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Counselor Awareness: Working with the Aging Paper
Department of Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Grand Canyon University
CNL 530: Human Sexuality and Issues of Aging
, 2
Introduction
While aging is often viewed with apprehension, primarily due to fears surrounding
Alzheimer’s and dementia, it need not be perceived negatively. Many individuals today harbor
stereotypes about the elderly, which influence expectations and interactions with older adults.
With increasing life expectancies, the mental health arena faces challenges in addressing both
physical and cognitive concerns among the aging population. This essay will explore various
aging stereotypes, examine physical and cognitive health issues, and discuss how mental
health treatment can better support these concerns, including addressing end-of-life matters.
Stereotypes Towards Aging
Stereotypes often emerge early on, particularly for individuals in their fifties who are
seeking employment, aiming for a promotion, or facing layoffs. Negative stereotypes about older
adults are prevalent across various life domains, such as employment, grandparenting, and
healthcare concerns (Loos & Ivan, 2018). Anxiety about aging and knowledge are key precursors
to these stereotypes, which, along with other factors, contribute to ageism (Donizzetti, 2019).
Gaining more knowledge about aging and understanding the stereotypes can lead to changing
these perceptions and fostering positive attitudes toward the aging process. When counselors
hold stereotypical beliefs about elderly clients, they may treat them based on age rather than
individuality. Not all elderly individuals will age or behave in the same manner. Caring for a
parent with advanced-stage dementia can lead to a deeper acceptance of the aging process.
Physical and Cognitive Issues
Comprehending a client’s background is significant when working with older adults, as
elements like genetics, health conditions, and medications can lead to both physical and
cognitive issues. As people live longer, there is a greater span of time during which they might
Counselor Awareness: Working with the Aging Paper
Department of Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Grand Canyon University
CNL 530: Human Sexuality and Issues of Aging
, 2
Introduction
While aging is often viewed with apprehension, primarily due to fears surrounding
Alzheimer’s and dementia, it need not be perceived negatively. Many individuals today harbor
stereotypes about the elderly, which influence expectations and interactions with older adults.
With increasing life expectancies, the mental health arena faces challenges in addressing both
physical and cognitive concerns among the aging population. This essay will explore various
aging stereotypes, examine physical and cognitive health issues, and discuss how mental
health treatment can better support these concerns, including addressing end-of-life matters.
Stereotypes Towards Aging
Stereotypes often emerge early on, particularly for individuals in their fifties who are
seeking employment, aiming for a promotion, or facing layoffs. Negative stereotypes about older
adults are prevalent across various life domains, such as employment, grandparenting, and
healthcare concerns (Loos & Ivan, 2018). Anxiety about aging and knowledge are key precursors
to these stereotypes, which, along with other factors, contribute to ageism (Donizzetti, 2019).
Gaining more knowledge about aging and understanding the stereotypes can lead to changing
these perceptions and fostering positive attitudes toward the aging process. When counselors
hold stereotypical beliefs about elderly clients, they may treat them based on age rather than
individuality. Not all elderly individuals will age or behave in the same manner. Caring for a
parent with advanced-stage dementia can lead to a deeper acceptance of the aging process.
Physical and Cognitive Issues
Comprehending a client’s background is significant when working with older adults, as
elements like genetics, health conditions, and medications can lead to both physical and
cognitive issues. As people live longer, there is a greater span of time during which they might
