– This paper offers a personal insight from a care professional into attitudes to the ageing process and being old.
– The paper is an invited opinion piece and comment based on the author's experiences in dealing with the ageing and physical deterioration of close family members. It is an autobiographical reflection upon stereotypical views of ageing and how they might change.
– The degree of negativity of the perspective on ageing depends both on the “closeness” of the familial relationship, the demands thereby made on the individual and the chronicity of the physical deterioration of the ageing family member. Attitudes might change as a result of an ageing population that might become healthier than previous pensioned populations.
– Personal insights from experienced care professionals who still struggle with the emotional costs of the ageing of a relative can help the understanding of others who are dealing with similar situations. Even professionals face difficulties in confronting the ageing of loved ones and the practical issues involved with their care.
