Content:
How does this information related or connect to other information that we've covered or you've read?
The Georgia Centenarian Study found that many individuals contained genes linked to Alzheimer’s yet many of these individuals still contained enough cognitive ability to take part as participants in study. This related to how environment plays a role in aging like we have talked about in the part. These individuals are all genetically predisposed to Alzheimer’s yet only a few of the individuals experienced an onset of the disease. Something about the environment where these individuals reside (or have resided) probable influenced the expression of these genes that either enhanced or negated the predisposition present in these individuals. Even in this study, environment and lifestyle played a large role in whether or not individuals were affected by the disease coded in their genes.
Self:
What impact does this information have on you?
Watching the Georgia Centenarian Study provided a different outlook to later life that I have not always pictured. The majority of my elderly family members have been impacted with chronic illness or cancer. I found it very interesting how there actually are people out there that are over one hundred years old that are able to function each day without any large issues. Granted, this reflection corresponds more with Phase I of the study which focused on centenarians with decent levels of cognitive abilities. However, simply seeing these individuals with their outgoing attitude about life was very inspiring.
World:
Who else needs to know this information? What are potential implications?
Caretakers and those with families would benefit from watching this documentary. While caring for a small child requires a lot of effort, there are many readily available resources to help individuals face the challenges of providing this form of care. Caring for the elderly can be much more difficult than caring for newborns due to the lack of innate knowledge that we have regarding caring for older individuals. Drawing the boundaries between aiding the elderly and invalidating their purpose of living (by not allowing them to do anything or overstepping the boundaries of simply assisting with tasks) is something that varies for each individual needing care. Watching in the Georgia Centenarian Study, they noted that grandchildren are even proud of their centenarian relatives. The information regarding individuality from this study could be useful for everyone possibly facing the situation of caring for the elderly at some point in time.
Practice:
How can you use or apply this information?
With how individual each of the study participants were, it may be useful to remember that information when making life choices. While the government has dietary guidelines essentially condemning fried chicken and whole milk, many of the individuals in this study were found to eat those items on a regular basis. This is one thought provoking scenario that can provide support for individuals making dietary choices, possibly not following the dietary guidelines set out by the government religiously will still enable you to live as long as someone who did choose to follow these guidelines.
Is there anything else you want to know?
Did these individuals have any siblings or other family members that experience great longevity?
How are elderly individuals cared for in other cultures around the world?
Hi Lynn,
ReplyDeleteI didn't even think about caretakers needing this information, but you brought up a very good point and studies like this would be very useful to caretakers of the elderly.
I also found the information they retrieved regarding the Alzheimer's genes to be very interesting. I have no background in genetics and was wondering how environments influence the expression of genes and their predisposition?
I also thought the diet findings were interesting, but what should we take from that? Should we all go out and get started on a Southern diet soul food regime? Those findings contradict the scientific findings in mice with lower calorie diets that live longer.
I think the two questions you posed were very interesting and would like to know the answers to those as well, especially the one about longevity in family members.
ReplyDeleteI am friends with a couple people who are studying to take care of elderly people the later years of their lives. I thought it was such an interesting niche to go into, but with a society that is stressing longevity and anti-aging, it's definitely something that has to be seriously considered.
ReplyDeleteLynn I am glad that you posed the question about caretakers in other cultures. I hadn't even thought of that while watching the videos and also would be interested to know how large of a role the caretakers play in the health and well-being of centenarians/older people in general.
ReplyDeleteI thought there outlook was very positive and encouraging as well. Interesting thoughts on caretakers for the elderly!
ReplyDelete