Questions and Topics We Can Help You To Answer: 

1. Your mother just called. She is 70 years old. She has decided to join a health club for a significant amount of money up front as well as signing a two-year nonrefundable contract. You are very upset, saying, “this is a waste of good money on something that if inevitable – you are old and just going to get older. Stop being silly and think of how old you are – really, aerobics, yoga, weightlifting – who are you kidding”?
   a.    What issues are important to consider regarding the mother’s decision and the daughter’s/son’s response?
   2.    You hear a person saying, “Who wouldn’t be depressed? Everyone who is over 70 is either demented or depressed. What is there to live for? Especially when what you have to look forward to is being demented or depressed? Death might be looking up.”
   a.    What social/societal factors that may be influencing this person’s understanding of what it is like to be over seventy? What information would you share with this individual about depression and dementia among folks over 70?
   3.    Can you believe that the social worker that has been helping Jack suggested he get therapy? And that’s not all, suggested therapy for the whole family! For Pete’s Sake, Jack is 73 years old! This is the dumbest thing I have ever heard.”
   a.    What would be helpful for this family member to know about therapy and therapy for older adults? What social/societal factors may be influencing this person’s perspective?