Universitatea de Vest Timișoara

Facultatea de Sociologie și Psihologie

Asistență socială ID Anul II

TC 3 - COMPLETE AT LEAST 2 OF THE FOLLOWING EXERCISES

Drinovan Delia Petronela

Exercise 4. Analyze the list of top 5 regrets of people close to death. Why do they have precisely
these regrets? What do they mirror about our contemporary society?

1. Whether those other people are family, peers, or society, makes no difference. The utter
heartache of dying with that regret, because you didn’t bring enough courage to the
choices you made, is a painful way to end your life.
2. By simplifying your lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible
to not need the income that you think you do. And by creating more space in your life,
you become happier and more open to new opportunities, ones more suited to your new
lifestyle.
3. Silence and introversion used to be my coping mechanisms. But unexpressed feelings just
eat away inside. We cannot control the reactions of others. However, although people
may initially react when you change the way you are by speaking honestly, in the end it
raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level. Either that or it releases the
unhealthy relationship from your life. Either way, you win.
4. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying. It is common for anyone in a busy
lifestyle to let friendships slip. But when you are faced with your approaching death, the
physical details of life fall away. People do want to get their financial affairs in order if
possible. But it is not money or status that holds the true importance for them. They want
to get things in order more for the benefit of those they love. Usually though, they are too
ill and weary to ever manage this task. It all comes down to love and relationships in the
end. That is all that remains in the final weeks, love and relationships.
Universitatea de Vest Timișoara
Facultatea de Sociologie și Psihologie
Asistență socială ID Anul II

5. When you are on your deathbed, what others think of you is a long way from your mind.
How wonderful to be able to let go and smile again, long before you are dying. Life is a
choice. It is YOUR life. Choose consciously, choose wisely, choose honestly. Choose
happiness.

EXERCISE 3: What do vulnerable groups wish for Christmas? Food / money / toys/ material
goods OR maybe a bit of affection / attention / love care = the ”win-win model”= wwm. How
would you combine such vulnerable groups in oder to make everybody as happy as possible, at
least on Christmas Eve?
*The elderly in elderly care centers with shelters for abandoned/abused animals*

Animals are proven stress relievers for elderly, among having other benefits such as
promoting social interactions. It is important, however, to know that elderly care centers have
policies and guidelines in place to keep elderly safe.
Even under the most ideal circumstances, adjusting to life in an elderly care center can be
difficult. This Is particularly the case for elderly/seniors who have always lived independently.
The transition to an elderly care center can mean separation from friends and cherished, routine
activities like church and social gatherings.
The transition and resulting loneliness can be offset with the addition of an abandoned animal.
When properly managed and supervised, the benefits can outweigh the risks of animals for
elderly. Animals encourage activity and movement like walking dogs.
Studies have shown that just 15 minutes bonding with an animal sets off a chemical chain
reaction in the brain, lowering levels of the cortisol and increasing production of the feel-good
hormone serotonin. The results: heart rate, blood pressure and stress levels immediately drop.
Over the long term, animal and human interactions can lower cholesterol level, fight depression
and may even help protect against heart disease and stroke.
A cat in a lap can spark interest from another resident, and socialization is encouraged.
The animals make elderly happy and forget about emotional stress or pain. The elderly have
more patience and give abandoned animals the love they need and encouraged them to interact
with other people without being frightened/scared.