Post your application of a theory of human development to Ray’s life. How does the theory deepen your understanding of Ray’s experience? How might this application of theory assist you as a social worker engaging with Ray? Finally, what does Ray’s example tell you about the human spirit, resiliency, and the capacity to evolve?  

APA FORMAT 

NARRATOR: Ray begins to watch

more spiritual programming and reconnects with

the Catholic faith. He joins the local church

and encourages Yolanda to attend services as well. Ray volunteers at the

church's thrift shop and at youth events,

establishing friendships with several older

men in the church. Engaging in these

activities helps Ray's psychological

functioning and his acceptance of later life. In his 70s, Ray starts using

a wheelchair for mobility. He also begins to forget

things and even leaves the oven on overnight. Yolanda takes Ray

to the Aging Center, which has sliding fee

services for neurology. The neurologist

determines that Ray has early-onset dementia that

will get progressively worse. The diagnosis is a

major blow to Ray, who understands what this will

mean for the rest of his life. Ray becomes depressed again. More grandchildren are

born, and when Ray is well, he invents silly games

to play with them. During gatherings,

Ray sits outside and watches the children,

finding fulfillment and peace in the family he has created. As Ray enters his 80s,

full dementia sets in. Ray also experiences

sundown syndrome, in which he becomes agitated

and paranoid every day in the late afternoon. He is cared for by

Yolanda, Peter, and Amy, along with his

grandchildren, who have complex emotions as

they watch his deterioration. Ray has a peaceful

passing at age 87, surrounded by his

wife and children. At his bedside, Yolanda

reminisces, saying, "He was the love of my life."