AGING GRACEFULLY AUTHENTIC LIVING

“IT TAKES COURAGE TO DREAM,TO FACE OUR FUTURES,TAKES COURAGE TO BE DETERMINED THAT AS WE SLOW DOWN PHYSICALLY,WE ARE GOING TO GROW EVEN MORE PSYCHOLOGICALLY AND SPIRITUALLY.”

By SHELLY SINGHAL

Old age refers to ages nearing or surpassing the life expectancy of human beings .It is a natural process of individual’s life that begins at birth and ends at death, although it is also the great time to sit back and enjoy your life .You are much wider, people’s opinions do not easily fluster you,you are much more comfortable in your own skin.

Everyone has an opinion about their quality of life in old age ,but no one precisely means.Quality of life is highly individualistic and might even be an idiosyncratic mystery due to high levels of variability between individuals.

The basic problems face by senior citizens are which make them vulnerable is due to

A.declining physical and mental capabilities.

B.exit from labour market with greater dependence on pensions

C.breakdown of extended families.

D.isolation due to death of contemporaries especially that of spouse or partner.

Its not enough to just be alive .Good quality life is especially important for older adults who are dealing with chronic health conditions and major life changes.

As India fights the CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK and stays locked down for more than two months now,the elderly are struggling to simply survive.

During this period social distancing created social disconnecting , especially for senior citizens who needed all the support during the difficult time of a global pandemic.

AN INITIATIVE TO PROTECT OUR SENIOR CITIZENS WHO ARE MOST VULNERABLE DURING CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK AND OTHERWISE

There are different ways to improve quality of life for seniors.

A.TREAT DEPRESSION:

Depression late in life affects more than 6.5 million people age 65+ .It can be caused by stressful life events.To improve it is important to recognize the signs of depression.A music,good sleep , meeting people can lower the depression.

B.HELP THEM FEEL USEFUL AND NEEDED:

From young to the very old , everyone wants to be useful.Even if they can’t do these tasks efficiently or perfectly,that’s ok. What ‘s important is that they’re contributing.Ask for help with the tasks like:-

-folding laundry

_organizing drawers

_ opening the mail

_writing grocery or household to do list

_keeping you up to date on the news

_asking grandma recipes

C. ENCOURAGE REGULAR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY:

Regular Physical activities,no matter how gentle ,helps keeps both body and mind feeling balanced and positive.It helps boosts immune system,lowers blood pressure, improve sleep quality, improves heart health,relieves anxiety,improves strength and stamina and more.

D. KEEP THEM MENTALLY ACTIVE:

Engage elderly people in brain games, reading, writing are all great activities for mental stimulation and it helps them to prevent from various problems related to brain as age advances.

E.HELP THEM STAY CONNECTED WITH FAMILY,FRIENDS AND COMMUNITY:

Seniors who are isolated and lonely have shorter lives and are greater risk for DEMENTIA and DEPRESSION.

“OLD AGE IS THE VERDICT OF LIFE.”IT IS FAR MORE THAN WHITE HAIR, WRINKLES ,THIS STAGE BELONGS TO THE RISING GENERATIONS.

Being a counselor my agenda for senior citizens in helping them ,motivating them in,

Being active and participate in various activities,

Accept reality,

Being optimistic,

Spend there time in social and spiritual activities.

Take care of there health,

keep them busy in themselves with work.