Agnes Offei-Quartey

Final Analysis
Part IV

The films that I chose about ageism, health related quality of life and alienation and despair has
increased my understanding of nursing care of older adults.
In a personal perspective, I have understood the importance of personal knowledge about clients
and the use of personal empathy for patients. There are certain things that I have not focused too
much in life, for example how having a person, friend or family member around contributes to
other adults quality of life. From the film, Fried Green Tomatoes, the caring that was shown by
Evelyn Couch to Ninny Thregoode proved to be very effective in a way that it brought comfort
and hope to her. Nurses should be able to empathize with their patients no matter their race or
background.
The films though is not scientific material, there is a lot of scientific and empirical facts about the
films and its content. Through the research of the film analysis, I gained the knowledge that,
there is scientific and empirical data about ageism in American society and also lot of studies
has shown that quality of life in older adults can be improved by certain activities. Studies also
have shown that many nurses avoid older patients in both hospital and assisted living facilities.
As a nursing student, I have been able to learn how to apply the ethical and legal principles that
underpin the complex issues arising in care of older adults. I have understood from the films and
research how concepts of decision-specific capacity and have opportunities to assist older adults,
families, and caregivers in balancing everyday autonomy and safety decisions.

Watching the films has improved my understanding of ageism. It has helped reduce my bias
about older adults. One viewpoint that has changed as a result of films and the research that I did
is how ageism creates dependency among other adults. I have learn how to related to older adults
without prejudice.