EXPERIENCING OLD AGE - EWA ZASĘPA MONIKA MISIEC

In recent years, there has been a rapid increase in the number of older people in the population. This is also the case in Poland. According to GUS data, in 2018, older people accounted for approximately 25% of the population, compared to approximately 20% in 2010. The increasing number of seniors means that more and more people are involved not only in accompanying them on a daily basis, meeting their specific needs for old age, but also in specialized care. Old age has its positive sides, but also negative ones. The latter include primarily health problems, including mental health problems.

• Comprehensive view of the mental health of seniors.
• Analysis of problems experienced in old age.
• Discussion of risk factors and protective factors for mental health.
• Presentation of methods of psychological help for older people.
• Results of studies conducted among Polish seniors.
• Assessment of cognitive, emotional and social functioning.
• Comparison of perspectives of seniors and people from their environment.

The book "Experiencing Old Age" by Ewa Zasępa and Monika Misiec is a publication that thoroughly analyzes the mental health of older people and the problems they face. The theoretical part discusses data on the most common mental disorders in old age, risk factors and those that protect mental health. The authors also present methods of psychological help that can be effective in improving the quality of life of older people.

The empirical part of the book presents the results of studies conducted among over 300 Polish seniors. These studies relate to the severity of various mental health problems, taking into account aspects of cognitive, emotional and social functioning. The authors compare how seniors themselves perceive their problems and how people from their environment assess their functioning. The assessment tools used allow for a multifaceted view of the functioning of older people, taking into account a number of correlates of the state of functioning.

This publication is a valuable source of knowledge for anyone interested in the issues of old age and mental health. It can be useful both for professionals involved in the care of older people and for families who want to better understand and support their loved ones in old age. This book offers practical advice and theoretical foundations that can contribute to improving the quality of life of seniors.

The book, published by Difin Publishing House in 2022, has 234 pages and a format of 162x232 mm. The cover is paperback, which makes it light and easy to use. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to deepen their knowledge of the mental health of older people and understand the challenges they face.