Going through the so-called ‘Golden Years’ can prove to be more daunting than one might realise. These years can be filled with issues ranging from minor to major. Whether big or small, it’s important that we acknowledge these challenges and try to make life a little easier for our elderly loved one/s. Ageing also comes with some concerns, such as:
A lack of strength
As we age, slowly but surely our muscles weaken due to a number of factors. Inactivity, reduction of bone density and loss of coordination are just a few things that can influence our bodies’ strength and mobility. Even simple tasks such as climbing into the bath or opening a jar of jam can be extremely difficult and tiresome. Look into getting non-slip grips for the bath as well special jar-openers which will really lighten the load for your loved one.
A lack of interest
While we are still of a working age, with a spouse or family at home, we can more easily maintain our purpose for being. Our jobs, hobbies and family give us a sense of purpose and reason for being. As these things start falling away, depression and a lack of will, can possibly set in. Keeping the mind busy and interested is an important part of getting older. Accompanying your elderly loved one to the library once or twice a week can be more beneficial than you think. After all, as Albert Einstein said, “Once you stop learning, you start dying.”
A lack of appetite
As we age, our bodies need less energy and so our appetite decreases. Living on one’s own doesn’t help either because who wants to cook a meal for one? Having said that, there are many places that provide nutritious ready-made meals, so do be sure to see what is available locally for you or your elderly loved one’s nutritional needs.
A lack in communication
Perhaps you have purchased a super smartphone for your elderly loved one, in your mind, to make life easier for them to communicate. This might have the opposite effect unless you put in the right amount of effort into teaching them how to use it! Not providing an elderly loved one with the correct tools can in fact further hinder their ability to communicate.
While there’s no cure for ageing, there are many things we can do to make the ageing process more comfortable and bearable for our ageing loved ones.
Did you know that Dewcare has a wide range of support items for hire or to purchase? For further information, please refer to our online catalogue: https://dewcare.co.za/product-catalogue/