Rick Bateman's Theory Of Social Wellness

Have you ever been in a situation where you feel invisible? Unappreciated? As if you don’t matter? Elderly people often testify about feeling invisible and unappreciated.

According to MentalHealthKC about 58% of people aged 65 and older believe that it is normal for people to get depressed as they grow older. The question I want to ask is whether this is Mother Nature talking or if it is their need for acceptance and attention?

Dr. Dunn (physician) introduced the term “wellness” in 1961. He described it as “a lifestyle approach for perusing physical and psychological well-being”. This term was expanded by Bill Hettler, co-founder and president of the board of directors of the National Wellness Institute.

Dr. Hettler divided the Whole-Person

Self-confidence – as you gain trust and belief in yourself

4. Growth – to live more authentically

Elderly people live in a fast-changing world. They have to face changes that could incur in their personal life (sudden death of loved ones, illness) as well as the impact of technology in their lives. In these situations it is important for them to know how to cope with, and to express the emotions that would arise.

Social Wellness

Rick Bateman came to the conclusion that social wellness refers to one’s health based on your close friends, how often you spend time with them and how often you make new friendships.

Because of the fact that these people live in isolation from others, they don’t often get the opportunity to meet new people outside of the home. Their ability to communicate and to interact with people weakens as time passes.

Ever wondered why the “grumpy old man/lady” in the home is grumpy? Their intention isn’t to be grumpy; they just don’t know how to convey their emotions anymore.

As we all know, balance is the key word when referring to the whole-person wellness. All of these six-dimensions need stimulating to have a healthy old person.

This would result in elderly people: :

• Feeling happy, enjoying