Th Truth behind Aging

The elderly population is growing rapidly and now makes up greater than 13% of the United States population (U.S. census, 2010). With such a record growth, there are different aspects to aging that are still being analyzed. Many may think of reaching late life as a rite of passage, but many face this time with a different view. Through the movie "UP', we are granted an opportunity into view the struggles of an elderly widowed man by the name of Mr. Fredrickson and the challenges in which he faces in his later life. The movie, takes one on a journey through his sorrows and his triumphs until he realizes what the true meaning of happiness is.

Through the journey, one must consider many aging factors and decide if these are true generalizations of aging or are myths of aging propagated by the movie. Specifically, the myths that will be examined in this paper are: 1) Is there a connection between bereavement and depression? 2) How do vision and hearing impairments affect an older adult's overall quality of life? Finally, 3) Is there any relation between having a physical mobility deficits and their mental status? Through this examination of myths propagated in "UP", the reader will gain better insight into what are true generalizations vs. myths about the elderly.

Of the estimated 35 million people in the U.S. that are over the age of 65, 6.5 million are in need of some sort of mental health services. (Comer, 2004) However, less than 20% receive treatment (Benek-Higgins, 2008). According to the American Psychiatric Association, there may be instances where a person may not report a depressed mood or sadness, since many including those in the elderly population, may deny such feelings (APA, 1994).Anxieties, irritability, not able t...

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...ed. Even though, there may not be a definite relationship between bereavement and depression, a person is grieving and does need support even when they may not ask for it. If a person cannot express their feelings about the death properly through, the steps of grieving than they may be at risk for depression. Slowly over time, many may face the challenge of vision and/or hearing loss, especially those over the age of 85 and at the same time, they are at a greater risk for mental health problems. The fact that one may be experiencing a loss of cognitive function and at the same time can be experiencing a sensory loss should have health care workers monitor that individuals overall health and report of quality of life more closer. When a person has a physical mobility deficit it also represents an array of various problems and issues that this person is faced with.