Throughout the course of NSG 409 we have studied the complex challenges and unique adaptions that face aging adults form a holistic and caring perspective. I feel that when learning about this population it won’t be the education regarding the adaptations such as the facts regarding the common aging changes, or safe medication use, or even the facts taught to me about delirium and dementia. I feel like I will most remember the challenges such as the myths on aging and the agism that aging adults face in health care. I will remember the challenges that LBGT adults face and the difficulty associated with performing a life review. I feel like all of these things are aspects that I never thought about when it came to caring for this population and I wish to take with me away from this course. 

Agism is prejudices and stereotypes applied to older adults based on age. Prior to taking this class I never realized how prevalent agism is throughout society. This is mainly due to the many stereotypes and myths regarding older adults. Some of which include the idea that physical and cognitive deterioration is inevitable, older people aren’t interested in sex, or that withdrawing from the outside work is a normal part of aging. Without even realizing it I, along with the rest of my class, began to notice that at times we ourselves can be a bit agist. While unintentional agism can have great effects on the health of older adults. Agism not only can erode the dignity of older adults but myths can cause healthcare providers to not provide critical health exam and health education that promote health in older adults, such as education regarding safe sex and proper exercise to prevent decline in physical functioning, which is not a normal part of aging. While there is more emphasis on heightening societal awareness on the realities of aging, I hope to be able to bring this knowledge and considerations and apply it to my practice as a nurse. 

In relation to prejudice, I also was shocked to learn that most older adults within the LBGT community are fearful of rejection and neglect by caregivers, not being accepted by other residence, and feel forced to hide their sexual orientation. This again can have numerous effects on client’s health, simply due to these clients not seeking out care or healthcare providers overlooking different assessments due to personal biases or lack of education regarding the subject. As a nurse I want to ensure that I am providing culturally competence care for all of my patients.  I also want to ensure that I am providing holistic care, specifically for the mind and soul, for my clients and keep in mind the things I have learn throughout the duration of this course.