NS139: Growing older may not be easy for us and the people around us Aging may bring many difficulties and changes: Growing older Course Work, DCU, Ireland

Growing older may not be easy for us and the people around us. Aging may bring many difficulties and changes in our lives which may be hard to get used to. That’s why older people need help and understanding from loved ones. As we grow older our needs change, not only emotional ones but also physical, psychological, and social changes have a big impact on our life and even daily basics.

There are many signs of aging which are needed to take care of and be understood as they are normal in some age groups, such as changes in the nervous system, hair loss, muscle tone loss, dry skin, gum disease, and many more which may give us a sign to prepare for changing our lifestyle for more suitable for our age group.

‘As we get older some diseases and conditions become more prevalent, eg
arthritis, diabetes, stroke, coronary heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure, cataracts, dementia, Alzheimer’s and respiratory conditions’

Many older people fear being ill and not being able to be fully independent and some may feel shame in needed help in some physical needs such as dressing, hygienic needs, or even needed help in eating and drinking however it’s not their fault as our job is to keep them feel comfortable and keep a good attitude towards them and any similar situations.

Many older people have to deal with diseases which come along as we age, some of The most common of them are; poor eyesight in which care glasses may seem really helpful. Dental problems include gum disease and loss of teeth as older person bones aren’t as strong as they used to be when younger.
Skin problems also may occur as warts/ moles, dryness, loss of elasticity-using a body moisturizer may help to keep the condition of the skin better in these age groups. Bones and joints became really weak and may be painful which means also needs to be taken extra care of.

Dementia and depression are also very common things that may come along with aging. Dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease makes us forget some things and in some cases makes it hard to communicate which may not make it easy for others to understand our needs.

There are many factors that may provide depression in an older person’s life such as isolation and loneliness, older people may feel forgotten and not spend enough time with others. Medical conditions such as stroke or cancer may feel them overwhelmed, tired, and not being able to fight it anymore. Stress and feeling anxious, or even gens have a huge impact on older people’s physical and mental health.

Emotional changes also have a big impact on people’s lives. Some older people may feel lonely and helpless which may cause depressive thoughts or even suicidal attempts. It is so important to make sure they know they are feeling
secure, needed, loved, and important as any other person is and their age or illness doesn’t change the way how we feel about them. Everyone is different and some people don’t like to express their feelings but it is important to understand them, support and show how to express feelings such as love, happiness, anger, sadness, and show them it is okay to feel these things without being judged. Making them feel important by eg giving them choices, asking opinions and questions, taking them out for a little exercise or a walk also may help to build up their confidence and make them feel included.

Social needs include making relationships, a bond not only professionally but also personally as it is important to keep a good atmosphere while working with people, to make them feel comfortable and be able to understand their needs more on a daily basis.

Social needs are as important as spiritual ones. There are many different religions and beliefs which may be included in some daily things for example; diet. It is important to ask questions, treat everyone with respect, and understands their perspective.

Communication is a key to having a good relationship with an older person and to make them feel safe and comfortable.” Some clients may feel nonverbal and have basic feelings of insecurity about what may happen to them in a care setting. It is important to eradicate fear and create an environment where clients feel physically and emotionally safe”  In the case of nonverbal people, body language, lip-reading or sign language is the way to communicate.

Health promotion, there are many Statutory agencies that are provided
and paid by the department of health. Statutory agencies include GP, dentists, physiotherapists, chemists, hospitals, and many more which include health support.

There are also independent agencies called voluntary, that provide services by
a contract which has to be tendered for. eg. Local support groups, residential
care, age concern, community services centers, charity shops, home care.
Voluntary services give us support and a chance to connect with others, keep us away from isolation and help with forming relationships.