It can be difficult seeing your parents grow old. Not only because they get weaker or there's a higher chance of coming down with health issues, but also because it can feel like you're losing the most important people in your life.
For many people, in order to counteract the effect of old age and make aging with dignity possible for their parents, they pick up caretaker roles, hire people to attend to their everyday needs and often go as far as making adjustments in their own lives like relocating closer to them.
While these also count as support for aging parents, there are specific ways to support your aging parents, promote healthy aging in families, and keep their health at its peak without sacrificing your career or family.
We are going to tell you exactly how that can be done even if your parents don't want to admit to needing help, so keep reading.
What You Need To Know About Aging
To understand how best you can support your aging parents, a well-grounded knowledge on what old age entails is needed. Here's what you need to know:
1. Physical Changes
The human body is made up of different types of tissues which are themselves made of cells. Because most of these cells do not live very long, they have to be replaced. But as you age, your body loses the ability to effectively replace these cells. This explains the physical changes in old age. Some of the noticeable changes include:
- Wrinkles and sagging skin: As the body produces less collagen and elastin, the skin loses its firmness and elasticity, leading to wrinkles and sagging.
- Graying or thinning hair: Hair follicles produce less melanin, causing hair to turn gray, and hair may become thinner due to slower growth rates.
- Loss of muscle mass: Muscle fibers decrease in number and size, leading to reduced strength and endurance, a condition known as sarcopenia.
- Decreased bone density: Bones lose calcium and other minerals, making them more fragile and prone to fractures (osteoporosis).
- Reduced joint flexibility: Cartilage in joints becomes thinner, causing stiffness, reduced flexibility, and pain in movements.
- Slower metabolism: The body's metabolic rate slows down, often leading to weight gain or difficulty maintaining weight.
- Vision and hearing decline: Eyesight may deteriorate due to cataracts or macular degeneration, and hearing loss is common due to changes in the ear's structure.
2. Mental and Cognitive Decline
Research says that as one ages, there are changes in brain structures such as the hippocampus, frontal and temporal lobe which cause a decline in mental strength.
These changes can affect memory, problem-solving skills, and the ability to process information quickly. While some degree of cognitive decline is a natural part of aging, it can vary widely from person to person.
Emotional Impact
Although older people experience life differently, there is a broad impact of old age on the emotions and it includes:
- Loneliness: As social circles get smaller due to retirement, the loss of loved ones, or inability to move around comfortably like they once could, older adults may feel isolated and disconnected from their peers.
- Depression: Feelings of worthlessness or sadness may arise as one reflects on aging, lost opportunities, or reduced physical capabilities, causing depression.
How to Support Your Aging Parents with Their Health Needs
With adequate knowledge on how aging can affect your parents, here's a step-by-step guide on how you can support your aging parents with their health needs to ensure aging with dignity.
1. Start the Conversation
It’s important to talk to your parents about their health and care preferences before a crisis occurs. Early conversations allow you to understand their wishes and ensure that future decisions align with their wants.
This also allows for a healthy and happier relationship between aging parents and their children.
2. Stay Informed About Their Health
Being proactive about your parents’ health is important for preventing health complications. Keeping track of their medical conditions, doctor visits, and medications ensures they receive consistent care.
Studies show that nearly 40% of adults over 65 take five or more medications which increases the chances of errors. Keeping their health record either in a notebook or through an app, and following them to doctor appointments when possible, allows you to ask questions and clarify treatment plans.
3. Encourage a Healthy Lifestyle
Encouraging your aging parents to maintain a healthy lifestyle can greatly improve their quality of life and even slow the progression of certain health conditions.
Regular physical activity, like daily walks or simple stretches, has been shown to reduce the risk of falls by up to 30% in older adults. Additionally, mental stimulation is important—activities like reading, puzzles, or even learning new skills can improve cognitive function and delay the onset of dementia.
Seek Professional Help When Needed
There may come a point when professional caregivers, nurses, or home aides are necessary and family caregiving isn't enough.
Recognizing when help is required is important. Some of the signs that they need help include when they have frequent falls, worsening health conditions, or increased difficulty with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, or taking medications.
Bringing in a professional will not only provide specialized care but also offer emotional relief for families who may feel overwhelmed by their caregiving responsibilities.
When searching for reliable help, consider agencies that are licensed, insured, and offer background-checked caregivers. Reading reviews and asking for recommendations from doctors or local senior organizations can help you find a trustworthy service. Professional support can significantly reduce stress, ensuring that your parents' needs are met while allowing you to focus on maintaining your relationship with them.
Key Takeaway
Aging is a natural part of life, but supporting your aging parents through this process can be challenging both emotionally and practically.
As their physical and mental health changes, it's important to stay proactive, maintaining open communication about their needs and offering ongoing support.
Encouraging healthy lifestyles, staying informed about their medical needs, and knowing when to seek professional help are all important steps you can't overlook. By balancing your own responsibilities with proper care for your parents, you can help them age with dignity while preserving family bonds.