Comfort in collaboration with family and other providers (shared authority)
Focus on function, rehabilitation, and quality of life rather than on survival
Capacity to anticipate the older adult’s needs and advocate for care
Examining various causes of illness and disability
Appreciation for cultural as well as physiological diversity
Awareness of greater hetereogeneity among the aged (flexibility)
Willingness to physically interact (touch) and give concrete health advice
Capacity to tolerate dependency yet press for optimum autonomy
Ability to lead as well as follow in the person’s care and decisions
Ongoing commitment to clinical education
Additionally, it should be noted that older clients may not wish to speak with a counselor. Older clients may approach the helping professionally independently of others, they may be accompanied or coerced by family members to meet with a helping practitioner, or a crisis may require a referral by another concerned professional. Reluctance by resistant clients can be overcome by creating an atmosphere of trust, openness, and respect for the older client, while simultaneously conveying knowledge of the issues that he or she faces.
It is clear from the earlier discussions of aging issues that age-related problems exist and will continue to exist. The probability of increased physical and mental health or emotional issues may occur with major life transitions. These age-related problems need not be viewed as impediments to the helping relationship; they should instead be viewed as opportunities to learn strategies to circumvent the challenges. Older adults are capable of successful aging. They are resilient and are able to maintain an exceptional quality of life with increased health and engagement with others. However, mental health practitioners may need to assist this group in developing these characteristics. This requires such attributes as being flexible and open, understanding, and collaborative and having an ongoing commitment to clinical education and the well-being of older clients. Together, older adults and their mental health practitioners can ensure a good relationship and realize the goal of successful aging.
Keystones
Older adults are capable, competent, and resilient.
Maintaining one’s health involves exercise, good nutrition, and active social engagement.
Intimacy is important to older adults, despite unanticipated limitations.
Aging successfully is a subjective experience and continues to be a goal that elders should strive for.
Older adults experience stressors that require intervention, though they continue to underutilize the mental health system.
Professional counselors are challenged to increase their knowledge and skills to effectively work with elderly clients.
Successful counselors are those who build trust, create an atmosphere of warmth, and acknowledge both the challenges and strengths brought to the therapeutic relationship.
Additional Resources
Print Based
Charness, N., & Schaie, K. W. (2003). Impact of technology on successful aging. New York, NY: Springer.
Haber, D. (2010). Health promotion and aging (5th ed.). New York, NY: Springer.
Hill, R. D. (2005). Positive aging: A guide for mental health professionals and consumers. New York, NY: W.W. Norton.
Morrow-Howell, N., Hinterlong, J., & Sherrade M. (Eds.). (2001). Productive aging: Concepts and challenges. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press.
Wykle, M. L., Whitehouse, P. J., & Morris, D. L., (2005). Successful aging throughout the lifespan: Intergenerational issues in health. New York, NY: Springer.
Web Based
References
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