Death, dying, and grieving

The discussion assignment provides a forum to discuss the relevant topics for this week based on the course competencies covered. For this assignment make sure to answer all questions for Part 1 and 2 by Week 5, Day 3. Provide a detailed response to the topic questions in the discussion area. For this assignment post your responses directly in the Discussion Area. Do not use attached documents.

To support your work make sure to utilize your course and text readings. When asked also utilize outside sources as well. As in all assignments make sure to cite your sources in your work and provide a reference for that citation utilizing APA format.

Start reviewing and responding to the postings of your classmates as early in the week as possible. Respond to at least two of your classmates. Participate in the discussion by asking a question, providing a statement of clarification, providing a point of view with a rationale, challenging an aspect of the discussion, or indicating a relationship between one or more lines of reasoning in the discussion. Complete your participation for this assignment by Week 5, Day 6.

Part 1:

The US population is aging, and the life expectancy of the average adult is increasing. According to the US Census Bureau (2009), by 2050, 20 percent of the total population will consist of people who are sixty-five years or older. There are several issues that challenge older adults from myths regarding aging to the significant life changes such as retirement.

Explain some of the things that may change because of the increasing life expectancy and a growing older adult population.
Describe some of the myths that deal with both physical and psychological aging. Explain some of the realities that dispel these myths and identify how older adults are engaged in their lives both in leisure and in work activities.
Explain some of the reasons individuals who are sixty-five years or older are still part of the workforce, both from a psychological and a social perspective? Identify ways in which older adults are looking for other career options than simply retiring.

Justify your answers with appropriate reasoning and research from your text and course readings. Comment on the postings of at least two peers, and provide an analysis of each peer’s postings while also suggesting specific additions or clarifications for improving the discussion question response.

Part 2:

Grieving occurs due to the loss of a loved one or someone they had a close relationship with. The process of grieving differs depending on cultural (social) norms. One way in which end-of-life has been described is through Kübler-Ross five stages of dying.

Describe the dual-processing model regarding grief. Explain how this model may explain somehow variations may differ across cultures.
Describe the Kübler-Ross five stages of dying. Explain the differences if any in how the different age groups may deal with end-of-life such as adolescence and older adults.

Santrock, J.W. (2009). Life-Span Development. New York: McGraw Hill Publishing Co.