Los Años Dorados: Psicología de la vejez, mitos y realidades.

Los Años Dorados: Psicología de la vejez, mitos y realidades.

Introduction to Gerontology

Overview of the Program

  • The program "Los años dorados" focuses on various aspects of gerontology, aiming to improve the quality of life for older adults.
  • Experts share knowledge and experiences to foster personal growth and develop strategies for enhancing the well-being of seniors.

Guest Introduction: Roberto Zamorano

Welcoming the Expert

  • The host welcomes listeners to the show, noting it is a special occasion with a prominent guest, Roberto Zamorano, an expert in psychology and transpersonal psychotherapy.
  • Zamorano is recognized nationally and internationally for his contributions in various forums and congresses related to psychology.

Discussion Topic: Psychology of Aging

Key Themes in Aging Psychology

  • Zamorano introduces the topic of "Psychology of Aging: Myths and Realities," emphasizing its importance for understanding elderly individuals' psychological changes over time.
  • He encourages audience participation by inviting questions related to aging psychology during the discussion.

Psychological Changes in Older Adults

Understanding Aging Processes

  • As people age, they experience significant psychological changes influenced by biological processes; everyone undergoes this natural progression toward aging.
  • Physical signs such as wrinkles, gray hair, and muscle flaccidity are common indicators that accompany cognitive changes due to evolving belief systems about aging.

Societal Constructs Around Aging

  • Zamorano discusses how societal constructs associate aging with suffering, dependency, and decreased productivity, which can instill fear regarding growing old.
  • He highlights that these perceptions are shaped by globalization's impact on views about productivity and worthiness as one ages.

Theoretical Perspectives on Development

Erikson's Psychosocial Stages

  • The conversation touches upon Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development stages that repeat throughout life; healthy childhood development influences later stages into adulthood and old age.
  • Positive attributes developed early on—such as sociability, self-esteem, independence—contribute significantly to becoming a well-adjusted adult later in life.

Understanding Developmental Stages and Health Education

The Impact of Early Socialization on Development

  • Discusses the importance of socialization during developmental stages as outlined by Bandura and Vygotsky, emphasizing that lack of interaction can negatively affect cognitive and emotional development.
  • Highlights the necessity for psychology, social work, and psychopedagogy students to engage in health education to foster healthy habits essential for successful adulthood.

Importance of Healthy Habits for Successful Aging

  • Explains how consistent health care and habit formation contribute to a fulfilling retirement, allowing individuals to enjoy life post-employment with financial security.
  • Notes that an individual's experiences during youth and early adulthood significantly influence their later life outcomes, including health challenges.

Cognitive Changes with Aging

  • Describes how aging affects brain function, mentioning that certain areas may shrink (e.g., corpus callosum), leading to diminished signal strength compared to youth.
  • Discusses the decline in neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin with age, which impacts cognition and emotional well-being.

Lifestyle Choices Affecting Aging

  • Emphasizes the role of lifestyle choices made from childhood through adulthood in shaping overall health; advocates for healthy habits such as sports and meditation.
  • Argues that practicing meditation early can help regulate emotions and establish constructive habits beneficial throughout life.

Coping with Life Transitions in Older Age

  • Addresses common challenges faced during aging, such as empty nest syndrome or loss of a partner, stressing the importance of resources developed over a lifetime to navigate these transitions.
  • Suggests that lifelong habits play a crucial role in maintaining purpose and direction in later years.

Societal Perceptions of Aging

  • Reflects on societal changes regarding how older adults are treated compared to historical perspectives where they were revered as sources of wisdom.
  • Mentions transgenerational influences on attitudes towards aging, noting shifts from respect towards viewing older adults as less valuable due to productivity standards imposed by globalization.

Emotional Experiences in Elder Care Settings

  • Shares observations from working with elderly individuals in care facilities, highlighting their emotional responses when visited by family members.
  • Illustrates the disconnect between elderly individuals' past roles (e.g., caregivers or military personnel) versus their current treatment within society.

Understanding the Role of Empathy in Gerontology

The Importance of Attention and Empathy

  • The speaker discusses how attention can significantly enhance engagement, noting that within half an hour, individuals can learn to sing along with songs.
  • Emphasizes the necessity for a high level of empathy and awareness when working with older adults, suggesting that not everyone possesses this ability.
  • Mentions the physical aspect of caring for elderly individuals, highlighting the need to learn proper techniques for lifting and moving them safely.

Perspectives on Aging

  • Reflects on how one's own sense of life influences their perception of aging, suggesting a transgenerational perspective where respect and affection towards elders are crucial.
  • Stresses the importance of educating students in psychology about empathy and unconditional acceptance as essential qualities for their future careers.

Workshops and Educational Opportunities

  • Invites listeners to a workshop titled "Strategies for Stress Management," emphasizing its relevance to mental health professionals.
  • Provides details about the workshop's timing and access information, encouraging participation from those interested.

Exploring Myths About Aging

Identity and Self-Esteem in Older Adults

  • Discusses how aging affects identity and self-esteem, indicating that lifestyle choices play a significant role in these aspects.
  • Shares an anecdote about an elderly dermatologist who maintained her practice well into her 90s, challenging common myths regarding cognitive decline with age.

Lifestyle Choices Impacting Aging

  • Highlights that healthier lifestyles—such as regular exercise and meditation—can lead to better quality of life among older adults.
  • Concludes by stating that genetics should be viewed as suggestions rather than definitive outcomes regarding health issues like cancer.

Understanding the Impact of Habits on Health and Self-Esteem

The Role of Family Patterns in Behavior Change

  • Discusses how recognizing negative family patterns, such as high cortisol levels due to constant anger, can motivate individuals to change their behaviors.
  • Emphasizes the importance of developing positive self-talk and kindness towards oneself to generate beneficial neurotransmitters like endorphins and serotonin.

Addiction and Its Development

  • Explores how early substance use during adolescence can lead to lifelong addiction issues, affecting self-esteem and independence.
  • Highlights the difference between successful individuals and those who struggle, attributing it largely to the formation of healthy habits.

Healthy Habits for Longevity

  • Stresses that maintaining healthy habits from adolescence leads to better outcomes in older adulthood, including higher self-esteem and independence.
  • Points out that not everyone develops chronic diseases; however, poor dietary habits contribute significantly to health issues like diabetes.

Dietary Awareness and Cultural Influences

  • Introduces "la dieta de la milpa," showcasing traditional Mexican foods rich in nutrients but often overlooked due to ingrained unhealthy eating habits.
  • Notes alarming statistics about diabetes prevalence in Mexico, linking it back to entrenched poor dietary practices across generations.

Overcoming Inflexibility in Thought Patterns

  • Discusses the challenges faced by individuals when trying to change long-standing habits, even with professional help.
  • Suggests that a flexible mindset is crucial for adopting new healthy habits, especially when managing conditions like diabetes through diet and exercise.

Emotional Well-being Through Self-Love Practices

  • Mentions how certain substances can affect brain structures related to self-esteem; emphasizes the need for self-love.
  • Recommends listening to meaningful songs as a form of self-dedication practice aimed at enhancing personal love and esteem.

This structured summary captures key insights from the transcript while providing timestamps for easy reference.

Psychological Growth and Reflection

The Importance of Self-Reflection

  • The speaker emphasizes the value of self-reflection, suggesting that individuals should take a moment to observe their personal growth over time.
  • They encourage listeners to recall significant life experiences, such as learning to ride a bike or swim, which contribute to their evolution.
  • Acknowledgment is made of how one's body has transformed through various stages of life, highlighting the importance of treating oneself well during this journey.

Engaging with Inner Child

  • The discussion includes reconnecting with one’s inner child and recognizing past achievements in relationships and education.
  • The speaker invites participants to consider how they have overcome challenges throughout different life phases.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

Interactive Conference Invitation

  • An invitation is extended for an interactive Zoom conference on grief led by Ramsé Cigarroa Munguía scheduled for October 22nd from 1 PM to 2 PM.

Celebrating Cultural Traditions

  • Information is shared about activities for Día de Muertos, including a literary contest and opportunities for community engagement through family altars.

International Congress on Thanatology

Event Details

  • Announcement of the 17th International Congress on Thanatology focusing on loss and suicide studies set for October 24th and 25th, featuring participation from multiple countries.

Learning Opportunities

  • Attendees are encouraged to engage in workshops aimed at deep reflection and transformation within the fields of thanatology and suicide studies.

Professional Development in Psychotanatology

Certification Program

  • A certification program in psychotanatology is highlighted, taking place from October 21st to 23rd, designed for professionals interested in grief counseling.

Post-Congress Activities

  • Mentioned are post-congress activities organized by Grupo Mamut on October 26th, providing further educational opportunities related to thanatology.

Stereotypes Towards Older Adults

Current Perceptions

  • Discussion arises regarding prevalent stereotypes about older adults being seen as burdensome or unproductive within society.

Empathy Deficit

  • The conversation touches upon the lack of empathy towards older individuals, noting that many people view them negatively rather than valuing their contributions.

Understanding Abuse and Its Psychological Impact

The Cycle of Abuse

  • Discussion on how abuse affects multiple generations, including physical, psychological, and sexual dimensions.
  • Mention of impulsive behaviors stemming from unresolved resentment and trauma in individuals who have experienced infidelity or betrayal.

Changes in Sexual Orientation Among Older Adults

  • Observations about shifts in sexual orientation among older adults, possibly linked to hormonal changes such as increased progesterone production.
  • Notable increase in infidelity among men with other men, challenging traditional stereotypes regarding older adults' sexuality.

Therapeutic Processes for Healing

  • Emphasis on the importance of therapeutic processes for addressing past abuses and traumas that can lead to feelings of vengeance.
  • Encouragement for psychology students to engage in their own therapeutic journeys to better understand their future roles as therapists.

Acceptance of Loss and Independence

  • Discussion on the challenges faced by older adults when losing independence due to health issues or cognitive decline.
  • Example shared about a woman overcoming her limitations through hypnosis techniques, highlighting the potential for regaining functionality.

Understanding Depression in Older Adults

  • Exploration of how loss of independence can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression among older adults.
  • Reference to learned helplessness theory by Martin Seligman, illustrating how unaddressed trauma can perpetuate cycles of depression across a person's life.

Understanding the Challenges of Aging

Psychological Impact on Older Adults

  • The discussion highlights that older adults often experience psychological issues such as loneliness and anhedonia, which is a lack of pleasure. This can lead to a significant loss of independence due to depression.
  • Emphasis is placed on the need for awareness regarding the vulnerabilities of older adults. It’s crucial to approach them with patience when teaching new skills, like using technology.
  • The speaker stresses the importance of explaining processes in simple terms ("bolitas y palitos") tailored to their age and understanding level, ensuring they feel comfortable learning.
  • There is a call for empathy and comprehension towards older adults who may have diminished hearing or vision. Understanding their limitations is essential for effective communication.
  • The speaker notes that negative conditioning (e.g., associating medication with discomfort) can exacerbate feelings of distress among older adults, highlighting the need for positive reinforcement instead.

Community Engagement and Support

  • An invitation is extended for a conversation about human development scheduled for October 27th, emphasizing its importance in psychology training.
  • A reminder about institutional security measures encourages community members not to share personal information over suspicious calls or messages, reinforcing trust within the community.

Family Dynamics and Therapy

  • The program returns with an emphasis on family involvement in therapy. A question arises about how families can help change perceptions among elderly relatives who feel like burdens.
  • The speaker advocates for family therapy as an effective method to address systemic issues within families. By improving internal dynamics, families can better support their elderly members.
  • It’s noted that many family members do not fully understand each other’s learning styles or needs, leading to miscommunication. Identifying these differences can improve interactions significantly.
  • The therapeutic process helps heal both families and individuals struggling with addiction by addressing transgenerational patterns and fostering healthier relationships.

How to Support an Elderly Adult: The Importance of Psychoeducation

Understanding Psychoeducation for Caregivers

  • Psychoeducation is crucial for effectively supporting elderly adults; engaging with a gerontologist can provide essential techniques and insights.
  • Tanatologists play a vital role in accompanying families through chronic illnesses, emphasizing the importance of caregiver support to prevent burnout.
  • A multidisciplinary approach involving social workers, psychologists, and other professionals enhances psychoeducational efforts for families dealing with aging issues.

The Role of Family in Coping with Illness

  • Patients often become symbols of family stress; addressing the entire family system is necessary for progress and healing.
  • Accepting a cancer diagnosis with serenity can lead to personal growth and new perspectives on life; advancements in science have improved outcomes significantly.

Building Hope and Resilience

  • Family unity boosts patient self-esteem, pain management, treatment adherence, and fosters hope during recovery processes.
  • Psychotherapy aims to instill hope in patients, helping them feel capable of healing or at least finding comfort during their journey.

Understanding Alzheimer's Disease

  • Knowledge about diseases like Alzheimer’s helps families cope better; understanding brain changes can alleviate fears associated with memory loss.
  • Awareness of how the brain functions empowers individuals to manage their mental health proactively.

Healthy Aging Practices

  • Recognizing the brain's capabilities encourages healthier lifestyle choices that promote cognitive function as one ages.
  • Nutrition plays a significant role in brain health; making informed dietary choices can enhance overall well-being as one grows older.

Embracing Aging with Dignity

  • Aging gracefully involves adopting healthy habits early on; this leads to more positive experiences as one reaches later stages of life.
  • Compassionate understanding among family members regarding aging processes fosters supportive environments for elderly individuals.

Conclusion: Lifelong Learning and Collaboration

  • Continuous learning from experts enriches caregivers' knowledge base, enhancing their ability to support elderly adults effectively.
  • Collaborative efforts between educators and practitioners ensure comprehensive care approaches are shared within academic settings.

Psychology of Aging Insights

Closing Remarks and Gratitude

  • The speaker expresses gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to discussions on aging psychology, highlighting the importance of sharing knowledge in this field.
  • A warm farewell is extended to a brother and the audience, emphasizing a sense of community and connection among participants.
  • The speaker sends heartfelt wishes for a pleasant afternoon, reinforcing positive sentiments towards the audience.
  • An invitation is made for future engagement, suggesting a follow-up meeting in one week at the same venue, indicating ongoing collaboration.
Video description

16/10/2025 Los Años Dorados Tema: Psicología de la vejez, mitos y realidades. Con el Mtro. Ricardo Mejía Bautista Invitado: Mtro. Roberto Zamorano Cruz Visita nuestra página de Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/radioimpo/ Visita nuestra página Oficial: https://radioimpo.com.mx/