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Change, Loss, Loneliness
Aging brings many changes, and many of those
changes are related to loss.
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Older adults experience ongoing biological and social
changes. Body functions, strength, vision, appearance,
motor skills, and body parts change. Psychological losses
related to changes in influence, power, status, hopes,
and ambitions can occur. Loss of identity may occur,
due to change in work, the home, other familiar environments
and routines. Personal losses due to the death of a
spouse, loved ones, friends, pets, etc. also can occur
as one ages. Every person is unique, and responds to
change differently. It is important to be aware of change,
so that it can be accepted, and adjustments can be made.
Coping with change differs from person to person.
Working through change means having to accept the
changes, adjusting and adapting to the changes, then
moving on to focus on the next new chapter in your life.
Time elements may differ for everyone, but the process
is the same.
There are many options that can be chosen to cope
with change. Of course, all options depend on your awareness,
personal interests, values, culture, environment, etc.
But, for some general ideas, consider the following:
- Maintain your health, get preventive health check
ups.
- Broaden your network of friends.
- Try to get your life newly structured in some
manner, such as volunteering or working
- Plan some activities to do with others. The actual
task is not so important, as the actual process.
- Pursue new hobbies or activities.
- Participate in a class.
- Go to lectures, or other community events.
- Create opportunities to do something for others.
- Get physically active.
- Find ways to pamper yourself.
- Allow yourself a good cry, its ok to relieve your
stress with tears.
- Avoid isolating yourself.
- Eat good nutritious foods.
- Go out with friends.
- Set a regular time to go with a group to the movies.
- Plan a vacation.
- Learn some relaxation techniques.
- Pamper yourself. Have a massage, get your hair
done, read a book.
- Join a library club.
- Have fun, make time to enjoy your different life.
If you are finding yourself alone, depressed, or
unable to take joy in life, are feeling isolated, or
unable to cope, make an immediate appointment with your
doctor.
If you would like more information
call SAFE Aging TOLL FREE at: 1-866-SAFE AGE (1-866-723-3243)
or contact info@safeaging.com
For Further Information
Do You Have Depression?
Here is the short form of the Geriatric Depression Scale.
It has been proven to be a quick statistically reliable
test for depression.
See
Depression Quiz
Control Tips to Manage Depression
Failure to detect depression can lead to many serious
health and safety complications. It is vitally important
to rapidly identify and treat depression.
See Article
Stress is Part of Daily Life
This article reviews the roles and risk factors of
stress in our daily life.
See Article
Influence Life and Health by Reducing Stress
Stress sets off a warning signal in the brain. The
brain responds by preparing the body for defensive
action. The nervous system is aroused.
Hormones are released. A whole list of physical
responses happen.
See Article
10 Tips for Care "Getting"
It is important to protect physical and mental health
and wellness. Daily life leisure, social, and play
patterns may change, but they should not be eliminated.
This can happen easily, but it can also be controlled
with effort, patience, vigilance and
discipline!
See Article
Volunteer Time and Talents
Time is precious and valuable. It can be used to make
miracles and to change lives. Be a volunteer and devote
some of your time, talent, wisdom and experience to a
worthy cause. Every community needs volunteers.
See Article
For more resources, visit our
Life Influences Topics in the Learning Center Links.
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