Application of the Person-Environment Perspective to Characters in the film, The
Best Exotic Marigold Hotel*
This assignment is to be approximately 3000 in length. Please include a
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel ; introduction; description and analysis of two characters’ physical and
psychological states using the Person-Environment Perspective; recommendations for
improving optimal physical and psychological aging for the two characters; 1-2
paragraphs as a reflection on what you have learned by completing this assignment;
conclusion; and Hooyman, N.R., and Kiyak, H.A., (2010). Social gerontology: A multidisciplinary perspective. (9th ed.). Toronto: Allyn & Bacon.. ( will include the textbook, the film
and any additional academic resources you choose to include.)
The film The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is more of a fairy-tale than a documentary, but
it provides a rich and entertaining story, exceptional actors, and a cross-cultural setting
for you to apply your knowledge of the Person-Environment (PE) Perspective and your
knowledge of physical and psychological aging. To assist you, the Instructor
recommends the following process:
1. Watch the film once and take notes on each of the seven older adults’ physical
abilities/disabilities and their psychological stages, traits, and mental health.
2. Choose two characters, and only two characters, whom you think will provide the
most data for your analysis. Select two characters from the following seven older
adults: Evelyn Greenslade, Graham Dachund, Doug Ainslie, Jean Ainslie, Muriel
Donnelly, Norman Cousin, Madge Hardcastle.
3. Frame your analysis of each character by applying the PE perspective, as
described in your textbook (pgs. 9-11 and additional pages which are indicated in
the index). Ensure you understand and apply key concepts such as the
competence model, environment, environmental press, individual competence
and environmental interventions.
4. Analyse the characters’ physical and psychological status. Review the film one
or two more times to assist you in your analysis. You may find the following
sections of the textbook to be helpful in the selection of relevant topics:
Chapter 3 Research on physiological changes with age
Chapter 4 Chronic conditions; falls and their prevention; use of physician services; health promotion.
Chapter 5 Factors that may influence intelligence in adulthood; factors that affect learning; age-related changes; improving cognitive ability; and wisdom and creativity.
Chapter 6 Stage and trait theories of personality; self-concept and self esteem; stress, coping, and adaptation; psychological disorders.
5. Using the PE Perspective as a framework for your discussion, make one or two recommendations for optimal aging each of the two characters.
6. Reflect on your analysis and your use of the PE Perspective. What have you learned by completing this assignment?
7.conclusion, introduction, and Hooyman, N.R., and Kiyak, H.A., (2010). Social gerontology: A multidisciplinary perspective. (9th ed.). Toronto: Allyn & Bacon. Review, revise, and edit your paper.
Reference:
Hooyman, N.R., and Kiyak, H.A., (2010). Social gerontology: A multidisciplinary perspective. (9th ed.). Toronto: Allyn & Bacon.
