I am joined by Amanda Barusch, a retired professor of social work and gerontology, who brings a wealth of personal and professional experience to our discussion.
Amanda recently authored the compelling book, "Aging Angry, Making Peace with Rage."
Fear of anger can ultimately be as destructive as expressed rage, fomenting social isolation, injustice, and misunderstanding. In rich and insightful prose, "Aging Angry" draws upon the experiences of hundreds of older adults and a wealth of literary and academic sources to empower readers with new understanding of anger’s sources, dynamics, and possibilities.
Together, we explore the underlying causes of anger in older adults, from workplace ageism to family dynamics, and discuss how this anger can be understood and even channeled into positive change. We uncover the realities of aging beyond the stereotypes and learn how to make peace with rage. Hear invaluable insights and advice for anyone experiencing or witnessing the complexities of aging.
Key Moments
00:00 Engaging Topic: Anger in Senior Care
05:58 "Aging Angry"
09:12 Pause for Thoughtful Response
12:35 Family Dynamics and Communication Challenges
15:22 "Rage as a Catalyst for Change"
18:01 Listening Fuels Positive Change
22:33 "Managing Anger in Restrictive Cultures"
25:51 Challenging Ageism Assumptions
27:03 Evaluating Attitudes in Elder Care
Key Takeaways
- Practice the Pause: Reacting impulsively to anger often leads to regret. Taking a moment to pause allows for more thoughtful responses and channeling anger into positive change.
- Family Dynamics Matter: Interactions with family members are the most common source of anger among older adults. Finding ways to communicate effectively and respectfully can mitigate this.
- Anger as a Catalyst: Anger, even at its most intense, is a powerful motivator for change. Recognizing and managing it productively can lead to significant personal and social transformations.
Email me, Lisa Stockdale, anytime at aginginfullbloom@gmail.com
Aging in Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale is sponsored by HomeCaire. We believe every patient should get the personalized care they need, in the way they want it. Every caregiver should feel supported, valued, and motivated. We see each person as their own entity, with unique needs, desires, and skills. Our goal is to best support our family as they reach new milestones.
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Copyright 2025 Lisa Stockdale
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Thanks for listening to Aging in Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale, sponsored by HomeCaire of Ohio. We added an "i" to care because we care about the individual. That includes the individual caregiver and the individual client. From each caregiver's caseload to every client's care plan, we understand that individual preferences and priorities matter. People matter, and we haven't lost sight of that here at HomeCaire of Ohio. If you or someone you know needs personal care at home, call 419-458-7000 to learn.