Strategies For Elderly to Cope with Loneliness
After
having lived a full active life, worked at jobs, probably raised a family, have
enjoyed an active social life with a whole bunch of friends, probably travelled
the world, and enjoyed the feeling of being in total control... old age can be
a really lonely time for most people. More so if accompanied by illness,
frailty or desertion by family and friends. Or sometimes simply not being able
to cope with changes in their life or environment.
Loneliness in the elderly is also accompanied by
lowered self esteem or self worth, feelings of anger at the way things
have turned out for them, feelings of guilt , feelings of regret, not feeling
in control, hopelessness and helplessness. These problems are further
compounded because most elderly people are very set in their ways and resistant
to change. They may even be interpreting any effort by others to help them deal
with their problems as a personal attack on thier freedom, sanity,
integrity or personality etc.
A few strategies to help the elderly cope with
loneliness are:
Help them find a passion - something they would
enjoy doing every day. For instance in Japan, a lot of elderly people spend
their time solving Soduku puzzles. This not only keeps their mind sharp and
safe from illnesses like alzheimers, It keeps them absorbed for hours. It keeps
their lives interesting and full of fun.
It's never too old to start a hobby, Grandma
Moses (1860-1961)
started painting in her late 70s. Col. Sanders behind the famous KFC Chicken
chains of fast food, started his quest at 61 years of age. I have read
other stories of very old people fulfilling their lifelong dreams of graduating
from college. Similarly, any old person can start a hobby... painting, writing,
music, embroidery, stitching, etc. With this hobby they can join any similar
interest group or club and hence absorbing them completely and helping them in
overcoming their loneliness.
Passion creates purpose, this creates excitement
and loneliness becomes a thing of the past. Hence:
Encourage the elderly to learn a new language -
Again this is good for their minds, and while they are learning, they will
associate with others if the learning environment is a group setting. In
addition the feeling of accomplishment will help them in coping with
loneliness.
Encourage them to join some clubs related to
their interests in their younger days. Just attending the regular club meetings
and talking to people there will make them feel on purpose.
Get them involved in some energy healing classes
like Tai Chi or meditation designed for the elderly. This will keep them
active, absorbed and interested as well as healthy.
I recently read the story on the online news of a
103 year old woman who was blogging away on the internet. This is a good way to
connect with people overcoming loneliness and stay sharp as well. So elderly
people could be introduced to the internet and blogging.
It's okay to feel responsible and protective of
the elderly. It's okay to want them to rest and stay safe. Yet as a care giver
of an elderly person , it is good to do what's best for them. So help them find
passion in their life. Help them find peace in their life. Help them to heal
emotionally. That is what they might be needing most right now. You might check
out
Brainwave Technology for
meditation, peace and emotional healing.
Coping With Loneliness - Here are more how
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PS: If you are having problems coping
with loneliness - Check out the following tools to fight
loneliness - because they Work:
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Brainwave Technology - A strategy for elderly to cope with loneliness
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