course material

1. 6210 week 7 discussion | SOCW 6210 – Human Behavior and the Social
Environment II | Walden University
Discussion – Week 7Top of FormDiscussion: Psychological Aspects of AgingWhat does it
mean to age “successfully”? Though the concept of success is relative, theories of successful
aging explain factors that support individuals as they grow old. Factors such as maintaining
physical and mental activity and disengaging from community obligations contribute to
older adults’ ability to function. As a social worker, you must understand these supportive
factors in order to address the needs of older clients and their families.As you will see in this
week’s media, situations involving Alzheimer’s or dementia, interpersonal conflict, and grief
can complicate the process of successful aging. For this Discussion, you review one of two
case studies involving an older woman and apply a theory of successful aging to the case.To
Prepare:Review the Learning Resources on psychological aspects of later adulthood,
focusing on key life events and on theories of successful aging.Access the Social Work
Case Studies media and explore the cases of Sara and of Francine.Select a theory of
successful aging to apply to either Sara’s or Francine’s case.By 01/12/2021 Post a
Discussion in which you:Identify whether you have chosen to analyze Sara’s or Francine’s
case for the Discussion. Explain key life events that have influenced Sara’s or Francine’s
psychological functioning. Be sure to substantiate what makes them key in your
perspective.Explain how you as a social worker might apply a theory of successful aging
to Sara’s or Francine’s case. Be sure to provide support for your strategy.Bottom of
FormRequired ReadingsZastrow, C. H., Kirst-Ashman, K. K., & Hessenauer, S. L. (2019).
Understanding human behavior and the social environment (11th ed.). Cengage Learning.·
Chapter 15, “Psychological Aspects of Later Adulthood” (pp. 672–702)Newell, J. M. (2019).
An ecological systems framework for professional resilience in social work practice. Social
Work, 65(1), 65–73. https://doi.org/10.1093/sw/swz044Teater, B., & Chonody, J. M.
(2020). How do older adults define successful aging? A scoping review. International
Journal of Aging and Human Development, 91(4), 599–625.
https://doi.org/10.1177/0091415019871207Yousuf-Abramson, S. (2020). Worden’s tasks
of mourning through a social work lens. Journal of Social Work Practice, 1–13.
https://doi.org/10.1080/02650533.2020.1843146Required MediaRequired
ReadingsZastrow, C. H., Kirst-Ashman, K. K., & Hessenauer, S. L. (2019). Understanding
human behavior and the social environment (11th ed.). Cengage Learning.Chapter 15,
“Psychological Aspects of Later Adulthood” (pp. 672–702)Chapter 15 Summary The

2. following summarizes this chapter’s content as it relates to the learning objectives
presented at the beginning of the chapter. Chapter content will help prepare students toLO
1 Describe the developmental tasks of later adulthood.Older adults must make a number of
developmental psychological adjustments, such as adjusting to re-tirement and lower
income and to changing physical strength and health.LO 2 Understand theoretical concepts
about devel-opmental tasks in later adulthood. Theoretical concepts about developmental
tasks in later adulthood include integrity versus despair, shifting from work-role
preoccupation to self-dif-ferentiation; shifting from body preoccupation to body
transcendence; shifting from self-occupation to self-transcendence; conducting a life
review; the im-portance of self-esteem; the significance of having a high level of life
satisfaction; the negative effects of low status and ageism; the prevalence of depression and
other emotional problems; and the significance of spirituality and religion.LO 3 Summarize
theories of successful aging. Three theories of successful aging are the activity theory, the
disengagement theory, and the social re-construction syndrome theory.LO 4 Understand
the impact of key life events on older people. Significant life events for older people may
include marriage, death of a spouse, widowhood, remar-riage, parenting adult children,
grandparenthood, and great-grandparenthood.LO 5 Understand guidelines for positive
psycho-logical preparations for later adulthood. Suggestions for positive psychological
preparations by younger adults for later adulthood include engag-ing in good health
practices, forming close personal relationships, preparing financially, having interests and
hobbies, forming positive self-identities, looking toward the future, learning to cope with
crises, and learning to cope with death.LO 6 Summarize material on grief management and
death education.Guidelines are presented on grief management and death education,
relating to a dying person, relating to survivors, and becoming more comfortable with the
idea of one’s own eventual death COMPETENCY NOTES The following identifies where
Educational Policy (EP) competencies and behaviors are discussed in the chapter.EP 6a.
Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-in-environment,
and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks to engage with clients and
constituenciesEP 7b. Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment,
person-in-environment, and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks in the
analysisof assessment data from clients and constituencies. (All of this chapter.) The content
of this chapter is focused on social work students acquiring both of these behaviors in work-
ing with older persons.EP 1. Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior (p. 677, 678,
680, 684, 699, 700)WEB RESOURCESSee this text’s companion website at
www.cengagebrain.com for learning tools such as chapter quizzes, videos, and
more.Copyright Newell, J. M. (2019). An ecological systems framework for professional
resilience in social work practice. Social Work, 65(1), 65–73.
https://doi.org/10.1093/sw/swz044Teater, B., & Chonody, J. M. (2020). How do older
adults define successful aging? A scoping review. International Journal of Aging and Human
Development, 91(4), 599–625. https://doi.org/10.1177/0091415019871207Yousuf-
Abramson, S. (2020). Worden’s tasks of mourning through a social work lens. Journal of
Social Work Practice, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1080/02650533.2020.1843146Required
MediaWalden University, LLC. (2021). Social work case studies [Interactive media].

3. https://class.waldenu.eduWalden University, LLC. (2021). Models of grieving [Interactive
media]. https://class.waldenu.eduWalden University, LLC. (2021). Social work case studies
[Interactive media]. https://class.waldenu.edu· Navigate to Sara and to Francine. Walden
University, LLC. (2021). Models of grieving [Interactive media].
https://class.waldenu.eduFollow rubricInitial Posting: Content14.85 (49.5%) – 16.5
(55%)Initial posting thoroughly responds to all parts of the Discussion prompt. Posting
demonstrates excellent understanding of the material presented in the Learning Resources,
as well as ability to apply the material. Posting demonstrates exemplary critical thinking
and reflection, as well as analysis of the weekly Learning Resources. Specific and relevant
examples and evidence from at least two of the Learning Resources and other scholarly
sources are used to substantiate the argument or viewpoint.Follow-Up Response Postings:
Content6.75 (22.5%) – 7.5 (25%)Student thoroughly addresses all parts of the response
prompt. Student responds to at least two colleagues in a meaningful, respectful manner that
promotes further inquiry and extends the conversation. Response presents original ideas
not already discussed, asks stimulating questions, and further supports with evidence from
assigned readings. Post is substantive in both length (75–100 words) and depth of ideas
presented.Readability of Postings5.4 (18%) – 6 (20%)Initial and response posts are clear
and coherent. Few if any (less than 2) writing errors are made. Student writes with
exemplary grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation to convey their message.