Archives for October 2016

As we get older, so do our parents. And when they reach a certain age, you can become more concerned about their well-being. Parenting our parents isn’t something that any of us want to do. But it can be difficult to find the right balance when we’re trying to help them. After all, their memories of raising us are still fresh in their mind, even though we’re raising our own kids now. How can we make sure our parents stay happy as they enter their later years?

Ailing health can be a problem that starts in the late sixties and early seventies. But it could be the signs of aging that worry you the most. The body will wear out so it’s likely that some changes need to be made to maintain a good quality of life. Vision and hearing commonly degenerate in our later years. It can affect so many important parts of our lives. It could be a good idea to have annual checks to ensure everything is OK here.

Thanks to Flickr for the pic

When the acuity of hearing begins to diminish, life can feel muted. And it can be really embarrassing asking people to repeat themselves over and again. You can find things like Hearing Aid Buyer Today’s buying guide useful for figuring out what kind of device might enhance your parent’s hearing. If you find they are dropping out of conversations or simply not engaged with the family as much, it’s worth having the hearing tested.

As the acuity of vision diminishes, everyday tasks can become a problem. It’s not just about being able to read the labels on food in the grocery store. Driving also requires good vision so that hazards and road signs can be identified. Reading glasses are only helpful for so long. Regular eye check-ups will ensure there are no major problems. An accurate prescription for glasses can help enhance the vision so your parent can enjoy their regular hobbies again. It can also help them maintain their independence for longer.

Thanks to Flickr for the pic

Physically, your parents are probably doing quite well. We are all fitter, stronger, and healthier than we were decades ago. But to maintain a healthy physique, it’s important to keep exercising the body every day. Walking is one of the best ways for people to stay well. Stretches are also important to maintain flexibility and muscle strength. A lack of core strength and posture can lead to a risk of falling. This can result in serious injury for poor Mom or Dad.

If your parents have stopped working now, think about how they are spending their spare time. We all need plenty of enriching activities in our lives. Some of those hobbies and interests may be physical in nature, like dancing or swimming. Others may be mentally stimulating like music and reading. A good variety of things is best. And any that boost a person’s social life is ideal. Humans need the company of others. It helps support good mental health.

Thanks to Flickr for the pic

There are plenty of ways you can support your parents without appearing too pushy. If they seem quite content and happy, then there is little you need to do for now. But keeping an eye on things you’re worried about is the right thing to do. Of course, they are grown-ups and can take care of themselves, right? This is a valid point. But if they were worried about you, they would be doing all they can to make sure you’re OK. If you’re met with resistance, just back off for a while. Chances are they will appreciate your concern later.

They say the 70s are the new 50s. Many people in this age group are enjoying active lives with plenty of friends and family around them. And it is thought that people in this age group tend to be better off financially than their parents were. This means there is more income to spend on enriching their lives, maintaining their homes, and taking care of their health needs. Does this mean there is no need for us as children to be concerned?

Aging happens. When the signs of aging start to affect our lives will be different for everyone. The most common ailments like coughs and colds can take longer to get over later in life. Injuries will also take longer to heal, and some may not heal fully, depending on their health. Does this mean we should be wrapping our parents up in cotton wool? It can be tempting to want to protect them as they become older and a little more frail. Having a conversation with them about this may be awkward, but it will help everyone know how they’re feeling.

Now your own children are becoming a little more independent, why not spend more time with your parents? You could enjoy healthy meals together and even enjoy some activities together. There are plenty of different things you could all enjoy as an extended family. You’ll each have your own preferred hobbies that you could introduce to each other. Staying connected is important, and it gives you a chance to notice if there are any problems. Best of all, it gives your parents a chance to spend time with everyone.

It’s true that aging can bring more serious illnesses. Heart and lung problems may present themselves. Sadly there are many cancers that are more likely to occur as we age. Diabetes can be particularly troublesome for someone later in life. But it is dementia that is affecting families the most. This cruel illness can cause serious memory problems and a loss of independence. We are all forgetful at the best of times. As we get older, this can become more common.

But if your parent is often confused as well, it might be a sign that there is a problem. A good doctor will be able to test and diagnose dementia. You will then need to consider how best to make sure your parent is safe and well for the rest of their lives. More and more people enjoy having their parents live with them. This could enrich your life too. Take care.