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Overview:
My client is an 84 year old male who participates in the
cardiac rehabilitation program where I am employed. He has
been in our program since 1999 when he experienced a cardiac
arrest post myocardial infarction…He is a role model
for others growing old due to his strengths, coping abilities,
positive attitude, generosity, and his ability to maintain
a satisfying life, in spite of his losses…
Stressors:
My client has lost two wives to breast cancer and his only
child, at age 40, to melanoma…During the interview he
stated, "If I would have known I would live this long,
I would have married again."
Therapeutic Needs:
My client acknowledges that he should lose a few pounds to
lessen the burden on his knee, heart, and breathing. He frequently
eats at restaurants with friends and family and has a difficult
time limiting his caloric intake…
Expectations:
My client states that if he exercises, follows his physician's
advice, and we monitor his heart rhythm, then his fears of
having a stroke are reduced. He communicates his fears frequently
of being dependent on others for total care…When I asked
him about his future, he laughingly stated that he recently
purchased a ten year bond…He looks forward to the future,
but also states he is not afraid of death…
Feeling States:
…He has sadness and loss when discussing his son's death.
Regarding his wives, he only talks about the good times with
them, not their dying processes from breast cancer. He expresses
his love of his extended family and his pride with their accomplishments…He
is a positive person, and has felt throughout his life that
he could accomplish anything with hard work and a little luck.
Feelings about Successful Aging:
My client believes that to age successfully, a person needs
to stay involved in life, maintain his health, and have family
love and support. He says, "It is all in your attitude.
With attitude, good health, hard work, and a little luck,
you can age successfully…Forced retirement is a bad thing
for most people. We need to remain stimulated and feel productive."
His life goals include distributing his wealth to services
that help others.
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