Golden years can be pleasant, fun and liberating. However, that’s not the norm for all seniors. Many of us struggle with health issues, financial difficulties and isolation from family and friends.
Old age is viewed as an inevitable, undesirable and a problem-ridden phase of life. Difficult aging usually appears after the age of 65 years.
These problems can be divided into four categories: physical conditions; psychological disorders; social isolation; and seniors safety.
Physical conditions
When we are young, we might be the picture-perfect version of a healthy person: physically fit, full of energy and enthusiasm. When we get older things can change abruptly and without warning. Old age is a period of physical deterioration.
In one visit to your doctor, you can be diagnosed with two or more illnesses, some treatable, some bearable. Your life may be changed forever. How you deal with this unexpected news is up to you.
If you are fortunate enough to have a family and friends support system, your illness will become manageable and your life enjoyable. However, if your support system is not working, find a group of seniors who will understand the challenges of aging.
Don’t isolate yourself from people who do care what happens to you. One I highly recommend is Cranberry Seniors Centre (604.414.9456 or email [email protected]).
Psychological disorders
Mental ailments are very much connected with old age. Because of all these changes in our body and mind, many older people are susceptible to depression, sadness and despair.
The major disorder of older people is dementia, a loss of intellectual functioning which involves thinking, remembering and reasoning. When these functions are affected, it will reduce a person’s daily activities and joy in life.
They develop symptoms such as poor memory, dislike of change, confusion, insomnia, failure in judgment, et cetera. In extreme cases, the patient becomes bedridden and relies on others for help with simple daily tasks.
Social isolation
Before old age surprises you, start forming your social circle. I call it my tribe. These are people we have things in common with. The qathet community is full of crafters, painters and gardeners who are willing to lend a hand to those who are not social butterflies.
Having a circle of people you like will keep you mentally alert, keeping you connected to the outside world, which ultimately helps you maintain your cognitive abilities.
Crime against seniors
Weakening in mental ability makes seniors dependent on family, friends or professional caregivers. Researchers have identified the elderly population as being more vulnerable to crime than other age groups.
Sadly, financial or physical abuse is often committed by family or friends. In some cases, seniors are forced to sign over their entire savings, home and property to perpetrators. They no longer have means of supporting themselves, relying on others for daily care.
Because they feel shame, seniors are not likely to report abuse, especially if the offender is a family. If you are being mistreated by strangers or family, talk to your doctor or trusted friend.
Ranka Burzan owns a professional organizing company based in the qathet region and has written several books on reducing clutter and becoming more organized. For information, go to solutionsorganizing.com.
