Learning the Media as we get Old

 

As we Get Old

During the aging process, we go through many changes. Typically as we age our motor functions become weaker and our stamina decreases (Touhy DNP CNS DPNAP, Theris A. et al., 2019). Furthermore, in reference to the book our organs slow down creating issues such as excreting medication from our systems increasing the risk of toxicity (Touhy DNP CNS DPNAP, Theris A. et al., 2019). Physically as people age the skin becomes fragile and wrinkly because of reduced elasticity. This increases the risk of bruising and lacerations to the skin (Touhy DNP CNS DPNAP, Theris A. et al., 2019). Vision and hearing are also diminished leaving people with a sensory deficit. Teeth become brittle and oftentimes fall (Touhy DNP CNS DPNAP, Theris A. et al., 2019). With these series of changes as people age they become scared of aging not wanting to have wrinkles or missing teeth because of the image they think they portray. Others accept the reality and are not affected emotionally as much as others. However, as we progress in time media portrays ways to avoid depicting these physical changes creating a market for products such as Botox, veneers, cosmetic surgery, and other ways to change someone’s image  (Shome et al., 2019).

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fX6Au1j7v0A

For instance, a product such as the one in this video advertises The Derma Wand claiming to reduce wrinkles and sagging skin around the face resulting from aging (How It Works, n.d.). This advertisement is directed to older people that would be the ones experiencing this situation. It is important to verify the validity of the product before committing to a purchase. Marketing strategies are used specifically to make consumers feel that they need this product and that it will solve the problem completely (Zhao et al., 2022). Based on the advertisement it will disappear wrinkles therefore we as the consumer should verify if this has been proven to e effective. One way is to investigate consumer reviews and verify that it is from a reasonable source (Shome et al., 2019). Side effects should also be considered, in this case, we would investigate if the product is FDA-approved or if there are any restrictions on this product anywhere else. Investigating with the FDA will provide us with a good idea if the product is safe (Zhao et al., 2022). During advertisements for this product, The Derma Wand will have testimonials that will use persuasive strategies such as stating how this product changed their lives and how they feel better (Zhao et al., 2022). On the other hand, facts will be verifiable meaning research will back up the information as opposed to testimonials which will have customer feelings involved and opinions (Zhao et al., 2022). Based on the advertisement above and the mechanism of action there are very few facts that will guarantee the effective removal of wrinkles by the use of thermal energy and massaging mechanism therefore I would personally not support the product. Based on the labels there are no FDA-approved labels or contact information this is something else we must focus on is the labeling on the back where it has the information, not the front which typically contains advertising info (Zhao et al., 2022).

 

References

Brand Street Market LLC. (2015, November 18). DermaWand Animation Video [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fX6Au1j7v0A

How it works. (n.d.). DermaWand. https://dermawand.com/pages/how-it-works

Shome, D., Vadera, S., Male, S., & Kapoor, R. (2019). Does taking selfies lead to increased desire to undergo cosmetic surgery. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 19(8), 2025–2032. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.13267

Touhy DNP CNS DPNAP, Theris A., Jett PhD GNP-BC, Kathleen F, & . (2019). Ebersole & hess' toward healthy aging: Human needs and nursing response (10th ed.). Mosby.

Zhao, J., Butt, R., Murad, M., Mirza, F., & Saleh Al-Faryan, M. (2022). Untying the influence of advertisements on consumers buying behavior and brand loyalty through brand awareness: The moderating role of perceived quality. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.803348

 

 Aging is something that is viewed in a plethora of ways depending on who you ask. In my opinion there are many interpretations of aging that are correct. I don't think there is only one correct definition of aging. Aging in my opinion is the physical aging in a person, getting old, losing strength and muscle mass (Ebersole & Hess’ Toward Healthy Aging E-Book: Human Needs and Nursing Response, 2019). However Aging can also be the process of maturing and becoming wiser, changing your mentality of a child to that of an adult that becomes responsible and focuses on different aspects associated with developmental stage (Ebersole & Hess’ Toward Healthy Aging E-Book: Human Needs and Nursing Response, 2019). I have encounter many individuals that see aging as growing older in age and only in getting older. They are unable to consider aging as something other than physically getting old. Although, when people think of aging getting old physically is the first thing that comes to mind in the majority of people. In comparison to the theories in the text i have very similar perspectives on aging. The text further explains aging as various ways rather than just physically and describes the human as a whole by describing internal and external factors even emotional perceptions in people (Ebersole & Hess’ Toward Healthy Aging E-Book: Human Needs and Nursing Response, 2019). The strategy that I recommend to promote health of older adults is to provide a variety of ways that can accommodate various developmental stages rather than just age. For instance promoting health through sports may apply to a certain population of elderly people and not just young athletes.