Physical Environment -NC

Nelly C.

Physical Environment

Human Socialization

      For this assignment I went out with my friends sister Marie we went to eat at Olive Garden for lunch. I have known Marie for several years yet we never really spend time together. She never really goes out due to her medical conditions. Marie is 23 years old and suffers from severe obesity, high blood pressure, and Osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a medical condition that affects the knees and hips from the extra weight and pressure, which adds stress to the joints. Today obesity is considered one of the leading preventable causes of death.

     Although Marie has this condition; she is very optimistic, outgoing, funny, and just an overall positive person. She is 23 years old and full of life. Although it is difficult for her, it has personal meaning, and she does not let her surroundings or medical conditions inhibit her in any way. Going out in general, walking, or doing an excessive amount of movement affects Lori sociability, as it is difficult for her to move around and about. Yet she still keeps a positive attitude.

     When we arrived to Olive Garden we did not have any problems when it comes to accessibility.  Parking was fine, entryways were fine, and seating was fine also. The seats are mostly chairs, which was nice. I was glad to see a variety of seating arrangements and styles. Often places only high tops and booths or seating that could make it difficult for people in Marie’s situation or on wheelchairs.  Being with her in this setting allowed me to realize how simple everyday tasks can become so difficult for people who are in her situation. Yet, I am glad that Olive Garden is mindful of it. I am also glad Lori demonstrated adaptability to manage to get through it. The service was great. The people around us were nice. Nothing out of the ordinary happened. We had a great meal. I was even impressed because we arrived at a perfect time. It was lunchtime and it was not busy. We arrived at a great time and avoided crowding. I was very surprised because Olive Garden is always very busy which is why they even have waiting areas outside to prevent people from standing around and waiting at the door.

     After eating and talking we decided to go to a near by park. We sat on the bench outside and enjoyed the nice weather. We even walked around to some nearby shops. We talked about her life and how her environment plays a big part of her lifestyle. We talked about her daily activities and how she believes they are so limited due to her medical conditions. She does not exercise much because of high blood pressure and her joints. Yet, she is on medication and is getting specialized treatment. She also talked about how her social life and how she does not go out. She does not do what most young twenty years old do. She spends a lot of her time at home. Her close friends visit her and her family is very involved at home. She said she prefers to keep to herself and this is her way of being content and having her own privacy. In her opinion she does not live an average lifestyle. However, she is comfortable with her situation and her environment. It took time for her to get acclimated to it. Yet, she is fine now and she has a great support system.

     After sitting and walking some around the park and shops Marie thanked me for taking her out. We both really enjoyed ourselves and learned a lot from each other. I personally am very appreciative of this assignment and glad we got the opportunity to bring small everyday problems to light. It’s important to be aware of our surroundings and of others. It’s even more important as human services professionals to be aware of how physical environments influences behaviour and how it can impact our clients’ life.