Caring for the elderly
"What goes on four feet in the morning, two feet at noon, and three feet in the evening?" – the proverbial riddle put before Oedipus by the Sphinx. The answer is all but obvious – humans!
Ageing is inevitable, a part of life which all must accept. The elderly in our families have a wealth of experience collected over the years; custodians of a treasure-trove of lessons in life we can all bank on once we too are at the many crossroads that are life itself.
Having said that, there are times when they too need to be able to rely on us. We need to provide them the same amount of love and care that they showered up on us during our formative years. Old age is akin to a second childhood. The only difference-- care givers switch roles.
Prevention is better than cure
Geriatric health issues arise once we cross the 50-year threshold. Annual complete medical check-ups are imperative to prevent serious medical conditions. If not prevented, early detection might prove pivotal for a quick recovery.
Illnesses like arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes; Alzheimer's, high cholesterol levels, etc. are the most likely medical conditions to affect the elderly.
Even regular dental check-ups can be a preventive measure, as oral health gets complex as age progresses.
Some experience that things that they could do easily before, now require effort so their dependency on others increases substantially. This loss of independence can often lead to depression, irritation, and even mood swings. In the worst case scenario, they start considering themselves a burden on the entire family.
It is during these times that they need to feel like an integral part of the family. Deputing a few simple yet key responsibilities to them could make them feel useful, especially in the case of retired elders.
Keeping them mentally and physically active, encouraging them to adopt a hobby - be it reading, writing or solving crossword puzzles, keeps their brain sharp. The loss of a spouse, which is common at this age, can take a toll on them, making them feel lonelier.
Coaxing them to indulge in regular social interaction with like - minded people can avert this feeling of loneliness. Staying physically active, doing mild exercises and going for walks consistently, helps alleviate feelings of depression.
Eat healthy, live longer
Age is just a number, and with the correct diet and nutrition it is possible to be fit as a fiddle at any age!
Chief nutritionist of United Hospital, Chowdhury Tasneem Hasin, recommends a diet for the elderly that is high in protein and fibre but less in carbohydrates and fat. She says, "Bones weaken considerably in old age along with the weakening of muscle mass, so a diet rich in calcium and protein is required. Ideally two to three servings of milk per day, along with seafood and vegetables will provide the required amount of calcium to the body. The protein requirement of the body can be fulfilled by consuming two to four pieces of meat or fish. It is also important to consume the whites of two eggs as they are a good source of protein."
Another common problem associated with old age, she warns, is constipation. Her advice is to have a high fibre diet, with lots of fluid intake to combat this problem. Consuming food rich in anti-oxidants, like tomatoes, leafy vegetables and broccoli, is also essential as anti-oxidants are known to slow down the ageing process.
Chowdhury Tasneem Hasin recommends sitting in the 10am to 3pm sunlight for at least half an hour every day, since sunlight is an excellent source of vitamin D, which is very essential for bone strengthening.
Alternatively, if sitting in the sun is not a viable option, vitamin enriched calcium supplements should be taken under doctor's supervision. For that matter she says, "Vitamin and mineral supplements can be taken in cases where the aged are not getting the required nutrients from food."
'Elderly' proof your house
Just like we need to baby-proof our homes on the arrival of a new family member, we also need to add some additional safety features to our homes for the elderly.
As we age our bones become weak and brittle and even a mild fall or slip can lead to fractures. Preventing such mishaps should be one of our priorities. Installing night lights in hallways, stairways and bathrooms, makes it easier for our seniors to navigate at night. Issues such as deteriorating eyesight are a common old age problem, couple that with brittle bones and you have a disaster waiting to happen.
Securing wires and clearing clutter, especially toys strewn all over the floor, is another small step we can take to ensure that their chances of tripping over something are minimised.
Wet floors cause the most slipping accidents, so laying non slip mats on areas prone to wetness like bathrooms, goes a long way in preventing such accidents.
With age knees become a problematic area for most of our seniors because of which the simple daily activity of sitting and getting up becomes very painful for them.
To minimise their discomfort in this area elevating toilet seats and installing grab bars and handrails in bathrooms, lends them the support required to get up.
Admittedly, old age can have its fair share of problems, but with a little bit of love, patience and care from the family, living it becomes that much sweeter.
By Samina Hossain
Photo: Collected