Chapter 20-21 about aging and the later years in life

1. Kathryn Fant
Worcester State University

2. Discussion Questions
 Why does our society put so much emphasis on our
reproductive years, while information about our post
reproductive years goes unheard and undiscovered
 Why is there such a negative outlook on the aging
process?

3. General Definitions
 Perimenopause- one-to-ten year stretch which the
ovaries function erratically and hormonal fluctuations
effect many changes within the body.
 Menopause- marked by final period, ovaries settle
down, estrogen and progesterone decline to low steady
levels
 Postmenopause- the years after a women goes through
menopause and can no longer reproduce. The average
women spends one third of her life within the stage of
postmenopause.

4. Perimenopause
 Happens between the ages of thirty and sixty
 The time which you go through menopause may be
predicted by the time your mother went through “the
change”
 Nine common changes; Heavy/longer flows, Shorter
menstrual cycles, Sore/swollen breasts, New midsleep
wakening, Increased cramps, Night sweats, Migraines,
Increased mood swings, Weight gain without changes
in exercise or eating
 Gaps or lower ability to concentrate

5. Myth
 Once your periods become irregular you cannot
become pregnant. This is indeed false and this myth is
responsible for many unplanned pregnancies.
 Women should use birth control up to a year after
there last period, some experts say even two to three
years after.

6. Postmenopause
 “No more bloating, sore breast, menstrual migraines,
back pain, greasy hair, and zits. I now realize I felt like
I had been pregnant for thirty-five years!”
 Many women feel a sense of relief and seek more self
directed activities.
 Western cultures outlook on youth and beauty can
lead to sexism and ageism. This can make the
transition to postmenopause difficult.
 This may lead women to for more extreme solutions to
resist the ageing process

7. Hormone Therapy
 Many hormone treatments have not been tested for
long term effects and can have detrimental effects
 Some hormones treatments are not regulated by the
FDA
 Menopause is not a disease and our society puts a
negative spin on the ageing process
 If you are considering hormone therapy consult with
your doctor and look at the latest research, but above
all, you should do what works for you

8. Later Years
 Ageism is a negative outlook of older individuals and
the U.S. actively engages in ageism
 Our society needs more older role models and needs to
be educated about the aging process because all of us
(“is we are lucky”), will get old.
 The new average life expectancy went from 48 to 80
within the time span of 1900 to 2007.

9. Relationships
 The family dynamic changes- our place in the
generational hierarchy changes as we become
grandparents.
 Social connections have a positive effect on our health
 In our later years we are more likely to experience the
loss of a loved one. On average 42% of women over the
age of 65 are widowed

10. Preventative Measures
 Many diseases are preventable by acquiring healthy
habits such as; Eating healthful foods, Exercising,
Regular check ups, Engaging your mind, Reducing or
quitting smoking, and balanced meals.
 Some obstacles to some of these preventative
measures include; Financial opportunity and years of
exposure to occupational health hazards

11. Myth
 Sexual desire and activity fade as a natural, irreversible
part of ageing. This is false, our society views older
women as “dried up”. Sexuality can continue through
the lifespan.
 “Sexual feelings often depend more on how we feel
about out bodies and our relationships than our age.”

12. Health Care
 Overtreatment and under treatment continue to be
problems within the U.S. health care system
 Rates of longevity are inconsistent across racial and
ethnic groups, and income level.
 Health care providers may prescribe wrong treatments
for misdiagnosed health problems
 Many medications can have adverse effects such as;
increased confusion, and depression
 Medicare only covers short term at-home or nursing
home care, long term care is paid out of pocket

13. Planning Ahead
 Many aspects of our lives need to be planned for
especially living arrangements and health care so that
you may age according to your values.
 Other things to plan for; retirement, meaningful
relationships, finances, and community
 Caregiver and long term care planning, Medicare
covers only short term after hospital visits.

14. Legal Decisions
 A durable power of attorney-gives someone you trust
power to make legal and financial matters is you are
unable to yourself
 A health care proxy- gives someone you trust power to
make medical testing and treatment for you. Speak to
this person about your values and wishes
 A living will- describes healthcare treatment you wish
to refuse of receive. May also include advance directive
and DNR documents

15. End of Life Care
 Medical science can shape how we feel about death
and dying, rather that quality of life
 DNR’s can be ignored and patients given life
prolonging treatments
 Palliative or comfort care, reduce and soothe
symptoms of disease while keeping your dignity
 Many women assume the job of caregiving for aging
parents or spouse.