Adult incontinence
The loss of control is manifested in many ways in the sunset of life but this might be the most literal and embarrassing manifestation. Accepting help in such an intimate area is very difficult. Yet some degree of adult incontinence is common in men and women and should not be stigmatized. There are wonderful products and physical therapy techniques that can help manage incontinence but the shame associated with it can take away your confidence. A new revolutionary technology now makes the best adult diapers that can keep you dry for up to 8 hours. If you think of it as just another way that your body needs help and not a condition that diminishes your quality of life, then you’ve all but won the battle.
Being Alone
As you grow older, opportunities to socialize tend to decrease. If you don’t have a spouse or live close to family, you might not get to spend much time with other people. But all of us need relationships even more as we enter this phase of life. Loneliness is one of the toughest problems seniors face as their closest friends move away, fall ill or even pass away. One way to fight it is to always make new friends. Seeking out new friendships is far from easy but you could think of it as your first day of college and give it your all. Living in a retirement community is a great way to make new friends. Another way is to find projects to keep yourself occupied. Do something you love and something that is helpful to someone else. Knowing that you are helping someone ends up helping you!
Staying Homebound
Another way the aged lose control is when they lose the ability to move around freely. Whether it’s a bad back, arthritis or inability to drive—any loss of mobility comes with a significant adjustment. Many retirement homes offer activities for seniors that help them get some air. For others who live at home or with family, getting out of the house will require more planning, effort and help. It’s important to remember that being confined doesn’t mean you are less useful or important. You can keep your mind sharp and show thoughtfulness even from home.
Losing Vision
One of the most dreaded fears seniors face is the loss of vision. It’s not uncommon to hear of cataracts and macular degeneration at this age. There are several scientific discoveries that now enable seniors to support eye health. Antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin are known to support and even promote vision. Certain nutrients can delay or in some cases, prevent eye problems. Make sure you are taking Vitamin C, N-acetyl cysteine, omega-3 fatty acids, folic acid, alpha lipoic acid, and selenium.
Dementia
Everyone knows what it is like to forget where you put your car keys or forget names of people. It’s on the tip of your tongue! Memory problems or forgetfulness is common and can be very frustrating. But dementia goes steps further causing communication difficulties and isolating an elderly person in one of the most distressing ways. Surveys show that seniors fear talking to their doctors about dementia. As a result, memory problems may get overlooked. Regularly play memory games, puzzles, crosswords to exercise your mind. Just as physical exercise is important your brain also needs exercise. Engaging in social activities, relating to people can help support cognitive health.
Fear of Falling
Everyone wants to live an independent life that leaves you free to go anywhere you want, when you want. One thing that can keep you indoors is a fall, especially one that leads to a fracture. The fear of falling is very real. Make sure you keep non-slip mats on bathroom and tub floors. Keep handles in strategic places so that you have support when you need it. Exercise regularly and take calcium tablets to support healthy bones. Exercise can include gardening, walking or jogging – it doesn’t have to be strenuous but weight bearing exercises are known to strengthen muscle and decrease the chances of fracture from a fall.
Some people are successful seniors because they are willing to face whatever lies in the future. They are prepared to step out of their comfort zones and find ways to cope with continual physical discomfort or emotional setbacks. With the right perspective on aging, we can all be content and bring a smile to someone else.
Every stage of life comes with its own set of worries. A child worries about being approved by his friend. A young family worries about how to pay bills and keep their children safe. Seniors have a whole new, mixed bag of worries as they find their once young bodies failing them in every way. What are the top problems that seniors dread? What can you do to avoid them or cope with them?