Human Sexuality
Explain why it is necessary as a counselor to have a working knowledge of cognitive and physical development among older adults.
The aging population is growing at a fast rate hence it is important for mental health practitioners to be able to provide effective services that target the needs of the population. Physical development among the elderly mainly includes a significant reduction in motor ability that leads to poor mobility and lack of coordination, reduced muscle strength, and slower reaction time. Many older adults also experience significant decline in vision and hearing. The main aspects of cognitive development affected by aging include memory and attention. Cognitive changes may include reduced processing speed, difficulty recalling events that happened in the past, and inability to recall information they once knew. Older adults are also at high risk of developing conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease which are associated with cognitive decline (Maldonado Briegas et al., 2020).
Counselors should have a working knowledge of both physical and cognitive development to understand the needs of the elderly. The knowledge also makes it easier for counselors to plan their sessions and to determine the most effective methods for communicating with them. For example, when working with an elderly person with hearing impairment, it may be important to consider speaking loudly, articulately, and to avoid rushing. Moreover, knowledge on cognitive development can help counselors determine which interventions may be most suitable for them. For example, interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy may be used during counseling sessions to help the elderly deal with mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Counselors may also use the knowledge on cognitive and physical development to discuss interventions for improving or preserving cognitive functioning such as adequate sleep, better nutrition, and exercising (Rantanen et al., 2019).
References
Maldonado Briegas, J. J., Iglesias, A. I., Ballester, S. G., & Vicente Castro, F. (2020). The well-being of the elderly: Memory and aging. Frontiers in Psychology, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00778
Rantanen, T., Pynnönen, K., Saajanaho, M., Siltanen, S., Karavirta, L., Kokko, K., Karvonen, A., Kauppinen, M., Rantalainen, T., Rantakokko, M., Portegijs, E., & Hassandra, M. (2019). Individualized counselling for active aging: Protocol of a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial among older people (the agnes intervention study). BMC Geriatrics, 19(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-018-1012-z