The coming of age of Mrs H: Nursing Intervention in an elderly depressed woman

Abstract

In the past the prospect of change and psychological growth in the aged was doomed by personality theorists such as Freud, who were convinced of the rigidity of an old-sister’s ego. Fortunately, more en lightened theorists, backed by empirical data and research have dispelled this very damaging myth. June, Maslow, Rogers and others offer more optimistic models of personality development which stress the individual’s striving towards self-fulfilment or self-actualisation. This is a process which begins later in life and is in fact more readily dealt with in old age when less energy is being expended on physical activity, making more available for this all important task of the psyche. Today the aged are known to respond well to various forms of psychotherapy.