Understanding Disability and the Elderly: Needs and Leisure
General Characteristics of Persons with Disabilities
WHO Definition of Dependence
Dependence is the need for help from another person for Activities of Daily Living (ADL), which may be due to illness, injury, deficiency, or limitations.
Types of Dependence
- Moderate: Large dependence for 2 or 3 WHO activities.
- Severe: Dependence for all WHO activities.
WHO Definition of Handicap
Handicap refers to the disadvantages experienced by people due to various barriers, including cultural, technical, economic, environmental, and architectural.
WHO Definition of Disability
Disability is a deficit or limitation in an activity that restricts participation.
Consequences of Dependence and Disability
- Deficits in physical functioning, mental health, and sensory abilities.
- Limitations in activity, behavior, communication, and locomotion.
- Constraints and barriers to participation, including physical independence, mobility, and economic self-sufficiency.
General Characteristics of the Elderly in Modern Society
Aging and Longevity
Aging, often associated with longevity (over 70-80 years), requires infrastructure to meet the needs of this sector.
Challenges Faced by the Elderly
- Social inequalities
- Loneliness (a situation, not a problem, and a natural process)
- Adapting to physical and health decline
- Coping with the death of partners, family, and friends
- Maintaining relationships with individuals and groups of similar ages
- Adopting a moderate and regular lifestyle
Psychological Problems in the Elderly
Changes in personality can be a consequence of biological involution. Three common psychological problems include:
- Depression: Often of psychological or environmental origin, with symptoms like mood disorders, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, and impaired thought. Effects can be physical, psychological, social, and spiritual.
- Loneliness: Not simply being alone, but feeling alone. Prevention strategies include engaging in useful activities, cultivating friendships, expanding social circles, and developing diverse interests.
- Lack of Self-Esteem: Influenced by our self-concept. Promoting self-esteem involves self-acceptance, letting go of guilt and negative self-perception, overcoming inferiority complexes, trusting one’s abilities, forming independent opinions, embracing happiness, and engaging in useful activities.
Leisure and Disabilities
Benefits of Leisure
- Physical: Prevents and rehabilitates some limitations through exercise.
- Cognitive: Develops creativity and expertise.
- Behavioral: Improves social skills and communication.
- Emotional: Stimulates self-knowledge and improves self-esteem.
- Social: Promotes integration and inclusion.
Leisure and Quality of Life
Leisure enhances well-being, promotes values and relationships, encourages personal development, and contributes to normalization and social integration.
Leisure and Integration
Focuses on equal opportunities and developing necessary skills for communication, social participation, expressing preferences, and applying functional skills and mobility.
Leisure and Wellness
Maintaining and improving health through rewarding activities, social interaction, and a positive attitude.
Special Needs and Maslow’s Pyramid
Understanding Needs
Needs are perceived by individuals, and priorities differ. Maslow’s hierarchy categorizes needs into:
- Physiological needs
- Safety needs (trust, security)
- Social needs (belonging, love)
- Esteem needs (recognition)
- Self-actualization
These needs can be grouped into biophysiological, psychological, and socio-cultural dimensions. People with dependencies and disabilities require assistance to meet basic needs and engage in leisure activities.
Somatic Needs
Addressing chronic diseases is crucial.