istian community. How has your cultural background and heritage affected your perception of aging?Maxine stated that she has “been blessed” with “good health” throughout her life. She accounts for this as “good genetics” and “a positive outlook on aging from her parents.” Do you utilize any alternative medicine therapies (e.g., dietary supplements)? Which ones? How do you feel these contribute to your longevity?Maxine is a “strong believer” in vitamins; she takes one vitamin C, E, and D tablet every day. She feels that the “claims” are legitimate and contribute to her longevity and good health. Are you a caregiver? If so, has then been a good or bad experience? Describe the stress surrounding this experience? Describe how you cope or learned to cope with this situation?Maxine was a caregiver to her mother as well as her first husband. Their circumstances and disease were different. However, she learned, grew and grieved each situation differently. Her mother developed a rapidly progressing “vascular disease” which took her life six months after diagnosis. During these six months, Maxine provided the daily cooking, cleaning, dressing, and bathing functions for her mother. Maxine was a caregiver to her first husband during his seven year struggle with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease. She recounted the various stages of the diseases. She was thankful that the diseases progressed slowly enough that she was able to “prepare as best she could” for the eventual reality. Maxine detailed the last month of Cecil’s life. She remembered her attempts to feed and bathe him. Describe your social support structure (e.g., family, friends, and groups)? What is your ideal social support structure? How have your social support structures changed?Maxine described her social support networ...
