Last week we talked about differences between people who grow old gracefully who seldom talk about their infirmities, and who continue to lead productive useful lives way past their three-score years and ten.
We agreed that these people accept aging as a state of mind rather than body. And that is the key to accepting the whole aging process, but there are other ways that individuals can work toward this view of life.
• They can keep active and involved. Physical activity and social involvement go hand-in-hand in making these years fruitful. Keeping physically active can help not only physically, but psychologically. Being socially involved and perhaps providing a service to others less fortunate combats boredom and self-pity. There is no limit to the number of agencies that welcome volunteer help. Hospital auxiliaries, Meals on Wheels, senior activity centers, volunteers in the classrooms, libraries, day care centers, almost any agency in any city welcomes volunteer help. Age is not a factor.
• They can keep their minds active by frequent intellectual stimulation. Many colleges and universities offer continuing education programs that cover the spectrum from computer courses to embroidery skills. Churches have study groups. Libraries offer adult programs. Reading for information or for pleasure keeps the mind alert.
• They can practice stress management techniques. Many physical ailments can be prevented or greatly reduced by maintaining a lifestyle free from tension and anxiety. Many diseases of old age result from a breakdown in the immunological system resulting from too much stress. Exercise and varying the daily routine can relieve stress and boredom.
• They can maintain proper eating habits. Without a family to cook for, many older people begin to snack, or miss meals completely, leaving their bodies depleted of energy and proper nutrients. Meals on Wheels has found that daily contact and one hot meal a day has restored many elderly to good health. Senior lunch activity programs have promoted interest in being with friends and enjoying good nutritious meals.
• They can develop an understanding that certain human behavior frequently change with the aging process. Sleeping patterns and sexual behavior are two of these. An adequate understanding of these normal changes can aid in helping to accept these changes.
• They can take advantage of recent psychopharmacology advances. Elderly persons who can’t seem to shake depression and who are satisfied that their attitude and lifestyle are not contributing to their depression might want to consider a biochemical basis for solving this problem. Many helpful medications for this type of depression can be prescribed by family physicians or psychiatrists.
• They can develop a positive attitude. Instead of fear and dread of old age, they can plan and provide for the golden years. Many social agencies work with the aged to meet their needs.
• They can develop a good self-concept about themselves and view the aged as useful, productive citizens.
• If infirmities should come, they can strive to keep a good attitude. In some retirement villages and nursing homes the aged continue to share their talents in a variety of ways, always seeking to help some one.
Maintaining self-reliance and a happy and healthy perspective on life can be accomplished as the aging process continues, but it doesn’t take some understanding and practice of the above principles.
Society’s attitude has changed; research has provided the necessary data. Today’s elderly can grow old gracefully.
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