Summary
Four issues are reviewed that frequently emerge in discussions concerning social aspects of aging—social losses, their consequences for the individual, myths and realities about aging, and the locus of responsibility for coping with losses. It is suggested that not all of the consequences of social “loss” are negative, as is frequently assumed, and that older individuals (who themselves often accept the negative stereotypes about old age) should be assisted to recognize the greater creativity and freedom inherent as potentials in the aging process. The concept of “competence” is recommended as a key to understanding successful aging. Members of the helping professions should reassess their treatment strategies, assuring that these enhance competence in the aged, and should give the aged themselves more responsibility for determining their own best interests and how they wish to cope with losses.
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Bengtson, V.L. (1985). Loss and the Social Psychology of Aging. In: Gaitz, C.M., Niederehe, G., Wilson, N.L. (eds) Aging 2000: Our Health Care Destiny. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-5062-3_5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-5062-3_5
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