Devontae's mother died when he was 59 years old, and he didn't know what to do with himself. In fact, he was only beginning to have an idea about what death actually was and only recently really understood that his dad was gone. He was beside himself with grief and pain. He cried for days as others gathered together to provide a service and a burial for his mother.
It was decided that Devontae would live with some family friends who were in their 70s and who had know he and his family for many years. In this way, Devontae could continue to live his life and have support of caring others.
Devontae lived this way for 11 more years. His was a simple life, and he kept his "foster" parents company until he himself was considered 'elderly.' He died in his sleep at the age of 70.
1) What are developmental milestones of late adulthood? To what extent is Devontae able to participate in those events/milestones?
2) What kinds of rituals surround death in Devontae's religious tradition?
Late adulthood ranges in ages from 60 to 80 years of age. Every component of one’s well-being is usually altered or beginning to drastically change at this point in life. Physically one may notice a decline in vision. Ones depth perception, color perception and sensitivity are all affected. In addition to vision, one in late adulthood will begin to have hearing loss in many frequencies. Taste and odor may also decline. The ability to feel can be altered. Overall, the senses of someone around this age decline quickly. One is also more susceptible to illnesses due to the decline and aging of the immune system. Sleep is also a concern because sleep is important in restoring one’s health but as a person ages they don’t sleep as well. The body ages in appearance; gray hair, wrinkles and maybe even more transparent. Height loss is also possible due to decease in bone mass. Cognitively, ones memory can diminish causing memory loss or confusion. Everyday problem solving is also compromised due to the age. Language at this developmental milestone can also be a problem. Devontae is capable of undergoing most off all of these physical, cognitive, social and emotional obstacles. Throughout his life his autistic symptoms began to decrease and we believe within the last fifteen to twenty years the symptoms continued to decline. Thus, allowing Devontae to undergo typical milestones as an individual with no disability as he already is behind in his communication, which will decline even quicker.
ReplyDelete“They may recite verses from the Qur'an, give physical comfort, and encourage the dying one to recite words of remembrance and prayer. It is recommended, if at all possible, for a Muslim's last words to be the declaration of faith: "I bear witness that there is no god but Allah."” Devontae will be surrounded by his family and friends as he passes away which will leave him feel comforted and know that God’s mercy and forgiveness will be around him as he enters the afterlife. Devontae will remain clean after death, covered a by sheet with his eyes closed. There are a few steps in that will take place. The family and the other members of the community prepare the body by washing and shrouding the body. Then the body will be wrapped in clean, white cloth sheets which will be called the kafan. Devontae then will be transported to the site of the funeral prayers (salat-l-janazah). The funeral rites will be commonly held outdoors in a courtyard. The community will gather where the imam, the prayer leader, will stand in front of Devontae facing away from the worshippers. The imam will have the structure of the five daily prayers with a few variations when he performs the ceremony. Devontae will be taken to the cemetery for his burial (al-dafin) where only the men of the community accompany Devontae to the gravesite while all the members attend the funeral prayers. Devontae’s loved ones and relatives observe a 3- day mourning period. In the Islam faith, there is increased devotion, where there will be visitors which express their condolences. They aren’t seen in decorative clothing and jewelry during this time to pay respect to the loved ones who have passed. It is important that the family to remember, “May Allah have mercy upon us all. From Him we come, and to Him we all return.”
References:
Islamic Funerals. (n.d.). About.com Islam. Retrieved June 30, 2012, from http://islam.about.com/cs/elderly/a/funerals.
Lifespan development and lifelong learning . (n.d.). Education Homepage. Retrieved July 1, 2012, from http://www.infed.org/biblio/lifecourse_