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Chapter 3 Characteristics of Positive Older Adults and the Helping Process
“To all, I would say how mistaken they are when they think that they stop falling in love when they grow old, without knowing that they grow old when they stop falling in love.”
—Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Learning Objectives
After reading this chapter, you will be able to
1 Explain the concept of successful aging
2 Describe the positive characteristics related to aging well
3 Analyze the ways that counselors can support the older population
4 Examine the attributes of successful practitioners
Introduction
As evidenced in Chapter 2, aging has been viewed as a negative experience fraught with problems, deterioration, and decline. This negativity has permeated throughout society and has altered the personal perceptions of many elders. However, perceptions of elders in society are changing. Many individuals are shedding light on the positive aspects of aging gracefully, productive aging, comfortable aging, and successful aging.
Identifying positive attributes and components of successful aging does not negate the fact that some elders will experience limitations that interfere with a comfortable aging experience. However, a thorough discussion of positive characteristics and components of a healthy lifestyle will replace myths and stereotypes that are prevalent in our society. Understandably, healthy elders will be traumatized by life events and may seek the services of a helping professional, while others will have similar experiences and manage without such assistance. Helping professionals need to understand the strengths and resiliency of their older clients and find ways to promote their use of mental health services. The therapeutic relationship between the elderly client and the practitioner may need to address roadblocks, but with persistence, change can be facilitated.
Successful Aging and Mental Wellness
Aging
