Biomedical subjects

I Delisle

Publications and source records attributed to I Delisle.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1999

[Intergenerational solidarity].

The author of this article maintains that we have arrived at a critical turning point in society and our survival depends on our capacity to share experiences between generations. According to the author, we are living in a world where retirees are younger than ever and workloads rest on the shoulders of a smaller number of people. She explains the social reality of young retirees and the elderly; defines relationships between generations; questions the limits of solidarity; demonstrates that tensions exist within all levels of society; and offers solutions through intergenerational support. Emphasized is the need for all generations--grandparents included--to work together to meet life's challenges.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed1998

[Solitude].

Solitude is a psychological phenomenon people experience at various points in their lives. And whether it is objective or subjective, it needs to be addressed. The author suggests various approaches and presents her ideas on constructive and destructive solitude, with accompanying examples. Readers conclude that each person can draw on their inner strength and inspiration to come to the best solution.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed1998

[Solitude in the elderly].

Elderly people who are deprived of the warmth of human contact are at the risk of turning inward. For the very old, an atmosphere such as this can become psychologically catastrophic and lead to depressive syndromes such as extreme sadness, a desire to do nothing, sleep problems and even dementia. An in-depth analysis of the environment of the elderly inspires readers to address care objectives and interventions that will minimize and prevent these negative consequences.

Aged↗

PubMed1996

[The existential meaning of time for the aged].

The notion of time is particularly important to seniors. Because their future prospects are more limited, the past plays a very significant role. It serves as an anchor for the present and a guideline for the future. The passage of time is not uniform for everyone. It evolves over years and is based on accumulated experiences and personal factors such as age, activity and interests. For this reason, the older a person gets, the more each minute counts. Time is also indicative of change and is revered as the value of values. It is a useful tool for highlighting and valuing the present moment and the actual task to be accomplished in the here and now. It is essential that nurses understand the subjective reality of time to each individual patient if they are to give quality care. Comprehending time's existential meaning to seniors will add a further dimension to nursing interventions that are based on Watson's model of care.

Aged↗

PubMed1996

[Living better and longer: a holistic approach to health].

Illness can be a signal that a person has exceeded his or her capacity to adapt to a particular situation. To remain healthy, we must learn to manage stress and know how to use energy. The public now has access to various therapeutic models of health care, including medical and psychospiritual approaches. The author discusses the holistic approach as one way of optimizing health. It is an approach that recognizes the innate tendency of the body to re-establish equilibrium when an imbalance has occurred and provides the body with the beneficial conditions necessary to regain strength and increase resistance. The healing process involves redefining one's self, values, behaviors, personal relationships and lifestyle. It is only by establishing harmonious relationships with the physical universe as well as the social and spiritual environments that authentic healing can occur. Because of our capacity to assess and heal ourselves, we have in us the power to change whatever interferes with our well-being and promote attitudes of love, harmony, forgiveness, self-acceptance, responsibility for our actions, while finding a meaning to life and joy in helping others.

Health Promotion↗

PubMed1994

[Entering an institution].

Changes in the family unit affect all members and in some cases create crisis situations. One case in point is the need to institutionalize an elderly parent. A situation such as this can disrupt the family and threaten its physical, psychological and spiritual stability. In this article, the family unit is an open system, with family members providing positive and/or negative feedback about the crisis situation. The departure of a loved one can create a sense of isolation that can divide the family, if they are left to deal with the crisis on their own. Whether they are able to re-establish their own equilibrium or remain in a state of instability depends on their coping skills. Some factors that influence the coping skills needed in time of crisis include the family's realistic perception of the crisis situation; the availability of a support system; internal resources; and mechanisms available to re-adapt. The facilitator assisting the family through a crisis cannot solve each individual's problems. Only the individual family member can accomplish this. However, the facilitator can intervene by initiating family support systems that help them discover their capacity to deal with change in a time of crisis. The facilitator acts as a mirror through which family members see their own reflections and find the strength to act according to their own capabilities.

Emotions↗

PubMed1992

[Suicide at the age of retirement].

Canadian statistics show an increase in the number of suicides by newly retired pensioners in Quebec. Quebec and Ontario mortality rates by suicide of persons between the ages of 67 and 69, are second only to those of Manitoba. After investigating the health care field of the Mauricie and Outaouais regions, a group of researchers were able to identify suicidal behaviors. Based on their report, this article--written by one of the researchers--answers questions such as: What happens to people when they reach retirement age? What makes new pensioners vulnerable to suicide? Is their suicide preventable? What is the best nursing intervention? This article presents an alarming situation where nurses will need to implement elements of prevention. The idea that the first month of retirement is critical for a pensioner, is well spelled out. Nurses have an important role to play in teaching these persons how to live differently and to value their new lifestyle. Counselling suggestions for nurses include: establish a climate of confidence; evaluate whether or not they are an immediate suicide risk; find the best time to communicate so that you are certain they are hearing you; talk to them about death without moralizing; try to help them find solutions to overcome their crisis; let them talk about their desire to commit suicide and show that you understand their suffering. Help them to accept that there are no miracle solutions. What answers there are must be worked out and not bought on the market.

Aged↗

PubMed1991

[Solitude at all ages].

The feeling of loneliness follows us throughout our lives--we can't get away from it, maintains the author. However, we can learn to cope with loneliness in a positive way, by discovering how to enjoy our own company. Even from earliest infancy, children can be given the security and self-confidence needed to resist the inevitable separations from their parents and significant others. For adults, the author suggests concrete ways in which loneliness can be mastered and overcome. For example, sharing one's house with another person, having a pet, doing volunteer work, travelling, taking up a hobby, etc. In short, we need to reach out to life and not wait for it to come to us.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed1990

[Training for working with the dying].

A doctoral thesis, recently defended at the University of Caen in France, is discussed here. This descriptive study looks at the question of training individuals to accompany the dying patient, and the abilities, qualifications and skills that are required.

Clinical Competence↗

PubMed1989

[Autonomy of the elderly].

If individuals cannot change life events, at least they can change their attitude towards them. To do so, older people need autonomy; that is, the freedom and independence to accept what they cannot change. How to master life and enjoy the remaining years, and how to replace negative forces by positive ones are explored here with caring and sensitivity. Readers are challenged to accept death as well as life, and that happiness in the later years is embodied in one's capacity to embrace health or sickness as a powerful lesson. By living fully into old age, we can attain peace, serenity and joy.

Aged↗

PubMed1987