Integrity vs Despair Essay Example for Free

Integrity vs Despair Essay As we grow older and become senior citizens we tend to slow down our productivity and explore life as a retired person. It is during this time that we contemplate our accomplishments and are able to develop integrity if we see ourselves as leading a successful life. If we see our life as unproductive, or feel that we did not accomplish our life goals, we become dissatisfied with life and develop despair, often leading to depression and hopelessness. From what I could tell, my pt falls into the Integrity stage. He was always positive about what came his way and he seemed in good spirits even though he was sick and in the hospital. Physical: My patient was in excellent overall physical condition considering his age. Aging adults, especially the very old, are vulnerable to skin breakdown. Pressure ulcers are due to impaired circulation. My patient had a reddened area on his elbow and he said it was from getting in and out of bed and pushing his self up with his elbows. Emotional: The elderly have a development of a greater emotional complexity with better comprehension and control of emotional reactions. My patient seemed to be in great emotional status in the time I got to spend with him. He was in very good spirits even though he was in the hospital. Cognitive: The slowing that occurs in all cognitive tasks where speed of response is a factor is the most pervasive cognitive change with developmental aging. Also, oxygen is necessary for proper physical and cognitive functioning and is carried through the blood. The elderly with poor circulation may experience forgetfulness and other symptoms of poor cognition. My patient showed no signs of forgetfulness in the time I spent with him. He told me stories about when he was in the military from many years ago. He also had a very good memory. I explained to him why I pressed on his thumbnail to check his capillary refill and a couple hours later he was talking to his sister on the phone telling her what he had learned. Social: Older persons may get frustrated or embarrassed because sometimes it is hard from them to understand what is being said. They may have to have people repeat themselves, or endure shouting when a speaker tries to be heard. My patient doesn’t seem to have a problem socializing but did have a hard time understanding what I said and would ask me to repeat myself. When I spoke to him I just used a louder voice so that he could understand and hear me better.