Late Adulthood: Development, Abuse Prevention, Mental Health, and Social Networks

Select ONE of the prompts below to respond to in this week’s discussion.

1. Describe Erikson’s eighth stage, integrity vs. despair, in detail. What can nurses do if they have a patient who is experiencing despair during Erikson’s 8th stage of development? Also, include information on how generativity may be achieved during late adulthood. (USLO 10.1).
2. You work as a nurse in a nursing home and every month the nursing home holds an information session for family members. You have been asked to present this month’s topic. A) Provide an in-depth explanation on the types of abuse that may occur in this population, and B) Discuss how nurses can help to prevent this? (USLO 10.1)
3. You work as a nurse educator for a group of assisted living facilities and every month you host an information session for staff members. For Older Americans Month (OAM), you’ve chosen mental health and well-being. Describe the impact of multiple factors (positive and negative) that contribute to mental health and overall well-being in late adulthood. What evidence-based strategies would you recommend for staff at all levels, from administration to nurses to custodial staff, to positively support mental health and well-being for late adults in the assisted living facilities? (USLO 10.1).
4. A person’s social network consists of the people with whom they are directly involved, such as family, friends, and acquaintances. Explain how changes occur in these social networks by comparing and contrasting The Convoy Model of Social Relations and Socioemotional Selectivity Theory. Are the relationships that late adults have with their children, spouses, and other family members enough, or do older adults need friendships outside the family to prevent loneliness and support health? Why or why not? What factors affect an older adult’s social network, and what are some strategies to support social integration? (USLO, 10.1)

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

✅ Step 1: Understand the Task

You need to select ONE of the four prompts and write a detailed discussion post. Your response should:

• Be well-structured, clear, and detailed.

• Reference key concepts from psychology, nursing, and gerontology.

• Relate theory to practical nursing interventions.

• Support your explanation with examples or evidence-based strategies.

✅ Step 2: Pick a Prompt and Structure Your Post

Option 1: Erikson’s Eighth Stage (Integrity vs. Despair)

1. Introduction – Introduce Erikson’s psychosocial theory briefly.

2. Stage Explanation – Describe integrity vs. despair in detail.

   • Integrity: satisfaction, wisdom, acceptance.

   • Despair: regret, fear of death, hopelessness.

3. Nursing Interventions – How nurses can help patients experiencing despair (e.g., reminiscence therapy, counseling, promoting social connection).

4. Generativity in Late Adulthood – Explain how older adults can still achieve generativity (e.g., volunteering, mentoring younger people, community involvement).

5. Conclusion – Summarize the importance of supporting older adults in this stage.

Option 2: Abuse in Nursing Homes

1. Introduction – Explain vulnerability of older adults in nursing homes.

2. Types of Abuse – Physical, emotional, sexual, financial, neglect.

3. Consequences – Negative effects on physical and mental health.

4. Nursing Role in Prevention –

   • Staff education & training.

   • Encouraging family involvement.

   • Implementing reporting procedures.

   • Advocating for patient rights.

5. Conclusion – Reinforce the nurse’s role as advocate and protector.

Option 3: Mental Health & Well-Being in Late Adulthood

1. Introduction – Define mental health in aging.

2. Factors Impacting Mental Health –

   • Positive: social engagement, physical activity, financial stability.

   • Negative: chronic illness, isolation, loss of independence, grief.

3. Evidence-Based Strategies –

   • Administration: policies for mental health support.

   • Nurses: screening for depression/anxiety, therapeutic activities.

   • Staff: empathy training, encouraging social interaction.

4. Conclusion – Stress the need for a holistic, team-based approach.

Option 4: Social Networks in Late Adulthood

1. Introduction – Define social networks.

2. Theories – Compare:

   • Convoy Model – lifelong support system.

   • Socioemotional Selectivity Theory – older adults prioritize meaningful relationships.

3. Family vs. Friendships – Are family ties enough? Explore importance of friendships outside family.

4. Factors Affecting Networks – Health, mobility, retirement, widowhood, culture.

5. Strategies for Social Integration – Senior programs, community centers, intergenerational activities, technology for connection.

6. Conclusion – Highlight role of social integration in health and longevity.

✅ Step 3: Writing Tips

• Use headings for clarity.

• Keep responses concise but detailed (2–3 paragraphs per section).

• Use examples from real-world nursing practice.

• Tie back to USLO 10.1 or 10.2/10.3 as indicated in the prompt.

Remember! It’s just a sample. Our professional writers will write a unique paper for you.

Struggling with your essay and deadlines?

Get this or a similar paper done in as fast as 4 hours, 24/7.

NB: We do not sell prewritten papers. All essays are written from scratch according to are specific needs and instructions

✔Secure Service  ✔ Plagiarism Free  ✔On-time Delivery

WRITE MY ESSAY