Dealing with life changes: humour in painful self-disclosures by elderly Japanese women

2009 ◽  
Vol 29 (6) ◽  
pp. 929-952 ◽  
Author(s):  
YOSHIKO MATSUMOTO
Keyword(s):  
Old Age ◽  
Personal Information ◽  
Complex Structure ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Life Changes ◽  
Negative Stereotypes ◽  
Self Disclosure ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Elderly Japanese Women ◽  
Japanese Elderly

ABSTRACTThis paper examines the ways in which older people depict verbally the life changes that accompany old age. It reports a study of Japanese elderly women's casual conversations with their friends, during which they talked about their husbands' deaths and illnesses. A frequently observed discourse practice among old people is ‘painful self-disclosure’ (PSD), in which unhappy personal information on one's ill health, immobility or bereavement is revealed and speakers describe themselves using negative stereotypes of old age. During the observed conversations, however, the PSD accounts were frequently accompanied by humour and laughter. This paper examines the complex structure of the PSDs. To exemplify, a simple statement of death and illness given early in a conversation is later elaborated with descriptions of unremarkable domestic events, e.g. complaints about the husband's behaviour. Through shifting the frame of the narrative to quotidian normality, the elderly speakers convert painful life events to everyday matters that they can laugh about. Furthermore, it was found that the humour is sustained through interactions during which the hearers often laughed with the speaker. The study suggests that the disclosure of age-related negative experiences is not necessarily uniformly gloomy, but rather is combined with expressions of personal and social identities and nuanced and modulated through a complex resolution of the speaker's intentions and social expectations.

Life Changes, Stereotyping, and Age Identification

1977 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 661-662 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pat M. Keith
Keyword(s):  
Old Age ◽  
Life Changes ◽  
Negative Stereotypes ◽  
Age Identity

The influence of life changes and stereotypes of old age on age identity was examined among 169 subjects 65 yr. or over. Negative stereotypes of old age were only weakly associated with a self-definition as old and were less important than life changes in determining age identification.

scholarly journals Age features of arterial human kidney vessels

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 51-58
Author(s):  
O. A. Kaplunova
Keyword(s):  
Old Age ◽  
Human Kidney ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Relative Content ◽  
Adaptive Capabilities ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Cortical Substance ◽  
Age Features ◽  
Aging People ◽  
Renal Vascular

Objective: to study the structural transformations of the architectonics of intra-organ renal arterial vessels in the age aspect.Materials and methods: 150 kidneys of people of diff erent age who died from the reasons which are not connected with diseases of cardiovascular and urinary systems are investigated. The studies were carried out using a set of methods: angiographic, macromicroscopic and morphometry.Results: with increasing age, a decrease in the number of vascular glomeruli in the kidney, the proportion of glomerular mass in the cortical substance of the kidney was found. In old age and in centenarians, a rare capillary network in the cortical substance of the kidney, tortuosity, narrowing and expansion of direct arterioles and capillaries in the cerebral substance was revealed. In old age and in centenarians, compared with adolescence, the relative content of arterial vessels in the cortical substance decreases by 6 times, in the juxtamedullary zone — by 4 and in the cortical substance — by 2 times.Conclusions: the large diameters of the juxtamedullary glomeruli and a large index of the relative content of arterial vessels in the juxtamedullary zone create prerequisites for possible juxtamedullary shunting with urgent adaptation in the norm. The decrease in these indicators in old age, the elderly and centenarians, obviously, explains the age-related decline in the adaptive capacity of the arterial bed of the kidneys. With increasing age, the range of adaptive capabilities of the renal vascular bed of aging people decreases compared to those of mature age. 

Heroines, villains and victims: older people's perceptions of others

2006 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 883-900 ◽  
Author(s):  
JEAN TOWNSEND ◽  
MARY GODFREY ◽  
TRACY DENBY
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Age Changes ◽  
Negative Stereotypes ◽  
Self Identity ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Physical Limitations ◽  
Inclusive Society ◽  
People’S Perceptions

This paper examines older people's contrasting images of older people as ‘those like us’ and as ‘others’. It draws on data from a qualitative study about the experience of ageing that was undertaken in partnership with two local groups of older people in England. Whilst the informants acknowledged their chronological age, changes in appearance and physical limitations, most did not describe themselves as old. They challenged the idea of older people as being ‘past it’. Older people who personified their own values of inter-dependence, reciprocity and keeping going were seen as ‘heroines’ of old age, but negative stereotypes were ascribed simultaneously to others, ‘the villains’. Aspects of behaviour which evoked censure were ‘giving up’; ‘refusal to be helped’ and ‘taking without putting back’, and were usually attributed to acquaintances known only at a distance. The victims of old age were primarily people with dementia, who were perceived as ‘needing to be looked after’ and objects of pity and concern. The paper explores the ways in which these various images of old age related to people's self-identity and management of the ageing process; especially in a society that has ambivalent conceptions of old age. The findings contribute to an understanding of how people's values underpin their conception of ‘a good old age’ and how they shape their interpretation of societal stereotypes. They also indicate the importance of considering whose voices are heard in the context of exploring the identity and contributions of older people to achieve a more inclusive society.

Ophthalmopathology of the old people. Population research. Preliminary results

2021 ◽  
pp. 9-12
Author(s):  
M.M. Bikbov ◽  
◽  
T.R. Gilmanshin ◽  
R.M. Zainullin ◽  
G.M. Kazakbaeva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Old Age ◽  
Vision Loss ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽  
Ophthalmological Examination ◽  
Old People ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Region Of Residence

Currently, the percentage of old people is growing from year to year in developed countries their share ranges from 10 to 15% of the entire population. In connection with such trends the issue of old age should be given special attention. Purpose. Identify the main risk factors and assess the incidence of ophthalmopathology among the elderly. Material and methods. In Ufa Eye Research Institute was examined 1526 people over 85 years old. Ophthalmological examination included standard and additional diagnostic methods: ultrasound biometry, keratotopography, computed perimetry, ophthalmoscopy using a fundus camera, optical coherence tomography. Results. The main cause of vision loss in the elderly was cataract – 41.7%, followed by AMD – 32.6%, then glaucoma – 10.1%, other eye diseases – 8.1%, optic disc pathology – 54.1% and diabetic angioretinopathy – 2.4%. The most significant association of the ophthalmopathology development is associated with such factors as age, gender, region of residence, axial length of the eye. Conclusions. Timely detection of ophthalmic pathology among old people will allow to preserve the patients visual functions, increase the social rehabilitation level and ensure their active and creative longevity. Key words: old age, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma.

Age Simulation in Perceptual and Cognitive Functioning: Age Progression to 80 Years in a College Sample

1975 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 115-118
Author(s):  
Donald A. Eisner
Keyword(s):  
Digit Span ◽  
Spatial Relation ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Perceptual Task ◽  
Negative Stereotypes ◽  
Age Progression ◽  
College Sample ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Age Simulation ◽  
Effect Of Age

The effect of age simulation by 40 college students was examined by age progression to 80 yr. through the use of instructions to imagine. The results indicated no age progression effects on the cognitive tasks (Vocabulary, Spatial Relation, and Digit Span). However, there were significant decrements in performance on the perceptual task (Hidden-figures Test) under the age progression conditions. Data suggest age progression may be a worthwhile technique in the assessment of age-related perceptions. The discrepancy between the simulated perceptual and cognitive performance could have been due to negative stereotypes regarding visual perception and loss of speed in the elderly.

scholarly journals 453 - The effect of ageing in personality and emotions

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (S1) ◽  
pp. 173-173
Author(s):  
Catarina Pedro ◽  
Mariana Duarte ◽  
Beatriz Jorge ◽  
Daniela Freitas
Keyword(s):  
Old Age ◽  
Emotional Processing ◽  
Personality Development ◽  
Early Adulthood ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Marked Change ◽  
Significant Risk Factor ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Big Five Personality ◽  
Age Related

Introduction:Personality and emotions have not been studied as thoroughly as cognition in old age. Recent research suggests personality changes across the entire life span, through middle age and even into old age. Thus, the previous assumption of stability in personality traits from early adulthood has been challenged and novel approaches to the study of personality development have emerged.Objectives:The aim of this presentation is to describe the effects of the ageing process in personality and emotions.Methods:A non-systematic review of the literature was performed on PubMed, PsycINFO and Web of science using selected keywords.Results:When older adults compare their current and past selves, they usually perceive a subjective growth in personality. Descriptive research suggests that the big five personality characteristics (neuroticism, extraversion, openness, agreeableness and conscientiousness) remain generally stable over the lifespan, despite variations in life experiences. Some studies revealed age-related linear decrease in extraversion. One of the studies found that hearing impairment, already identified as a significant risk factor for social isolation, was related to this decline in extraversion. Although levels of neuroticism tends to go down over the course of adulthood, the increased vulnerabilities that accompany old age may amplify neurotic traits, increasing worries about physical health and memory, common features of depression in the elderly. Emotions, relative to more neutral knowledge and skills, increase in later years. Elderly have better control over emotions than do younger adults, they reason more flexibly about emotion-laden dilemmas and remember emotionally charged information better than neutral facts. Older people also rely more often on emotion-focused forms of coping, as opposed to active, problem-solving approaches.Conclusions:Core features of personality seem to remain relatively stable throughout adulthood and any marked change in mood or social behavior may indicate a disorder. However, more subtle reordering of personal priorities and shifts in coping styles are common with normal ageing. The richness of emotional processing in older persons runs counter to the generally declining patterns seen in many cognitive and physical skills.

Painful to playful: Quotidian frames in the conversational discourse of older Japanese women

2011 ◽  
Vol 40 (5) ◽  
pp. 591-616 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoshiko Matsumoto
Keyword(s):  
Discourse Analysis ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Japanese Women ◽  
Detailed Account ◽  
Life Changes ◽  
Conversational Discourse ◽  
Elderly Japanese Women ◽  
The Common ◽  
Elderly Japanese ◽  
Discourse Strategy

AbstractConversations about serious life changes in old age may be expected to sound painful, but data of conversational narratives by elderly Japanese women even on topics related to illnesses or the death of a husband show highly engaging, lively exchanges, frequently accompanied by humor and laughter among the participants. The common feature in the conversations recounting psychologically intense experiences is a shift to detailed depictions of specific scenes from the quotidian perspective. This phenomenon, which I call quotidian reframing, is signaled by linguistic and paralinguistic quotidian framing cues. Quotidian reframing can function as a useful discourse strategy to relieve tension and let the participants regain the feeling or stance of quotidian self, the identity that they consider “normal.” A detailed account of the quotidian frame draws on such ideas as frame, footing, lamination, and positioning. (Discourse analysis, frame, identity, humor and laughter, older Japanese women)*

Metronidazole Elimination is Preserved in the Elderly

1990 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 155-159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steffen Loft ◽  
Charlotte Egsmose ◽  
Jesper Sonne ◽  
Henrik Enghusen Poulsen ◽  
Martin Døssing ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Old Age ◽  
Half Life ◽  
Renal Excretion ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Volume Of Distribution ◽  
Time Curve ◽  
Concentration Time ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Young Subjects ◽  
Hydroxy Metabolite

1 The disposition of metronidazole and its major metabolites was compared in 11 subjects aged 86 ± 6 years and 8 aged 30 ± 6 years. 2 The plasma clearance of metronidazole was 1.20 ± 0.53 and 1.25 ± 0.22 ml min-1 kg -1, the volume of distribution 0.77 ± 0.27 and 0.77 ± 0.09 1 kg -1 and the half-life 7.8 ± 1.9 and 7.2 ± 0.9 h in elderly and young subjects, respectively (P > 0.05). 3 The area under the plasma concentration-time curve of the hydroxy metabolite was 32 ± 14 and 21 ± 3 mM min-1 (P < 0.05) whereas its half-life was 21 ± 14 and 12 ± 2 h (P < 0.05) in the elderly and young subjects, respectively. 4 The recovery in the urine of metronidazole and its metabolites was 42 ± 21% and 87 ± 6% of dose in elderly and young subjects, respectively (P < 0.05). With this reservation the only elimination pathways of metronidazole affected by old age were the renal excretion of unchanged compound and the hydroxy metabolite. 5 It is concluded that the ability to eliminate metronidazole is preserved in old age and that age-related dose adjustments are not necessary.

Old age psychiatry

2019 ◽  
pp. 541-564
Author(s):  
David Semple ◽  
Roger Smyth
Keyword(s):  
Old Age ◽  
Elder Abuse ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Power Of Attorney ◽  
Advanced Directives ◽  
Psychiatric Illnesses ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Old Age Psychiatry ◽  
Ageing Patient ◽  
The Brain

This chapter covers old age psychiatry, including both psychiatric illnesses in older people and specific aspects of illness with regard to the elderly, from neuroses and psychoses to mood disorders. New disorders owing to specific old age-related issues, such as bereavement, isolation, and the changing physiology of the brain, are covered, as well as pre-existing illnesses in the ageing patient. The increasing recognition of elder abuse is defined, and responses outlined. End of life considerations, such as power of attorney and advanced directives, are included.

scholarly journals Inactivity and Skeletal Muscle Metabolism: A Vicious Cycle in Old Age

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 592 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena Rezuş ◽  
Alexandra Burlui ◽  
Anca Cardoneanu ◽  
Ciprian Rezuş ◽  
Cătălin Codreanu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Muscle Metabolism ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Skeletal Muscle Metabolism ◽  
Telomere Attrition ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Effects Of Aging

Aging is an inevitable and gradually progressive process affecting all organs and systems. The musculoskeletal system makes no exception, elderly exhibit an increased risk of sarcopenia (low muscle mass),dynapenia (declining muscle strength), and subsequent disability. Whereas in recent years the subject of skeletal muscle metabolic decline in the elderly has been gathering interest amongst researchers, as well as medical professionals, there are many challenges yet to be solved in order to counteract the effects of aging on muscle function efficiently. Noteworthy, it has been shown that aging individuals exhibit a decline in skeletal muscle metabolism, a phenomenon which may be linked to a number of predisposing (risk) factors such as telomere attrition, epigenetic changes, mitochondrial dysfunction, sedentary behavior (leading to body composition alterations), age-related low-grade systemic inflammation (inflammaging), hormonal imbalance, as well as a hypoproteic diet (unable to counterbalance the repercussions of the age-related increase in skeletal muscle catabolism). The present review aims to discuss the relationship between old age and muscle wasting in an effort to highlight the modifications in skeletal muscle metabolism associated with aging and physical activity.

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