145 Mental Health Concerns and The Older Adult
their assumptions, perceptions, expec- tations, and beliefs that they form about older people, aging, and old age (Ayalon & Tesch-Romer, 2018). Ageism can nega - tively drive a healthcare worker’s interac- tion with the older adult client. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified ageism as one of the key targets for im- proving health (WHO, 2021). Awareness of ageism by the healthcare worker when meeting and building rapport with an old- er adult mental health client is imperative. An example of ageism is a healthcare worker undervaluing depressive symp- toms reported by the older adult and fail- ing to address them in a timely manner or adequately because the healthcare work- er assumes depression is common in all older adults. Ageism in this context could lead to a reduced calculation of risk, leav- ing the older adult client in an unsafe sit- uation to self or others. Caution is war- ranted to avoid discriminating against the older adult client. The healthcare worker can decrease common pitfalls of ageism through the practice of self-examination. The prin- ciple of self-awareness is defined as a healthcare worker’s personal beliefs, thoughts, motivations, biases, and lim- itations (Boyd, 2017). By evaluating one’s self, often through directed questions/ thoughts, the healthcare worker can break internal or external barriers that in- hibit personal connection with the older adult client. Self-concept awareness can be explored with a series of methodical questions related to what, when, and how a person has come to define them - selves. The questions can be thought of as being in three major categories: body image, self-esteem, and personal identity (Boyd, 2017). Body image refers to the physical attributes that make up
the outside of one’s appearance and in- cludes beliefs and attitudes about one’s body (Boyd, 2017). An example of how this idea can be self-searched is to ask questions such as “How do I see myself when I look in the mirror?” and “What do I like about my body and/or dislike about my body?” How comfortable a person feels within their own skin can positively or negatively affect the way they interact with others. Self-esteem, another catego- ry, is one’s perception of worth or impor- tance, and it is a deeper view than body image (Boyd, 2017). It encompasses a person’s confidence, which can be mold - ed throughout time. An example of how to review self-esteem is to ask questions such as “How do I feel about myself and my worth?” and “How do I talk to myself in my own head (positive or negative self- talk)?” The third category of self-concept awareness is personal identity. Personal identity is how a person sees themselves in relation to others (Boyd, 2017). An example of how to search this concept further is to ask questions such as “What words describe who I am?” and “What groups do I identify with?” and “How does my cultural or spirituality play into who I am?” By knowing more about body image, self-esteem, and personal identity, a healthcare worker can have a better understanding of their own roots, which provides insight into relationships. Self-assessment takes time and humili- ty but will benefit the healthcare worker in all client interactions. Self-awareness leads a healthcare worker closer to objec- tive empathy, thus allowing for connec- tion with the older adult shaped through their individualism. Spend time getting to know yourself and re-evaluate regularly. There is value in understanding yourself and how you have changed over time,
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