Introduction
Aging is a time of change and loss. As one ages, and the roles we play change
and certain transitions occur that are often felt as a loss. For example, loss of status may occur when one
retires, or loss of a spouse or close friend may occur as we age. Even the loss
of independence and the ability to choose one's daily activities and foods may
come with advanced age.
Procedure
Make a list of 10 things that you care about. Be sure to number them. These things can be people,
places or things (i.e. my mother, sunsets, my bedroom, my dog, apple pie, etc.)
The list need not be in any particular order of preference.
Take a minute to think about each item on your list. Now, follow the instructions below and begin to cross out items. Every time you cross out one item, you have lost that person place or thing.
 | Cross out numbers 1, 3, and 10, they are now gone. (note how you feel about this loss). |
| Remove item numbers 2, 6, and 8. What feelings come up? |
| Now remove any two items of your own choice. They are now gone. |
| You have only two items left, cross them off |
Assignment
At the discussion board explain to us what feelings came with each loss? Might losing them at your age be different than for an elderly person who outlives family and friends? (think about what you have learned in class and use class theory to answer this).
What about the moving option you created for your mother in an earlier assignment. Did you consider these losses?
What do you think is the take-away message of this assignment?
Adapted from Hillier and Barrow: Aging, the Individual, and Society, 1999
Want to learn more? Check out this site: http://www.findingourway.net/
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