Aging in a changing society - Research Paper Example

? Aging in a Changing Society Sean Alligood SOC 3356 Dr. Allen 31 August Aging in a Changing Society According to the latest statistics from theDepartment of Health and Human Services’ Administration on Aging (2011), in 2009 persons of 65 years or older reached to 39.6 million (which represents 12.9% of the American population or one in every eight Americans) (2011). The same data revealed that by 2030 “there will be about 72.1 million of older persons, twice as much as it was back in 2000” (Administration on Aging. This information brings about certain relevant practical and ethical issues that concern the aging population. One book that delves on the topic of aging is that of James Thorson titled “Aging in a Changing Society” (2000). The book talks about the different aspects of gerontology and how they impact the older generation. On the other hand, Mitch Albom’s book “Tuesdays with Morrie” discusses the ethical issues which confront most people in their late years; the issues like death, aging, family, marriage, fear, society, forgiveness and meaningful life, through Albom’s interview with Morrie, his former professor, who is terminally ill (1997). This essay will focus its discussion on three particular topics, namely, a meaningful life, family and death in the context of Thorson’s book. Family Thorson in his book states that family is the major giver of care to older people (2000). Thorson further discusses that some people take care of their family members out of a filial obligation while others do it in the hope of obtaining a future reward or repayment, such as an inheritance (2000). But whatever motivation there is, it is clear that the younger family member plays an important role in taking care of the older people of the family. As Thorson puts it, “the family feeling is the cement that holds civilizations together” which makes it one of “the most important factors in human relationships” (2007; p64). In the same manner, Morrie emphasizes the importance of the family when he says, “The fact is, there is no foundation, no secure ground, upon which people may stand today if it isn't the family" (Albom,1997; p91). He further stresses the importance of the family when he says, “This is part of what a family is about, not just love. It's knowing that your family will be there watching out for you. Nothing else will give you that. Not money. Not fame. Not work” (Albom, 1997; p92). Albom is in agreement with Thorson (2000) regarding the crucial role that a family plays in the lives of the older people. In fact, Thorson (2000) discloses that the oldest people, who feel the support of their families in their late stage of life, are able to cope better with the aging process than those whose families are separated from them. Albom somehow explains this theory when Morrie states, "If you don't have the support and love and caring and concern that you get from a family, you don't have much at all. Love is so supremely important" (Albom,1997; p91). In society today, when people seem to be too busy doing their own thing, it is extremely important that they realize that their aging parents need their love and care. Aging is not an easy stage to go through but with the strong bond between family members, the route towards aging need not be difficult for both the caregiver and the geriatric person. Morrie emphasized to Albom that the family will always be there for you. He also stressed that having children is one of the best experience that one can have. It is being responsible for another person by showering him with love and taking care of him. A Meaningful Life There are several perceptions about the aging process. A positive attitude about aging is when one looks back at the years past and finds that he has lived a meaningful life. Although other people simply look at the aging process as a deterioration of the physical and psychological aspects of a human being and the stage before death, aging can be viewed in a more optimistic manner. Aging may be the stage when one looks back at life and how he has spent his fruitful years. Albom narrates for Morrie, “I give myself a good cry if I need it, but then I concentrate on all good things that are still in my life” (1997; p57). Even if one remembers some sad and difficult times in life, it is always good to focus attention on the good things that one has experienced and will experience in life. Morrie goes on further and says, “So many people walk around with a meaningless life. They seem half-asleep, even when they're busy doing things they think are important. This is because they're chasing the wrong things. The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning” (Albom,1997; p43). As a person ages it is necessary to find purpose in his/her life. Spending too much time with things which are meaningless does not help one find purpose in life. Loving others and being of service to the community will enrich and enhance one’s life as one goes through the process of aging. The American society offers various activities that can provide the older people with venues that may make them creative and useful. There are several organizations in communities which are focused on senior citizens and help them become productive despite their age. Thorson (2000) shares the view that many people can still work even if they are past the retirement age. He debunks the myth that older people are less productive, less creative and show less initiative at work (Thorson, 2000). Society may frown at older workers but the reality is that although some may be physically-challenged, they can still be useful citizens of the country. For some, they may find working during their later years will provide additional meaning to their lives. Morrie’s thoughts on aging is expressed when he said, “Because if you've found meaning in your life, you don't want to go back. You want to go forward” (Albom,1997; p118). Life, whether for the young or the old will only find meaning if there is love. For the elderly, love is even more important as it gives more meaning to their life as they age. As Morrie puts it, “The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and to let it come in. Let it come in. We think we don’t deserve love, we think if we let it in we’ll become too soft. But a wise man named Levin said the following: “love is the only rational act” (Albom, 1997; p52). Morrie also mentioned that although life “is a series of pulls back and forth…Love always wins” (Albom, 1997; p40). It is not unlikely, therefore, to find old people getting married despite their age because love defies age. Society should display more understanding of old people who find love at their late stage of life. It may not be an acceptable norm in society but it is a reality that exists. Thorson (2007) believes that issues which involve older people getting married are all a matter of perception. Society must not deny the elderly of their right to be in love because love knows no boundaries. Death Death is inevitable. For the older generation, death is something which they anticipate; something which they feel is already knocking at their doorsteps. Morrie says that “Everyone knows they’re going to die, but nobody believes it. If we did, we would do things differently” (Albom,1997; p81). In like manner, Thorson (2000) views death as “ a natural part of the life cycle, a fact that we all know objectively, but, on a feeling level, have a difficult time adjusting to” (p278). Since most deaths happen during the later years of life, the elderly may be the most affected by the reality of death. Morrie offers a positive view of death when he mentions that “death ends a life, not a relationship” (Albom, 1997; p174). If an aging person hears this statement, he may perceive death in a more optimistic way. Death would then mean only a physical separation, but if one has involved himself in a meaningful relationship with another person, then death is not an end in itself. Since the foundation of the relationship is deeper, it will live on even after death. Thorson reveals that it is the older generations who have the most experience with death (2000). They have to deal with “the death of their contemporaries, friends and relatives throughout their life span” (Thorson, 2000; p278). They are, therefore, “no strangers to death and grief” (Thorson, 2000; p278). The relationship between death and the elderly brings one to an essential step which one must take before dying. Morrie stresses that before one dies, he must forgive himself, after which forgive those who have hurt him (1997). To obtain peace on one’s deathbed, one must be able to pardon himself for all the mistakes and shortcomings that one has committed during his life time. One should come to the understanding that all these things happened for a reason and that these wrongdoings have made one a better person. Moreover, peace at death can never be attained if one has not forgiven his fellowmen for whatever pain or hurts that was inflicted on him. Having a grudge with somebody up to the time of one’s death is a total tragedy. The ambiguity of life after death makes it difficult for people, including the elderly, to accept the reality of death (Templeton, n.d.). Another reason why people fear death is that they feel that they have not yet accomplished the things which they have to do on earth (Templeton, n.d.). These views were also echoed by Thorson (2000) when he stated that death “is an end to one’s existence, the dissolution of the personality, the idea of missing out on things going on after one’s death, loss of personal control, concern for those who survive us, what happens to the body and the uncertainty of life after death” (p280). But Morrie illuminates people about death by saying “The truth is, once you learn how to die, you learn how to live” (Albom, 1997; p82). Aging is expected. It is unavoidable. Everyone has to go through the process of aging. Society may have different views about it. The elderly have their own perceptions about aging, but Morrie shares the best advice on growing old by saying these words: “embrace aging” (Albom, 1997; p118). Aging is a natural process. It is inevitable. Each one has a choice of either aging gracefully by finding meaning in his later years in life, or becoming irritable and refusing to accept that aging is part of life’s cycle. Through the years, society has treated the aging population differently. Their roles have also changed. But what is significant is that the aging population is not ignored and that they remain to be recognized as citizens who can still contribute to society. References Administration on Aging. (2011). Aging statistics. Retrieved from http://www.aoa.gov/aoaroot/aging_statistics/index.aspx Albom, M. (1997). Tuesdays with Morrie. New York: Doubleday. Templeton, T. (n.d.). Why do we fear death? Retrieved from http://www.mesacc.edu/dept/d46/psy/dev/Spring02/death/fear.html Thorson, J. (2000). Aging in a changing society. New York: Brunner-Routledge. Read More