Tuesdays With Morrie Essay

The purpose of the paper is to discussion the video Tuesdays with Morrie (Winfrey, Forte, & Jackson, 1999). The movie, based on a true story, depicts a wise older gentleman who hopes to teach us all how the live; if one knows how to die, they will know how to live (Winfrey, Forte, & Jackson, 1999). Morrie Schwartz, a 78-year-old, retired, sociology professor diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Winfrey, Forte, & Jackson, 1999). Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is characterized by progressive muscle weakness that eventually leads to paralysis and death (Torres, 2012). Mitch Albom is one of Morrie’s former students, who works as a sports columnist (Winfrey, Forte, & Jackson, 1999). Mitch feels Morrie was one of his most influential

I believe older adults can suffer from touch deprivation depending on their social support system, for instance after the loss of a spouse, or due to social isolation. Touch is mutually beneficially, but comes more natural to some people, than others. Morrie teaches the viewer about touch and intimacy by inviting all that visit, to hug him or hold his hand (Winfrey, Forte, & Jackson, 1999). The movie depicts the importance of touch through massage therapy which improves Morrie’s mood, pain level, and lung function (Winfrey, Forte, & Jackson, 1999). Morrie also teaches the viewer “we must love or die,” reminding everyone the importance of family and friends (Winfrey, Forte, & Jackson, 1999). There are positive and negative influences regarding touch and intimacy for older adults. Two negative influences include stereotyping older adults with sexual desires, for instance, older men are viewed as dirty old men; however, older women are seen as cougars. To improve touch for seniors, nurses must recognize the importance of touch, and understand the alternative therapies available to patients, such as massage therapy. Nurses can enhance touch for older patients simply by holding their hand during