of abuse. Although psychological abuse does not cause any visible harm or injury, abuse such as verbal insults, patronizing speech and threats can damage self-esteem resulting in more damaging impacts than physical abuse.

The present findings on proclivity rates and previous research on prevalence rates to elder abuse indicate the increasing vulnerability of older adults to abusive behaviours. Also found were specific relationships between the attitudes of young adults enrolled in a post-secondary institution and the likelihood of endorsing abusive behaviours towards older persons.

Today, the younger generation needs to prepare for the gap between the generations and learn to deal with a multitude of aging issues as they grow older and take on responsibility for the caring of older members of society. Therefore the information obtained from this study has significant research, practical, and policy implications. Resources should be allocated to existing services in order to raise awareness of the increasing vulnerability of our aging population and to encourage intergenerational dialogue among older and younger adults.

[1] Yongjie Yon BAA, MA, Larry Anderson B.Sc., MSc., Ph.D, Jocelyn Lymburner Ph.D, John Marasigan BA, M.Ed, MBA, PhD , Robert Savage, BGS, MA (c), Michael Campo BSc, MA , Rose McCloskey RN, PhD, GNC(c), Sue Ann Mandville-Anstey BN., MN., PhD (c)

Marital Satisfactions Among Seniors

2011-10-02T17:20:00.000-07:00

In some previous blog entries I have touched on the topic of marital satisfaction and retirement. During this past summer my wife and I have spent a lot of time together. Along with my anticipation of formal retirement, which happened on August 31^st, she has been coping with a gradually healing broken ankle and a hernia that refuses to stay in the right place. On the other hand, I have been struggling with sleep apnea. Her bone is about healed and I have recently purchased a tool that helps me breath at night. In both cases, we have experienced increased stress and occasionally we have harsh words with each other. Please don’t get the wrong idea, Sometimes we get irritated with each other. We are after all human beings or Homo sapiens depending on how technical you want to get. Still, all and all, we have a good relationship and love each other dearly.

The material mentioned below includes a marital satisfaction questionnaire. Read what the authors have said and then take a look at the questions. It may help you and your partner to sort things out or to recognize just how well your partnership is getting along.

“Although poor health for one or both partners is potentially an important stressor in the lives of older persons

the spouses appear to distinguish satisfaction with their partner's health from their evaluations of the marital relationship per se.”

“The current findings substantiate the importance of marital satisfaction in the lives of older persons. Marital Satisfaction Scale items were highly correlated with overall life satisfaction, and they predicted the occurrence of the positive or negative behaviors in the home and during marital problem solving discussions. We hope that the availability of this assessment instrument will help to stimulate greater attention to evaluating older persons' marital satisfaction through research and interventions. “

December 1992 Vol. 4, No. 4, 473-482. The Marital Satisfaction Questionnaire For Older Persons. Aulthors: S. N. Haynes, F. J. Floyd, Carolyn Lemsky, Elizabeth Rogers, David Winemiller, Nancy Heilman, Mary Werle, Tria Murphy, & Lydia, Cardone (1992) Marital Satisfaction Questionnaire

Marital Satisfaction Questionnaire for Older Persons

Please answer the following questions as carefully as possible. You may choose not to answer specific questions, but you are encouraged to answer as many as possible. Please indicate your current level of satisfaction or dissatisfaction for each of the items listed below.

1 = very dissatisfied, 2= dissatisfied 3= somewhat dissatisfied

4 = somewhat satisfied 5= satisfied 6 = Very dissatisfied

1. The amount of time my spouse and I spend in shared recreational activities:

1 2 3 4 5 6

2. The degree to which my spouse and I share common interests:

1 2 3 4 5 6

3. The day-to-day support and encouragement provided by my spouse:

1 2 3 4 5 6

4. My spouse's physical health:

1 2 3 4 5 6

5. The degree to which my spouse motivates me:

1 2 3 4 5 6

6. My spouse's overall personality:

1 2 3 4 5 6

7. The amount of consideration shown by my spouse:

1 2 3 4 5 6

8. The manner in which affection is expressed between my spouse and me:

1 2 3 4 5 6

9. How my spouse reacts when I share feelings:

1 2 3 4 5 6

10. The way disagreements are settled:

1 2 3 4 5 6

11. The number of disagreements between my spouse and me:

1 2 3 4 5 6

12. . My spouse's philosophy of life:

1 2 3 4 5 6

13. My spouse's values:

1 2 3 4 5 6

14. My spouse's emotional health:

1 2 3 4 5 6

15. The frequency of sexual or other physically intimate relations with my spouse:

1 2 3 4 5 6

16. The quality of sexual or other physically intimate relations with my spouse:

1 2 3 4 5 6

17. The frequency with which my spouse and I have pleasant conversations:

1 2 3 4 5 6

[ii]

Physical Activity and Thinking as We Age

2011-09-28T07:30:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, I returned home after spending four days with some close friends Don and Vivian at their home on Gabriola. Aside from sitting out on their back porch gazing at the beautiful clouds, ocean, and trees, we went for long walks in the forest. It was excellent activity, contrasted with hours sitting reading novels and watching movies on TV. Don took a photo of the beach area near where they live and I intend to paint a picture using the photo as a reference. I’ll put it on my blog when I finish.

Since I am now retired Psych Info is no longer available to me unless I am inside one of Kwantlen’s libraries. So I have been searching my new set of research date banks. With the help of a sympathetic Kwantlen librarian, I came across an interesting article[i] that deals with material have been doing. Recently I have been experiencing cognitive difficulty; particularly in remembering people’s names. I found an article in which one of the authors’ specific goals was to find a more “…concrete measure in the cognitive memory domain.

The research included sixteen persons, the majority of them women, who were participating in a six-month physical activity program. The average age was 71 (which incidentally is how old I am). As usual their investigation is based on previous academic research. “Overall, the majority of research review seems to suggest that an active lifestyle and more specifically aerobic exercise can slow cognitive decline in old age, even slow the effects of Alzheimer’s.” Further, “In general, more hours of participation in physical activities were associated with a slower rate of decline in cognitive function.” And (how great!!) “In general, memory is one of the cognitive domains that seems to benefit from physical, aerobic exercise that provides cognitive stimulation.

In the end the authors suggest that the “…interpretation of the data should be done with caution and should be confirmed with programs lasting over a longer span of time, in both the sampling and the training period, the results are consistent with previous studies that show the benefits of an active lifestyle--physically and intellectually—are with a lower risk of cognitive deterioration in the elderly.” That’s it for this blog entry. I think I’ll go out for a walk.

[i] Martinez-Widal, A., Prada A. and Martinez-Patino M.J.(2011). Effect of a combined program, of physical activity and intellectual activity in the cognivite functioning of the elderly, Journal of Sport and Exercise ISSN ` 1988-5202, pp. 462-473.

A Transportation Problem

2011-09-18T10:39:00.000-07:00

Carl, an 82-year-old, retired company manager is slowly recovering from a fall that left his hip badly bruised. He finds it difficult to walk without the aid of a “walker”. In addition, he has problems with mid stage prostrate cancer. Recently, while driving, he hit the curb and flattened one of his rear tires. He drove home with a flat tire because he wanted to hide the accident. Next month he must take a drivers test to see if you can still drive properly. He is determined to drive as long as he can and feels that it is part of his role as man of the family.

At home he as several times fallen off the couch and not been able to get up without help from his 76-year-old wife Helen. Helen can’t drive and is dependent on Carl to drive her to do house needs such as shopping. While she is frightened about Carl’s driving, she can’t see any other options. She has come to you for advice about what to do.

Social Relationships and the Community

2011-09-09T16:41:00.000-07:00

Recently, I attended a meeting at a local Neighborhood House in Crescent Beach B.C. The meeting was called to explore ways of increasing benefits to the community through the creation of an Older Adults Advisory Group. At the top of the list of goals provided by the organization was “Focus on volunteerism, knowledge sharing and social participation/meaningful contribution with older adults. partly based on the fact that North American society will soon be experiencing a “boom” in the growth of our senior’s population

While the Neighborhood House has existed for several years they still have a relatively small level of senior’s participation. In the process of seeking to find out more about their community Neighberhood House is applying for a Federal grant. Their objectives are:

Promoting volunteerism among seniors and other generations
Engaging seniors in the community through mentoring others, and
Supporting the social participation and inclusion of seniors

Our company Community Building: Research and Action, has also been looking for ways to investigate and encourage older peoples’ involvement with volunteer groups in their community. Finding out about this can also benefit the Langley Senior’s Resource Centre where I am on the Board.

Research

First, I decided to find research that examines the level of seniors’ self views and levels of community participation.

I found two articles related to these ideas. The first explores Perceptions of Elderly Self-Neglect[i]. There has not been a lot of research studying older peoples’ self neglect. (After reading the article I can understand why.) First of all there is no universal definition of what behaviors of self-neglect mean except that they are a variety of neglect. The researchers’ first step was to design a survey of behaviors or situations that might describe self-neglect. Below are several items that relate to the general topic. As you read them remember that there is no universal agreement on the meaning of self-neglect. In the complete survey there are 22 items, most of which do not explicitly mention social connections. The ones below do:

· An elderly individual avoids friends, family, or social events

· An elderly individual has three or four alcoholic drinks at social occasions only.

· An elderly individual who is not allowed in his or her children’s home

Social Isolation

What are some factors associated with of social isolation? To clarify things the authors of the article acknowledge that older people can and do make “…crucial contributions” to the communities in which they reside. The research challenge here is to find out how many seniors who live alone are vulnerable due to social isolation. It also looks at other factors such as poverty, disabilities and linguistic isolation. The research was carried out in New York City. All of the respondents were 75+ years old.

The researchers using the New York

Census found that:

35% of those who were 75+ were living alone

30% were living in poverty

In many census tracts, 88% of those over 65 are living with one or more disabilities.

I need to acknowledge that there may be major differences between neighborhoods in BC’s Lower Mainland. Only research can tell.

Social Relationships

Other questionnaires have also be designed to investigate

community involvement, Here is the first one

Community Involvement Survey #1

This community involvement survey, which has been designed to help quantify the impact members, have on the economic, social, and cultural health of the community;

This survey is designed to take just a few minutes to complete/

Thank you for your assistance

1. Are you currently involved in any community organizations/groups as a volunteer? Social Isolation

The researchers using the New York

Census found that:

35% of those who were 75+ were living alone

30% were living in poverty

In many census tracts, 88% of those over 65 are living with one or more disabilities.

I need to acknowledge that there may be major differences between neighborhoods in BC’s Lower Mainland. Only research can tell.

Yes____ No____ (If no please go to question 7

2. How many community organizations/groups are you currently involved with as a volunteer?

1____ 2_____ 3_____ 4______ 5______ More_______

3. What is the focus of the organizations/groups that you support through your volunteer work? Check all that apply.

Arts____

Cultural_____

Education/school____

Healthcare___

International Aid____

Political___

Service Club ___

Sports/recreation___

Spiritual/Religious__

Other (please specify) ____________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. What is your role in your volunteer activities/ Check all that apply:

Coach

Consultant

Fundraiser

Member

Mentor/teacher

Special events

Other (please specify)

5. On the average how many total hours per month do you spend volunteering in community activities?

1-5 hours_____ 6 to 10 hours_____ 11-15 hours____

6. Do you support community organizations through donations? If yes, check all that apply.

Arts_____

Cultural___

Education/school___

Healthcare___

International aid___

Political__

Service Club___

Social Service___

Sports/ recreation___

Spiritual/Religious___

Other (please specify) _____________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

7. If you are not currently volunteering are you planning to begin in the coming year?

Yes____

No ____

The next questionnaire asks for even more details:

Pre and Post Adventure Experience Community Involvement Questionnaire #2

(Revised)

For all questions, 1 represents strongly agree, 2 Agree, 3 Neutral, 4 Disagree, 5 Strongly Disagree

1. I have a leadership role in a community organization.

1 2 3 4 5

2. I have made new friends as a result of participation in a community group.

1 2 3 4 5

3. I believe my community is important.

1 2 3 4 5

4. I have mentored someone from my community.

1 2 3 4 5

5. I have received recognition for my contributions to my community.

1 2 3 4 5

6. Someone from my community has mentored me.

1 2 3 4 5

" Constructed by Norm Staunton An exercise for KIN 900, UNH, fall 2001

Summary

There is a lot we need to know about relationships between older persons and their relationship to their community. Where do you fit in?

[i] S.N. San Filippo et al (2007) Perceptions of Elderly Self-Neglect: A Look at Culture and Cohort,

Family and Consumer Sciences Research Journal

, Vol 35, 215-229

Gina's Retirement

2011-09-03T10:22:00.000-07:00

Gina had looked forward to retirement for many years. The long awaited day finally came six months ago, complete with a party and farewell speeches. For a while she was happy with her newfound freedom. She could sleep in, and didn’t have to deal with, company meetings and the constant pressure of a large clothing design company that had dominated her life for the last 33 years. Lately though, everything had changed. Her husband Ben, who had retired three years earlier was anxious to start their journey in their mobile home which had been parked in the yard for a couple of years. Trivial arguments seemed to have become the norm. Somehow she missed the hustle and bustle of her old job. No one came to her for decisions anymore. They were both worried about being able to exist on fixed incomes. Her body seemed to hurt in new places. She felt isolated, alone and rudderless. Her neighbors envied the couples leisure. But that didn’t matter. What should she do?

The Last Day

2011-08-31T20:06:00.000-07:00

This is my last day as a psychology professor at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. I'm not sure how I feel about it. I had a touch of joy when I checked my email a little while ago I found a message from the person who is now teaching the Department's Aging class. He has asked me if I would like to give a guest lecture. I emailed back that I would enjoy doing a presentation as long as I have enough time to prepare for it.
I am also continuing to develop my workshops and I have recently found someone who is well prepared to handle the financial side of the retirement workshop.
On the other hand this afternoon I spent 3 hours in the Dentist's chair getting one of my tooth's nerves extracted. Within a couple weeks if I follow the directives my tooth will be fine. I think complete satisfaction my retirement process will take a bit longer.
Tomorrow, I will travel into Vancouver to visit with two of my sons. This is something I do regularly. Looking at this on a more abstract level my life is a mixture of change and continuity. And I expect that this will continue for some time.
Would anyone out there like to describe their "last day"?

More About Ourselves As We Age

2011-08-26T10:25:00.000-07:00

First I would like to apologize for my relatively thoughtless announcement about changes in my blog entry content.

Twenty years ago, for several years I left the academic world and practiced clinical psychology in the context of; 1. Helping companies find the right employee and 2. Helping individuals find work environments that met their psychological needs and characteristics.

I can now translate my skills into exploration of retirement satisfaction in non-clinical environment casual conversations through exchanges of ideas with those who are interested in my previous blog entries and some of the questions that I will be asking. My goal is to help people understand and adjust satisfactorily to retirement life.

Just so you understand the framework within which I ask questions I will share more about my clinical background.

While practicing as an “industrial clinical psychologist” I was trained within the framework of Alfred Adler, one of the founders of clinical psychology.

The primary aspect of this approach is to help people understand themselves including their personal identity and goals. I always began by asking a set of questions associated with the core ideas of Adler’s approach. These questions are simple but can also trigger extended self-thought.

Here are the statements we need to ask themselves by completing the following phrases:

I Am… Deep answers to this question go way beyond gender and occupation and reach into things like your birth order and early relationships with your parents and siblings

The world is…You might examine this in relation to our world’s current economic problems. Are you pessimistic or optimistic about the worlds' current economic situation? But more than that, how do you see the everyday world around you?

Other people are… One of the key ingredients of Adler’s thinking was to explore our social relationships with other people, which begin in early life.

Finally “In order to have a place I must… It is assumed that the strategies we use as adults are continuations and elaborations of ideas we developed while we were growing up as children.

During the next few blog entries I will ask questions which can be answered through your understanding of who you are and how you respond to challenges.

My basic assumption is that our “Style of life”, as Adlerians frame it, is well established long before the time we retire. During our adult lives we respond, and make decisions without analyzing them. They seem obvious! But it may be that this major transition off life requires some serious thinking about the ways we have preceded and choices we encounter during our Third Age.
Over the next several posts I will present various situations regarding old age and retirement. If you have taken some time to build an idea of who you are, you can then examine the situations further.

Seeking Solutions to Retirement Problems

2011-08-19T18:07:00.000-07:00

Beginning with this blog entry I would like to start some exchanges with those who visit my blog and would like to go beyond mini lectures. I now have the system DISQUS that allows viewer responses. Up until recently, I have gotten responses but the program refused to publish them.
Below is a brief tale of a person who is facing a challenge of retirement. After you have read the story I would like to know what you think.This scenario describes, the experience of a person used to power and leadership. He is what gerontologists describe as “young/old.” He is a former Chief Executive Officer of profitable company who is now in his early 70’s. He retired at the usual age of 65 because he thought, “that’s what you should do. Since then he has discovered the whole pattern of being “young-old”.

He’s full of energy and has no money problems that might encourage him back to work. Yet he feels he is missing something. So he has started looking for another job but being in his 70’s he has received very cold receptions. (Ageism?) He says, “They seem to listen to you but they don’t see you. You’re a non-person.” He has tried volunteer work but has found it not very satisfying” You are his friend and he has come to you for advice. He is in very good shape and has lost none of his abilities. The way he sees it is ”When you’ve had your power, for a number of years, your value is your power not your abilities. He finishes speaking and waits for your reply. What would your response be?

Summertime Fun

2011-08-12T20:36:00.000-07:00

Several of my blog entries discuss leisure activities during our senior lives. But what is leisure for me. The best thing I like about leisure is freedom to do things for the pure enjoyment. But I ask myself this question “besides walking and watching Glee, and creating blog posts, is that all there is?”

Over the past five weeks I immersed myself in watercolor painting (no pun intended). My wife Elizabeth who is now approaching her degree in fine arts at Kwantlen is mentoring me. She is very helpful and is able to critique me with the same skill and attitude that her arts instructors give feed back to their students.

It is interesting that each time I start a new project, I am fearful and I ask myself “What am I afraid of?”. I really don’t know. Once I get started I have a great time. My first Acrylic painting and first use of a canvas was last evening from 6 to 9 pm at Camp Alexandra in Crescent Beach, British Columbia. About 40 people attended. We all used the same Van Gogh painting as a reference, Starry Night but using the local area as a subject so no one was just trying to imitate the painting.

What an evening!!!!!!! Outside on the grass, a full moon shining through the trees and happy laughter as about 40 people ate a brief meal of crackers, cheese, drank a bit of fine wine and began painting.

I started making art about 3 months ago when I started drawing. After I finished a whole booklet of sketches I moved on to watercolour and kept the size at 8 ½ by 11 inches so that I could put them in inexpensive frames from local Dollars Store but also partly because I have been afraid to take on larger projects.

And then came last night with canvas 20 x 16 inches. I am not going to abandon watercolor but now I’m starting to include acrylic and am excited about a bigger canvas. Happy, happy, happy!!!!!!!

Below are my most recent watercolour paintings and Starry Crescent Beach from last night’s workshop.

Yellow Warbler, watercolour on paper

Northshore Mts. watercolour on paper

Starry Crescent Beach, acrylic on canvas

Blundering Through Life

2011-08-05T09:24:00.000-07:00

Before beginning this blog entry I checked Wikipedia to be sure that I would not be making “A serious or embarrassing mistake, usually the result of carelessness or ignorance.”

Frequently when my wife talks to me from across the room I do not pay attention. I often fail to hear what she is saying but nod my head as if I do. My habit of nodding my head is sometimes quite embarrassing; I have had a tendency to blame this problem on my decreased hearing capability; I have hearing aids for both ears but seldom wear them around the house. In reality whether it’s at home or in the community, my blunders are mostly because I am not paying attention.

It’s easy to get caught up in “self-talk” and simply nod your head as if you are listening to what the other person is saying. It is embarrassing when you have nodded your head and are then ask to explain your thoughts particularly when the proper response is to wag your heard from side to side.

So what can I do about it? I have gradually come to understand that slowing down in my responses allows me to re-examine habits that trigger the following negative responses.

It is interesting that the concept of wisdom includes the idea of slowing down. It helps us to be less controlled by our habits.

Blunder Items:

1. You fail to hear people speaking to you when you are doing something else?

2. You say something and realize afterwards that it might be taken as insulting?

3. You lose your temper and regret it?

4. You drop things?

5. You bump into people?

6. You find yourself suddenly wondering whether you've used a word correctly?

[1] Wallace, J. Craig; Kass, Steven J.; Stanny, Claudia (2002). The cognitive failures questionnaire revisited: Dimensions and correlates, Journal of General Psychology,129(3), 238-256.

Know Your Self

2011-07-29T17:10:00.000-07:00

I have mentioned material in Roiter’s book[i] several times. There is more in it and I sincerely recommend that you take a look at this book to gather important information. The book has four sections reflecting key issues in understanding retirement. They are: 1.Personal 2.Social 3.Financial and 4.Physical. I will not be talking about the financial at this time.

I suggest that you google retirement financial. There are many blog entries on that subject, as many of you probably know. I am more interested in psychological factors and will concentrate the non-financial information.

So we will start off with the Personal Factor, which is the last one, discussed. Roiter makes a strong case that the key to the whole process is to know yourself which helps us understand what we do and why we do it. This value is why I think that meditation is so important in our lives. He uses a cake metaphor to make his point “Yourself is much like a cake, made up of many parts, including (in the case of the cake) flour, sugar, milk, eggs flavorings, and other ingredients”

Of course this is true for all our lives but is particularly important as we approach and live our lives in retirement. “If your attitude is that aging consists of inevitable decline, that is what it will probably be for you. I believe that this book has demonstrated that this does not have to be the case….Focus on the difficulties and that is what you will find. Focus on the great an you may become deluded, for it is not all great. Focus on the good, and be aware of the great and the difficult an you will age well.”

I was able to find some questions you can ask yourself. Once you have answered them, sit back a write a brief paragraph about each of you answers.

1 Who has the most inspiring influence upon you? What is the cause?

2. Do you tolerate negative or discouraging influences which you can avoid?

3. Are you careless of your personal appearance? If so, when and why?

4. Have you learned how to "drown your troubles" by being too busy to be annoyed by them?

5. Would you call yourself a "spineless weakling" if you permitted others to do your thinking for you?

6. Do you neglect internal bathing until auto-intoxication makes you ill-tempered and irritable?

7. How many preventable disturbances annoy you, and why do you tolerate them?

8. Do you resort to liquor, narcotics, or cigarettes to "quiet your nerves"? If so, why do you not try will-power instead?

9. Does anyone "nag" you, and if so, for what reason?

10. Do you have a DEFINITE MAJOR PURPOSE, and if so, what is it, and what plan have you for achieving it?

11. Do you suffer from any of the Six Basic Fears? If so, which ones?

12. Have you a method by which you can shield yourself against the negative influence of others?

13. Do you make deliberate use of auto-suggestion to make your mind positive?

14. Which do you value most, your material possessions, or your privilege of controlling your own thoughts?

15. Are you easily influenced by others, against your own judgment

[i] Rotter, B. (2008) Beyond Work: How Accomplished people Retire Successfully, John Wiley and sons, Canada.

ii. www.successfulinsiders.com/…/self%11analysys-test-questions-16

Retirement and Happiness

2011-07-22T09:26:00.000-07:00

I recently received an email regarding my blog activity and personal retirement goals. The message says:

“ It would be better if you include your passion on your retirement activities. It is what gives you more energy. When you love what you do and you do it without pushing yourself, you embrace life more and enjoy it to the fullest.

It prompted me return to the process of leisure self-examination expressed in a recent blog entry

Travel is the second most common leisure activity reported by many retirees. Retirement can provide us with an opportunity for personal growth through leisure activity that is much wider than fishing or playing golf.

In fact I see walking travel as a form of leisure and I’m walking more than I have for a long time.” In fact yesterday I purchased a pocket pedometer so that I can keep in touch with the distance and amount of time I spend walking.

I also take along an ipod, given to me recently at my Psychology Dept retirement party. As I walk I hear songs from Glee, my favorite television program. I always get a big smile and sometimes tears of joy come to my eyes.

If it rains in the next few days, which is highly likely, I will probably sing as I walk.[i]

I'm singin’ in the rain
Just singin’ in the rain
What a glorious feeling'
I'm happy again
I'm laughing at clouds
So dark up above
The sun's in my heart
And I'm ready for love
Let the stormy clouds chase
Everyone from the place
Come on with the rain
I've a smile on my face
I walk down the lane
With a happy refrain
Just singin',
Singin' in the rain

_______________________________________________

[i] Singin' in the Rain is a 1952 American comedy musical film starring Kelly, Donald and Debbie Reynolds and directed by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen.

[1] Dorfman, L.T. & Kolarik D.C. (2005). Leisure and retired professor occupation matters, Educational Gerontology 31 (5), 343-361

Aging and Remembering People’s Names

2011-07-15T16:16:00.000-07:00

One of my biggest problems, which has been with me for a long time, and seems to be increasing, is being able to remember people’s names. I have other cognitive difficulties but this one is the most frustrating. I am not alone “A common complaint of older adults is that they have trouble remembering names, even the names of people they know well.”[i] Specifically this research found that people in their 70s “…show an impairment in recall of names of known people, but not of known objects.” Other forms of memory problems weren’t differentiated on the basis of age.

There are also other types of cognitive skills problems listed in the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire. It has several main categories. They are memory, distractibility, blunders, and memory for names. The rest of this blog entry will deal with memory for names. Future blog entries will take a look at the others.

The main memory items are:

Do you leave important letters unanswered for days?
Do you find you forget people's names?
Do you fail to listen to people's names when you are meeting them?

It often takes at least a week for me to answer important letters including those from my financial advisor and within the last year I have had a very difficult time remembering peoples name that I have known for years but don’t see very often. The good side of it is that instead of getting stressed trying to remember them I relax and inevitably, usually within a minute or so, the name pops into my consciousness.

I have historically not paid much attention to people’s names. The first time I remember having difficulty with remembering a person’s name was in my second year at University. I was walking along with a person who I had recently met in one of my courses. Coming toward us was a person who I had attended high school with. He waved at me as he approached. I tried very hard to remember his name but nothing came up as he approached. When we are close enough to talk I did a very silly thing. I said, “I know you both well enough to know that the best way for you to meet is for each of you to tell the other his name.” They both looked at me as if I was some kind of idiot. They did exchange names but neither of my relationships with them grew after that.

Finally, I spend quite a bit of time watching TV, I recognize faces of actors that I haven’t seen for 30 years but it takes a lot more to remember their names. If you think about the very early days of humans’ survival would likely be more probable in recognizing the face of someone whether or not you remembered his or her name.

[i] Wallace, J. Craig; Kass, Steven J.; Stanny, Claudia (2002). The cognitive failures questionnaire revisited: Dimensions and correlates, Journal of General Psychology,129(3), 238-256.

Being Carried away from the Here and Now

2011-07-09T07:32:00.000-07:00

As we age we need to pay attention to the quality of our thinking. A major factor, measured by the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire, is referred to as Distractibility.

The days, when I am reading novels, I sometimes read during the day and also at night before I go to sleep. The next time I pick up the book I can’t remember specifically what I read the night before. I do recognize it quickly and move on with the adventure.

I usually do not have any trouble making up my mind. I take time to think about my options and then follow up on my decision

Sometimes I head up stairs to something but when I get there it takes a few moments to remember what I was going to do. I think this is because I have several different ideas moving around in my brain at the same time.

I understand what daydreaming is but I can’t recall any specific instances but think it may be connected with forgetting why I went from one part of the house to another. Also, when I am walking somewhere if I am not chanting in meditation, my mind does tend to wander around.

I experience the “tip of the tongue” phenomena in failure of name recognition. I have started using little tricks like associating the forgotten material with links that are very easy to remain. For instance on of my neighbors names is Oswaldo. I connect his name with Dr. Oz who has his own TV show and is connected with Oprah Windfrey.

To conclude I think this characteristic has been controlled by my techniques for staying in the “here and now”. It has been helpful even though my years of teaching may in some instances be connected with the stereotype “absent minded professor.”

The items listed in this section of the Questionnaire are:

Instructions: Please indicate how descriptive each statement is of your beliefs by circling the number that corresponds to your response. (1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree)

1 ( ) 2( ) 3 ( ) 4 ( ) 5 ( )

1. Do you read something and find you haven't been thinking about it and must read it again?

1 ( ) 2( ) 3 ( ) 4 ( ) 5 ( )

2. Do you have trouble making up your mind?

1 ( ) 2( ) 3 ( ) 4 ( ) 5 ( )

3. Do you find you forget why you went from one part of the house to the other?

1 ( ) 2( ) 3 ( ) 4 ( ) 5 ( )

4. Do you daydream when you ought to be listening to something?

1 ( ) 2( ) 3 ( ) 4 ( ) 5 ( )

5. Do you start doing one thing at home and get distracted into doing something else (unintentionally)?

1 ( ) 2( ) 3 ( ) 4 ( ) 5 ( )

6. Do you find you can't quite remember something although it's 'on the tip of your tongue'?

1 ( ) 2( ) 3 ( ) 4 ( ) 5 ( )

7. Do you fail to notice signposts on the road?

1 ( ) 2( ) 3 ( ) 4 ( ) 5 ( )

8. Do you find you confuse right and left when giving directions?

1 ( ) 2( ) 3 ( ) 4 ( ) 5 ( )

9. Do you find you can't think of anything to say?

1 ( ) 2( ) 3 ( ) 4 ( ) 5 ( )

[1] Wallace, J. Craig; Kass, Steven J.; Stanny, Claudia (2002). The cognitive failures questionnaire revisited: Dimensions and correlates, Journal of General Psychology,129(3), 238-256.

Exploring Ageism

2011-07-01T09:16:00.000-07:00

A number of my posts have focused on Ageism. Now let’s explore more about its structure. First a reliable source, Wikapedia that tells us that: “Ageism, also called discrimination is stereotyping of and discrimination against individuals or groups because of their age. It is a set of beliefs, attitudes, norms, and values used to justify age based prejudice, discrimination, and subordination.” It is good to remember that ageism is also directed towards younger people.

The next information was gathered from a textbook I have used in my aging class for many years[i] Ageism is a form of stereotype, which “… is a popular belief about specific social groups or types of individuals. Stereotypes are standardized and simplified conceptions of groups based on some prior assumptions.”

Ageism is in part a reflection of our fear of dying and is also connected to the idea of “apocalyptic demography” which is currently having negative influence on Canada’s health care policy and other seniors’ issues.

Think of our world’s current financial situation. With so many people out of jobs etc. It is easy to believe that seniors are a burden that must be lifted. After all they have had their chance and spending money on them takes it away from younger people. “Out with the old, In with the new!”

Some ideas related to this attitude are presented in the textbook. It’s first comments are about mandatory Retirement which as been eliminated in Canada and the United States. We are told that in spite of this improvement, ageism towards both younger and older workers ability exists even with the growing use of equal opportunities legislation. Older people applying for jobs are competing with a growing number younger people. Ageist attitudes of potential employers seem to be directed upward rather than downward.

There is also a brief discussion of ageism and sexuality. The prejudice is that seniors lack interest in sexual activity. And if you are an interested male, you are probably “a dirty old man.” Even with the emergence of such sexual enhancers as Viagra, prejudice continues. I wonder how many males, worried about their capability, have bought into the sales pitch of Viagra producers.

I recently I came upon an online article that discusses not only ageism but other forms of intergroup prejudice such as sexism and racism[ii] I am going to display their ageist items next.

Ageism statements

Instructions: Please indicate how descriptive each statement is of your beliefs by circling the number that corresponds to your response. (1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree)

1 ( ) 2( ) 3 ( ) 4 ( ) 5 ( )

1. Complex and interesting conversation cannot be expected

from most old people.

1 ( ) 2( ) 3 ( ) 4 ( ) 5 ( )

2. FSA-7: Most old people would be considered to have poor personal hygiene

1 ( ) 2( ) 3 ( ) 4 ( ) 5 ( )

3. FSA-8: Most old people can be irritating because they tell the

same stories over and over again

1 ( ) 2( ) 3 ( ) 4 ( ) 5 ( )

4. FSA-13: Old people don’t really need to use our community sports facilities.

1 ( ) 2( ) 3 ( ) 4 ( ) 5 ( )

5. FSA-15: It is best that old people live where they won’t bother

anyone.

1 ( ) 2( ) 3 ( ) 4 ( ) 5 ( )

6. FSA-16: The company of most old people is quite enjoyable. (R)

1 ( ) 2( ) 3 ( ) 4 ( ) 5 ( )

7. FSA-20: I sometimes avoid eye contact with old people when I see them

1 ( ) 2( ) 3 ( ) 4 ( ) 5 ( )

8. FSA-21: I don’t like it when old people try to make conversation

with me.

1 ( ) 2( ) 3 ( ) 4 ( ) 5 ( )

9. FSA-27: I personally would not want to spend much time with an

old person.

1 ( ) 2( ) 3 ( ) 4 ( ) 5 ( )

Finally, It is a good thing to remember that persons who accept ageist stereotypes will reap the reward of self-stereotyping, as they get older.

[i] Chappell, N., Mcdonald, L. & Stones, M. (2008) Aging in Contemporary Canada, 2^nd Ed, Pearson Prentice Hall

[ii] Allison C. Aosved, Patricia J. Long, Emily K. Voller, Measuring Sexism, Racism, Sexual Prjudice, Ageism, Classism, and Religious Intolerance, 39, Article first published online: 1 OCT 2009

Leisure and Retirement Activities [i ii ]

2011-06-15T18:18:00.000-07:00

On Monday afternoon, June 13, I picked up my phone and was notified by the Psychology Department secretary that one of our regular faculty members is ill and would not be able to teach her Intro Psych course on Tuesday afternoon. I was asked if I would like to substitute and teach the session for her. After a moments thought I agreed. It’s not so much that I miss classes taught in the summer; rather it gives me a chance to discuss some ideas about consciousness and body rhythms with students in their first psychology class. For me it was a leisure activity that also confirms that while I don’t normally teach in the summer, I am still an employee at Kwantlen until the end of August.

I wish to discuss this activity in the context of the two research articles related to leisure activity listed at the bottom of the blog entry that will be posted on Wednesday after I have taught the class.

First, I will make a few comments about the two articles. To set the stage Jopp and Heertzog state, “Preferences for and execution of specific activities are important features of everyday life.” This would explain, in part, my choice to take advantage of this teaching opportunity. I have already stated in previous blog entries, my goal of taking workshops in to the community as a form of continued teaching. I enjoy designing and presenting workshops.

On tuesday I spent the entire morning preparing for the lecture. As the hour approached I shaved, and put on my best clothes with white shirt and tie. It was like I was going to a “performance.” Interestingly the class was in the same classroom where I have been teaching my aging class. The broad lecture topic came from the textbook about body rhythms and mental states.

While there were interesting sub topics like drug use and dreams, I decided to focus on sleep rhythms and consequences for students who spend “all nighters” cramming for their exams the next day. It is found that this impacts on performance and alertness. The class went easily for the first hour and a half. Then we took a 10-minute break. About half the class returned for the last hour. At the end there was some were clapping.

I walked down the hall feeling good but with no interest in returning to regular work. The amount of time I spent preparing for the class was about the same amount of time it takes me to finish some of the more complex drawings I am doing as an explicit leisure activity.

In their article Dorfman and Kolarik assert, “For many professors, the distinction between ‘work’ and ‘leisure’ is often blurred” (I think that’s what happened yesterday.) Further more, “it is important to keep in mind that leisure activity is self-defined and it is the actors themselves who determine what the meaning of leisure is for them.”

The researchers indicated that among retired professors “…volunteer activities were the most frequently reported.” Ok on that one; I am a volunteer board member at the local seniors’ recreation centre. Retired professors reported participation in exercise and sports activities. For instance a 70-year-old retired male music professor said “I wanted to get my body in shape. I started taking a weight lifting class and started doing yoga… And I’m walking more than I had time to do before.”

It is cited that “Although a large majority of retired professors engaged in activities that are traditionally associated with leisure, nearly as many continued professional activities in retirement including research or other creative work…Professional work thus remained a central interest…” I consider my retirement blog as a professional activity.

Ok, so much for retired professors. Let’s turn our attention to the Jopp and Hertzog’ article. They used and extended version of the Victoria Longitudinal Study Activity Questionnaire. Some examples of items cited are: Exercise (jogging, biking & swimming); Craft (household repairs, woodwork/carpentry), (word games, cross-word puzzles, card games); TV (game shows, documentary, & news); Social Private (go out with friends, attend parties), Social Public (public talks, club meetings, Religious (attend church, meditation), Travel (out of town, and abroad), Experience, (business related), Development (needle work, write letters) and Technology (course in university, go to library, creative writing)

As you can see, we have a lot of options. Do you have interests in proceeding with some or all of the activities listed above?

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[i] Jopp, D.S. & Hertzog, C. (2010). Assessing Adult Leisure Activities: An extension of a self-report activity questionnaire, Psychological Assessment, 22, (1), 108-120

[ii] Dorfman, L.T. & Kolarik D.C. (2005). Leisure and retired professor occupation matters, Educational Gerontology 31 (5), 343-361

Images And The Mask of Old Age

2011-06-13T07:35:00.000-07:00

Early images of aging reflected in the model ”Ages of Man” are represented as the stages of human existence on the Earth traced back to Greek mythology during the 6^th Century BC. In those times the end period of human beings was seen as “… one final stage of physical decrepitude, symbolized by a stick or a crutch, as well as a close proximity to death usually portrayed as a skeleton and a tomb.”[i] This was followed by Medieval Europe’s notion of life as a cycle going between pleasures of youth to the “woes of old age.” The Ideal of those days was that a person could live to be 70 yrs old although almost all people didn’t. Considering mankind’s growing longevity, at 72 yrs I am happy to be active and energetic, even if it’s not quite the same as when I played football during the years of my post secondary education. Along with others I am inclined to say, “I don’t feel old.”[ii] “

As we become chronologically older, we discover that a subjective grasp of the meaning of old age is equally elusive. Although our bodies may display signs of passing years the subjective self is not experienced as correspondingly old, and in a society where the dominant images of old age are negative, this tension between the inner personal and the outer social identity may cause us considerable distress.”[iii]

I’ll share a simple example. When I look in a mirror and use my fingers to tighten the bags under my eyes, to me, I look a lot younger and I have thought about asking my doctor if it’s possible and healthy to empty the bags. It’s like they are a “mask” which brings us to last topic; the “mask” of old age. “The image of the mask of old age implies that the physical changes which accompany the life of 70 (plus) years are superficial or surface changes that conceal from the casual observer or untrained eye essentially unchanging qualities beneath.”[iv]

Perhaps my thoughts are strongly influenced by the Western societies’ strong consumer culture, which emphasizes the activity of youth. For example, motion pictures focus on the beauty and strengths of youth and, even though there is a growing body of research regarding positive aging they rarely portray seniors.

In research and some popular culture we do seem to be making some progress in regards to the inner self and wisdom. I guess I would rather continue to develop insight and wisdom rather than pay a couple of thousand dollars to have my bagged eyes “fixed.

[i] Handbook of Communication and Aging Research John F. Nussbaum & Justine Coupland (Eds) ISBN 0-8058-4070-2

[ii] page 14

[iii] page 19

[iv] page 20

Ageist Treatment and Self Esteem

2011-06-08T21:26:00.000-07:00

Not long ago, it was reported by researchers who used a longitudinal study which began over 30 years ago, that persons in midlife who have positive attitudes toward aging live an average of seven and a half years longer than those who are negative about their aging selves. And gender, age, socioeconomic status, loneliness and functional health were not major factors.

Some people are relatively complacent about the “elderly” dying at seventy or seventy-five. They appear to assume that lives beyond retirement, unlike earlier life, are all the same and boring. Considering that there appears to be an ongoing fear and prejudice about the effects of an aging population reflected in “apocalyptic demography” or “age blaming”, I thought it would be important to take a deeper look at some ageist notions about the consequences of aging.[1]

Much of the literature about aging focuses on the assumption that it means inevitable decline. Specifically that; “…old age, not age, renders man ugly and useless”. This is specifically expressed in the connotation of the term “elderly.”

In my ageism research, conducted several years ago in British Columbia, out of over 800 senior citizens, 34% reported that they had been told that they were “to old” to do something. Forty percent reported that a doctor or nurse, without investigating, assumed their ailments were caused by age.

It’s hard to maintain a positive sense of oneself if we are exposed to ageist comments from friends, family, medical specialists and the government especially if we ourselves believe negative stereotypes. Below is an age sensitivity questionnaire. Read it and then reflect on your level of sensitivity. Would it help to stop and take a deep breath before we slip into anxiety about treatment by other people?

Imagine you are updating your resume and you go to a resume consultant. The consultant recommends that you remove some items from your resume. How concerned and anxious would you be?
Imagine you are looking for an address and stop to ask someone directions. The person talks to you very slowly and in a high pitched tone. Would you expect that the person is talking to you like this because of your age?
Imagine that you are shopping with a family member and have some questions about a particular item. How concerned would you be that the answers might be directed toward the family member?
Imagine you are taking a course offered by a local college how concerned are you that you might be more likely to be evaluated as less qualified than other members in the class because of your age?
Imagine you are at work trying to accomplish a difficult task. One of your co-workers sees you and asks if you are sure you can handle the task alone. How concerned would you be?
Imagine you are at an ATM machine, doing your banking. You notice that a woman behind you keeps glancing at you. How concerned or anxious would you be?
Imagine that you are asked to help people sign in at a conference. After an hour your supervisor tells you that they would rather have someone else greet people.
Imagine that you have just completed a job interview over the telephone. You are in good spirits because the interviewer seemed enthusiastic about your application. Several days later you complete a second interview in person. The interviewer informs you that they will let you know about their decision soon. How concerned or anxious would you be that you might not be hired because of your age?
Imagine that you are applying for a volunteer position at your local theater. The theater prides itself on its fun and vibrant atmosphere. How concerned would you be that you might not be chosen because of your age?

[1] Much of this material was adapted from: Ageism: Rethinking Ageing by Dr. Bill Bytheway

ii. Sonia K. Kang & Alison J. Chasteen. The Development and Validation of The Age Based Rejection Sensitivity Questionaire, The Jerontoligist, 49 (3), 303-316,