Details

In the Week 3 tutorial, we will watch the You Can’t Ask That: Centenarians episode and discuss our current beliefs about older people and caring for older people. You and your peers will submit statements to Padlet during the tutorial. Throughout the semester you will learn more about older people and caring for older people across a range of care environments. In all of these environments, ageist beliefs pose a risk to older people’s physical, mental, emotional, and social wellbeing.

After watching the You Can`t Ask That: Centenarians episode, think about some of the questions that the older people were asked and refer to the statements posted on your week 3 tutorial Padlet. Using the Rolfe et al. (2001) reflection model — What?, So What?, Now What? — critically discuss your and your peers beliefs about older people and caring for older people.

It is important to be honest and transparent about your beliefs to ensure a clear understanding of their impact. You will not be judged on your personal statements; this assessment task aims to develop your reflexive thinking and help you understand the relationship between you, your practice, and the people you care for.

Your reflection can be written using first-person language and must be supported by academic sources. Use the following headings and prompts as a guide when developing your response. You should include the headings in your submission. You are not required to answer the questions provided; they are only there to stimulate your thoughts. The word counts provided are only a suggestion.

Task

How did the statements made by your peers make you feel?

Why do you think you felt that way?

What do you think influenced these beliefs about ageing and older people?

Was it personal experiences, media portrayals, or cultural norms?

How have they influenced your thinking? Have any previous experiences influenced your current beliefs or practice?

What were they and how did they influence you?

1. Why do you think practice changes based on ageist beliefs about older people?
2. How can your practice impact the quality of care you provide and care outcomes for older people?

You should cite/reference academic sources in this section. Academic sources can include literature that supports your beliefs, explains how your beliefs have developed, and/or provides evidence of your beliefs in a larger context.

Now What? 

In this section, you should discuss strategies you could use to challenge or overcome ageist beliefs. You may consider the following questions:

1. What strategies can you use to challenge your own ageist beliefs? How do you intend to implement these strategies?
2. How could you advocate for older people and challenge the ageist beliefs of other people?
3. What strategies can you implement to ensure older people feel heard, respected, and empowered in their health care?
4. How will you go about developing your knowledge and a greater understanding of older people and caring for older people?

You should cite/reference academic sources in this section. Academic sources can include literature that describes best practice, policies, and guidelines you could use to develop your practice, and/or examples of strategies used to challenge ageist beliefs.