Life leads everyone to the Golden Years. Growing old used to be a time to sit on the rocking chair on the balcony and watch the world go by. Those days are over. Today’s older generation, the elderly, are learning to be proactive. Many elderly people are wired and marvel at the wonders of technology.
This is a promising time for the elderly. With the advent of information technology, in the 21st century, the health of body, mind and soul is just as important as our careers. The elixir of youth has not yet been discovered, but technology has progressed in the fight against aging—slows down the aging process for a while.
Realistically, the aches and pains of growing old come whining in the stillness of the night, or the wee hours of the morning, or just about any time. Include skeletal and muscle pain and a list of medical conditions that crop up as we age. Should this condition limit one’s activities? This needs to be seriously considered. Staying active has been proven to be good for physical, mental and emotional health.
While we all need some quiet time, the days can be very long for the elderly when they are inactive. It’s easy for an elderly person to feel alone and isolated, or feel guilty about being a burden. This feeling becomes more severe when there is no social life to provide some semblance of balance between action and inaction. Interaction helps the elderly to stay up to date. Social contacts add value to their lives, encouraging them to keep in touch with people and to keep abreast of current events. Simple social activities add sparkle to their days. There is always something to look forward to tomorrow.
The younger generation can learn a lot from their older relatives or friends. It is said that society has the tools it needs to age gracefully. But there are many cases where the mobility of the elderly relative is limited. This does not mean that they should stay within the four walls of their home. Families should discuss how they can share the responsibility of visiting and a day out for their elders. It warms the heart of the elderly to know that someone cares about them. Emotionally this is very important. There are community services dedicated to caring for the needs of the elderly. But some attention from a caring family member or friend lifts their spirits and feels that yes, they are loved, and there is more to life than counting the hours that go by.
Geography separates families and friends. We live in a very mobile world. Even with the advent of travel, visiting relatives is not so easy. Career and family responsibilities contribute to rare family gatherings. It is up to the younger members of the family to show more care for their elders.
You must have fond memories of the past.
Encourage them to cherish their friendships. Open discussions about service accessibility, keeping in touch with friends and neighbors is critical. Someone in the family must voluntarily contact in case of emergency. In most communities there are social activities aimed at the elderly population. Encourage your elder to look into this and find a buddy who will enjoy it. Attending church services is a way to keep in touch with the community. There are exercise classes for seniors, this is not only healthy, it can also be fun. A trip to the library with a friend can be interesting, and take a trip for coffee. Take them shopping, make it a social event. Eating out occasionally can be interesting.
With time on your hands, social activities keep life interesting, healthier and meaningful. Staying active brightens every sunrise and welcomes each day with happy thoughts. It is important to be socially present and be an active member of society. It takes the mind away from the aches and pains and loneliness of old age.
Assessment of the social needs of the elderly
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