Today is International Elder Day! Make life of someone better, if they are elderly much better, :)
We list 5 common problems faced by elderly and what we can do to help them. Your experience, suggestions or feedback are most welcome.
1. Elders feel lonely. Elders may not express this for various reasons but they also get depressed and feel lonely.
Spend quality time with them. When we say quality we mean, time spent with them without mobile (cell phone), laptop or any other gadget. Just sitting beside them and listening to them can reduce their pain and anxiety. Listen to their stories and concern. If you cannot visit them, give them a call. Studies have proven that even telephonic calls reduce the need for pain medication!
2. Elders may have hearing problem. Be patient with them and speak softly. Switch off all distracting noises when you speak to them.
3. Elders have lesser taste receptors and sense of smell. Because of this they may lose the ability to identify flavors in food and can complain about food. Be considerate when they say that the food is not tasty or has less salt. They are stating the truth. It also can be that the their dental status does not allow them to eat hard substances. Ensure that they get food which they eat easily. They also do not feel thirsty and can become dehydrated. Help them to stay hydrated.
4. Elders enjoy outdoor activities but would be shy to request you to take them out. Lose of independence, fear of driving, fear of traffic, fear of falling can make them to stay in their room/house. Facilitate their outdoor activities. Take them to park, movies, temples or relatives place. And if you are busy, you can arrange for the same taking help of others.
5. Last but not the least, elderly couple also have romantic and sexual feelings. Give them privacy and space to enjoy their romantic and sexual life.
Sooner or later we all will be members of the "Elder Club"! Take care.
We list 5 common problems faced by elderly and what we can do to help them. Your experience, suggestions or feedback are most welcome.
1. Elders feel lonely. Elders may not express this for various reasons but they also get depressed and feel lonely.
Spend quality time with them. When we say quality we mean, time spent with them without mobile (cell phone), laptop or any other gadget. Just sitting beside them and listening to them can reduce their pain and anxiety. Listen to their stories and concern. If you cannot visit them, give them a call. Studies have proven that even telephonic calls reduce the need for pain medication!
2. Elders may have hearing problem. Be patient with them and speak softly. Switch off all distracting noises when you speak to them.
3. Elders have lesser taste receptors and sense of smell. Because of this they may lose the ability to identify flavors in food and can complain about food. Be considerate when they say that the food is not tasty or has less salt. They are stating the truth. It also can be that the their dental status does not allow them to eat hard substances. Ensure that they get food which they eat easily. They also do not feel thirsty and can become dehydrated. Help them to stay hydrated.
4. Elders enjoy outdoor activities but would be shy to request you to take them out. Lose of independence, fear of driving, fear of traffic, fear of falling can make them to stay in their room/house. Facilitate their outdoor activities. Take them to park, movies, temples or relatives place. And if you are busy, you can arrange for the same taking help of others.
5. Last but not the least, elderly couple also have romantic and sexual feelings. Give them privacy and space to enjoy their romantic and sexual life.
Sooner or later we all will be members of the "Elder Club"! Take care.
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