Tim Hogan

4/25/2024

Adult Health 4

Adult Health IV Griffin Reflections on the Older Adult

I feel that my baseline views around gerontology and caring for an aging population have not changed very much throughout this course. While I have learned lots of new skills, I have not had any new perspectives or opinions regarding gerontology. I have a strong passion for cardiac patients and although these problems can arise in any patient population, it is commonly the older age group. This has made me accustomed to caring for this population and I feel that this course has only better prepared me for my future nursing involvement with gerontology.

            Based on the areas of discussion in this course, I have come to realize that caring for the aging population varies just like any other specialty. One thing I found very surprising and interesting was the depth that elder abuse can take. It is shocking how much this group is taken advantage of and I have come to understand lots of the red flags that can indicate abuse. Another aspect that I find interesting is the extensive issues that come with families when an elder is entering the end of life. These discussions can be very challenging and emotionally provoking for all parties and it is the nurse’s task to manage and navigate these feelings to provide a safe place for the patient and family.

My choices in the way I am ageing have not changed very much due to this course. I feel that because I am still so young I have a heard time looking that far into the future. Additionally, I am so consumed by nursing school that I don’t really have much time left to take care of my aging self. I continue to be physically active and go to the gym multiple times a week, but this is not due to this course. I will continue to value my time with family and understand that nothing is guaranteed. Perhaps sometime in the future I will be able to reflect on aspects of this course and apply them to my own life.