Newswise — Grinnell College health and clinical psychologist Asani Seawell studies the impact of chronic illness on couples and caregivers. She also studies the impact of variables such as hope, forgiveness, expressive writing, and meditation. Seawell can be reached at [email protected], 641-269-3175.
Grinnell College sociologist Karla Erickson studies end of life care and the cultural implications of a rapidly aging population in an era of significant medical advances. As part of her academic research, Erickson trained as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) to "live" the role of those who deliver ongoing palliative care. Erickson is writing a book titled "How We Die Now: Intimacy, Labor and the Social Organization of Dying," based on her research, which addresses these vital questions and more:
* What will characterize the aging process, with the elderly expected to outnumber their children in the next 20 or 50 years? * Who will care for whom as the children of the elderly are themselves aging? * How much control will we have over our own end-of-life conditions? * How will families care for loved ones who live far away? * How do day-to-day interactions impact quality of life? * What issues emerge as medical technologies elongate life?
Erickson can be reached at [email protected], 641-269-3330.