How to Help the Seniors in your Life
Dogs and Cats can be Wonderful Therapy
Making the Transition Easier
Whether it is a parent, neighbor or a complete stranger at the grocery store struggling with a new more "efficient" DIY check out system, the fact remains that adults over age 80 are the fastest growing segment of the population; most will spend years dependent on others for the most basic needs. By lending a hand once in awhile, one not only educates themselves on the pleasures and pitfalls of aging, an act of kindness brings joy to everyone involved, making that dreaded transition a little easier. May your cup of karma runneth-over, as feeling good never gets old!
As people become less active and less engaged in a productive lifestyle they tend to focus on relatively minor things, simply because there is nothing else to more important to do. If you think about it, under the circumstances a negative frame of mind is not really that surprising. When you consider a busy, vital individual, contributing to society on a daily basis who then suddenly finds themselves alone much of the time, perhaps not able to participate in some of the activities that they once enjoyed, the death of many in their peer group and then feeling like they are becoming a burden on loved ones, the same people that they once cared for. This is a major role reversal, and a huge adjustment for anyone to adjust to.
Like most things in life, some personalities handle this transition better than others. I cared for both of my Grandmas in their later years. One seemed to handle the aging process much better, I suspect that's because she remained active as long as possible and once she retired she went out of her way to do things for others, which made her feel needed and more plugged in socially. She did experience bouts of depression however and feelings of worthlessness initially when she stopped driving. I remember talking with her about it, and this did seem to help her to put it into perspective. If one is in touch with changes that are taking place in their life and are able to verbalize how it feels to gradually lose the independence and control that we sometimes take for granted, the change is easier to accept and not so terrifying.
My other Grandma did not handle things nearly so well and shut herself off from most of the activities that she used to enjoy. She viewed herself as an aging victim of a cruel world and found fault with every one and every suggestion that friends and family made to try and preserve her quality of life. As a result, she spent more time alone, isolated and not very happy. She was always rather difficult and when she became older and physically limited her outlook on life became even worse.
So, although I don't think there is really a canned "solution" that works for everyone, I do think there are a few things that greatly improve the inevitable process of aging.
- Encourage as much activity as possible. Some may not be very receptive to the idea, so I know this may not always be easy but perhaps if one is made to feel like their involvement would really benefit someone else, less fortunate, they may be more receptive to the idea. There are usually senior centers in every community that have programs that handle just this kind of issue. There are jobs and projects that seniors can sign up for that not only provide a bit of extra income but make them feel productive and useful as they once did.
- Talk, talk, talk! Engage Aunt Aggie in some choice conversation and you might be surprised.Nothing lights up the family Matriarch like sharing her experiences and accomplishments back in the day. It can actually be incredibly interesting too. How else do younger generations learn about life in 1925 and Uncle Leroy's multiple marriages.
- Volunteer to visit a housebound senior, whether it is on a professional capacity or just to sit and provide companionship to someone without family close by, there are many organizations that will assist with creating the best matches for these extremely beneficial relationships. Pets are also a great companion for many seniors and there are now many organizations that will provide a matching service for permanent adoptions or periodic visits to rest homes and convalescent centers
- If you do feel that a senior's condition is more severe than initially thought,they may need intervention of some sort for their own safety, so don't hesitate to make a call. Professional attention can make a huge difference, the earlier the better since it may be a minor physical issue that can be resolved with the right medication.. A thorough physical and mental assessment may be in order, and sometimes we all avoid that visit out of fear of the unknown so try to be compassionate and supportive
- Do try and utilize as many outside resources as you can in your community as they do exist and they are very familiar with the growing needs of an aging population. If for whatever reason one does not exist,look into starting an organization that meets the needs of this rapidly expanding problem. More and more people are going to find themselves in need of these kind of services so it seems best to deal with it more proactively
- Don't forget to laugh - it is contagious and I hear it does great things for the body and mind, young and old alike!
Cynthia Scott Sings about her Mother's Dementia
Move it - With a Smile
Resources for Seniors-Quality of Life
- Active Seniors' Options, Inc.
Resources and links - Home Care Services for Seniors: Services to Help you Stay at Home
Learn about home care services for seniors that can help you maintain your independence and stay at home for as long as possible. - - USATODAY.com
As a wave of Americans face the end of their driving lives, communities around the USA are working to keep seniors mobile and avoid depression-inducing isolation that can come with the end of their driving days. - H.E.L.P. | Empowering seniors, their families and caregivers, to make better choices.
- Seniors Helping Seniors Jobs, Employment|Indeed.com
Never too Old! 15,901 Seniors Helping Seniors Jobs available on Indeed.com. one search. all jobs.
Comments
Hello Kathy - well this remarkable and very touching hub subject truly shows your beautiful heart and mind and it was one of the best things I will ever do in my life - look after my dear mum after dad died - no regrets about my sacrifices - only good memories and pride of looking after my best friend.
I hope sincerely you are well with these days with your extended family and Colin and Little Miss Tiffy and Mister Gabriel are sending you their hugs and love from lake erie time ontario canada 4:41pm where it's winter now but no snow yet and Gabe and I just came back from his walk along the beach - it gets dark at 5pm so I'd better go back out and for a walk on my own - Gabe is back in with Tiffy and sleeping
You are so sweet CK, thank you!
Chatkath, I hate talking on the telephone; however, I call my elderly aunts and have to talk to each one for at least an hour. I'm trying to get them to get on the Internet so they can keep up with many family members.
I tend to always look for opportunities to help someone, especially seniors. Tiny little things are appreciated and really could make someone's day. Even when I was young, I guess I was sort of a "nosey neighbor" because I watched out for others (in a good way). In my many years on and off as a Home Health Aide, I've seen it all. Elderly that are always happy or those that are always grouchy. But it really doesn't matter to me because I am there to make a difference. And it is possible to do that no matter where they are mentally. And it is extremely rewarding. Great hub CK- really good to see you!
This is indeed a wonderful hub and thank you so much for sharing.
Eddy.
You've made so many good points Chatkath....each person does not lose their individuality as they age and as a result each person ages differently. Of course physical factors can play a large role in how a person ages and that needs to be taken into consideration, but, you are so right, visiting the elderly, making them feel important, and helping them laugh can make their lives so much more interesting and worth living.
Voted up, useful, and interesting.
I have 3 aunts and an uncle who are in their 80's. They are in other states but I try to call as much as possible and "gossip" about back in the day. One aunt cries and says she is old and stupid. I cheer her up and we laugh a lot.
This is a great article. So many times the elderly are forgotten or worse, My Mother spent her last days very unhappy. She lost interest in previous activities. I spent a good deal of time trying to cheer her up. Your suggestions are very helpful. Thank you for sharing..
Great well written hub and very informative, great advice and suggestions on how one can help to improve a seniors life so the may live happier and healthier and feel some self worth .
Vote up and more !!!
Beautiful hub with a lot of great suggestions about how to help seniors live happy, healthier lives.
I liked how you used your own grandmothers' experiences to illustrate the points you were making.
People do age differently and their thoughts about aging, beliefs about it and general attitude all influence whether they age with acceptance and grace, or retreat from life and become increasingly isolated and depressed.
Thanks for sharing this. Voted up, useful, awesome, beautiful and interesting.
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