Identity Of Individuals Identity

Who are you? What makes you, you? What gives meaning to your life?

These are common questions, which elderly individuals may consider when reflecting on their identity. Understanding who they are, what their feelings and opinions are, and what they like and do not like. What characteristics and factors make them, them, a unique human being. Identity refers to the understanding an individual has of himself or herself (Habibis & Walter, 2015, p. 9). While many individuals within society will have a positive sense of self, others may struggle to understand their identity and self. Identity can be affected by a range of factors and has a close relationship with wellbeing. For the purpose of this essay the identity of elderly individuals that live

6). The better the understanding the individual has of these factors the more aware they are of their similarity or uniqueness when compared to others (Marcia, 1980, p. 159). They are also more aware of their own personal strengths and weaknesses (Marcia, 1980, p. 159). Individuals that have a strong sense of self, understand who they are, their opinions and preferences (Flury & Ickes, 2007, p. 282). Whereas, an individual with a weakened sense of self does not know who they are, what they think or what their opinions are (Flury & Ickes, 2007, p. 281). A weakened sense of self is often characterized as reactive, fragile and unstable (Flury & Ickes, 2007, p. 282). While identity clearly influences sense of self, it is also closely linked with wellbeing (Greenaway, Cruwys, Haslam & Jetten, 2015, p. 2). Identity can be affected by physical and mental capabilities, appearance, roles, achievements, the body, relationships, feedback from others and self (module). As an individual ages, the way in which they perceive themselves alters (module). Identity grows and evolves with time and takes into consideration social roles and personal experiences (Vezina et al., 2009, p. 6). Research has found that if an elderly individual is

In particular, the type of care model used in a nursing home. The most common models of care are, the biomedical and social models of health. The biomedical model is based on the belief that disease and illness are a result of the body’s physiological processes being disturbed (Sarafino & Smith, 2014, p. 6). This model does not consider, feelings, thoughts and subjective experiences, rather it blames the individual for the illness or disease (Germov, 2014, p. 12). The biomedical model assumes that the individual is responsible for their health and the aim is to find a cure (Taylor & Guerin, 2010, p. 92). Whereas, the social model of health focuses on social determinants of health and illness and health intervention (Germov, 2014, p. 16). The model believes ill health occurs in a social context, believing the focus should not just be on treatment but also prevention (Germov, 2014, p. 16). The model attempts to remove the inequality faced by individuals and groups in society by improving the overall health of society by addressing working and living conditions (Germov, 2014, p. 16). Both models may not always promote and support identity. The biomedical model does not view individuals as unique, with different needs, but instead views them as objects with