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Voices In The Family
Hear Voices in the Family Mondays at noon, with a repeat broadcast Sunday at 6 a.m.
Many of our past programs can also be heard anytime via Real Audio. Here are some helpful hints for using Real Audio.
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Past programs - May 2000
Two Part Series on Mental Health and Aging:
Thirty-Five million people living in the USA today are over 65, and the number is expected to double by the year 2030. More Americans are leading longer and more fulfilled lives, but we are also faced with increased incidence of disorders like geriatric depression and Alzheimer's disease.
May is National Mental Health Month, and Voices in the Family explores Mental Health and Aging in a two-part series:
5-1-00
Mental Health Services for Older Americans
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via Real Audio
In the past, there wasn't much concern regarding mental health issues for older Americans. Many mental health problems occurring in later life were seen as an inevitable part of aging. But as the number of old people in America grows, we are learning more about aging, and what life can be like in the later years. Technology has advanced tremendously, and as a result, people are living longer, healthier lives.
Many mental health problems in older people can be successfully treated, but the challenge is to make treatment accessible. Nationally, statistics suggest that 18-25% of older people struggle with mental health problems, but only an estimated 6% of them use mental health services. Dr. Dan Gottlieb is joined by Tom Volkert, director of the mental health and aging advocacy project of the Mental Health Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania. We'll discuss mental health needs and services for the elderly, and discuss treatment option with geriatric psychiatrist Dr. David Bush. We'll also hear from Dr. William Reichman, President of the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry.
5-8-00
Psychology of Aging
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via Real Audio
It is WHYY's Wider Horizons Theme Week, and Voices in the Family will explore the many changes that occur as we age. Our bodies change, and we may not be as energetic and fit as we used to. Our lifestyles may have to change to suit certain limitations. Our spouses and partners age along with us, and many times one partner becomes dependent on the other. Family dynamics change and children often assume the role of caregiver. We'll explore changing family dynamics, aging partnerships, and ways to live a fulfilled and connected life in "the golden years." We'll also discuss the goals of the National Council on the Aging.
Two Part Series On Resilience:
Why is it that some people live a full and productive life despite formidable adversity? How did they make it through their trials, and manage to reclaim their lives? Traditional thinking is that some people are simply stronger than others, but new research on resilience shows that the issue involves more than we had previously thought. We'll explore the many factors that promote resilience in a two-part series:
5-15-00
Resilience I
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via Real Audio
A Vietnam Veteran who was severely injured in combat, and went on to become a psychologist. A young girl who was almost killed by the Russian KGB, who is now a happy teenager, and excellent student. A former crack-addict who was homeless, but has overcome his addiction and has become an outreach counselor. What do they have in common? They are all resilient.
People from all walks of life are faced with challenges that test their ability to cope; from physical limitations, to mental illness, to drug abuse, to prejudice. Being resilient means having the ability to overcome adversity and gain strength from misfortune. Fact is, some people are better adapted to handle difficult situations than others - but what are the reasons for this? Is it an acquired or natural ability?
The first part of our series is a panel discussion taped before a live audience. We'll hear from four people who live or have lived through various hardships and are considered resilient. We will also be joined by Dr. Hope Hill, a nationally recognized expert in the field of resilience, who will share the latest research and discoveries on the topic.
5-22-00
Resilience II
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via Real Audio
We have heard the stories of adversity, recovery and success that our guests have shared. We have a greater understanding of new discoveries and research and what it means to be resilient. We will explore how we can apply what we have learned, and how we can teach resilience.
Dr. Dan Gottlieb will discuss several programs that aim to teach resilience, and review new research in the field of positive psychology.
5-29-00
Learning: An Adventure
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via Real Audio
More and more children are diagnosed with learning disorders. Doctors are prescribing stimulants such as Ritalin and antidepressants like Prozac for children as young as four and five. Children report that they are bored in school; teachers complain that most children can't sit still for a minute. Is their lack of focus attributed to mental disorders or do we need to take a different approach to learning? We'll discuss whether our schools can meet the needs of today's children, and look at different places that are dedicated to making learning fun. We'll visit the Rosa International Middle School in Cherry Hill, N.J. and the Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia, and hear from educators and children how learning could be made what it should be; an adventure.
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