Connections as we age

Old age can be hard on our bodies, on our health, on our finances, on our independence. It can also be hard on our heart – in particular the increase in grief and loss of losing life -long partners, aging siblings, older adult children even, but also our aging friends. Each Christmas those Christmas cards get less as people around the aged person age themselves and become either unable to write or call due to ill health or they have died. It is a hard thing for aged people to take, the losing of all that is familiar and loved to death. Yes it’s part of aging, it’s the human journey and yes it is natural for all things to die and life to change but that doesn’t stop it from being a sad and difficult stage to go through.

For the younger generations eg the aged persons younger family members and relatives – it can be difficult to know how to respond and understand what their aged loved one is coping with. At times the thought of the end of life and not being immortal can scare younger people and they might pull back from the aged person in order to deal with these thoughts, which is another loss of connection, something that can lead to social isolation and depression. And visa versa the aged person themselves might respond to the accumulation of loved ones dying frequently by withdrawing from others as well, in order to cope and process their emotions.

Read more about this topic here…..

How to Deal With Death and Dying as You Age (verywellmind.com)

What can we do – the ones that see this happening and want to support our aged loved during this stage of life? Most importantly …be there for them, if not in person, over the phone, by using all the new techy options we now have, or even by letter. Staying in regular contact is vital to help reduce the chances of depression and associated health issues. Listen to their stories of their loved ones, family and friends and their thoughts on life as it is now as well as in the past. Don’t be afraid to mention the name of the deceased (as long as this is ok culturally). Have patience. Find ways to keep your aged loved one interested in life (groups, outings, hobbies) but also understand when this might be too much for them. Seek professional help if worried about them, there are helplines, support services and online resources you can check out. And if the people who have died were special to you too or you are a full time, P/T or whatever carer of an aged person - make sure you take care of yourself also.

Support for aged and elderly people | Head to Health