A Practical Guide To Making Life Easier for Elderly Parents

If you’re reading this article, it probably means you care deeply about your parents, or perhaps, even a beloved senior in your life. We do so much research, even for simple things like finding the best food and toys for our pets. Yet, when it comes to taking care of your parents, it’s sort of taken for granted.

The fact is that the elderly have a host of needs that they are no longer able to fulfill themselves. Thus, any attempt at taking care of them needs to consider a holistic approach. A biopsychosocial-spiritual kind, if you will.

Today, let’s look at how you can help address a variety of their needs to ensure they spend their last few decades in peace.

Addressing Their Physical Needs

Without health or the privileges of a healthy life, it truly doesn’t matter what else a person has going on. Poor health has a way of taking over and dominating life, and it’s only then that you realize how you took good health for granted. Sadly, aging inevitably brings health problems, and this needs to be addressed as priority numero uno. The most common issue among the elderly is arguably related to arthritis and mobility.

As data from the CDC shows, almost 44% of people aged between 65 and 75 years suffer from arthritis. That figure goes up to almost 54% for those 75 years and older. Interestingly, arthritis rates increased with lower urbanization levels. This difference ranged between around 2% and 3%, but ratio differences were lower in areas like the Midwest and the South.

The point is that arthritis makes movement and general dexterity a much bigger challenge than it used to be. Thankfully, there’s a lot of assistive technology for seniors that can be of great help. For instance, raised toilet seats, walkers, and motorized stair climbers are game changers and help seniors feel less reliant on others.

Addressing Their Psychological Needs

This is the second aspect of life for seniors that needs attention. According to the University of Michigan, nearly 2 in 3 adults aged 50–80 (65%) said they were concerned about staying mentally sharp. Likewise, 32% worried about access to quality mental health care.

If you’ve noticed signs of slowing down or memory loss, it’s important you don’t take a lax attitude. Despite these changes being common among seniors, they can be addressed and even improved in some cases. Sometimes, all it takes is having them engaged in some type of mental activity.

Some people take well to aspects like board games and puzzles, while others might find them rather childish and infantilizing. You know your parents the best. Thus, think about what activity you can get them to engage in that suits their taste.

Addressing Their Higher-Order or Spiritual Needs

The older a person gets, the more their priorities change. Those who prided themselves on being independent and strong find themselves craving people and connection. This explains the high rates of loneliness among seniors.

One study showed that nearly 1 in 4 adults over 65 experience social isolation, and 1 in 3 report feelings of loneliness. Loneliness was most commonly reported for seniors who didn’t work and lived at home with a lower income.

Likewise, some elders start thinking about what comes next. Perhaps they have worries about the afterlife if they believe in it and feel like they need to right some wrongs. This can be a delicate and sensitive situation because sometimes, there’s nothing you can actually do. However, you can always lend an ear and listen to their worries. Empathize with them, and if it feels appropriate or helpful, share your feelings on the subject.

These issues can be a little painful for some seniors who feel like they wasted a lot of time in life. Now, in the present, they may struggle with a lack of purpose and might be unsure if finding purpose is even possible at their age. In these situations, it’s probably a good idea to have a therapist weigh in and help them take stock of their perspectives.

Ultimately, the biggest thing you can do for your elderly parents is just to be with them. They supported you when you were figuring out life for the first time, and old age can ironically feel like that at times. Be patient and understanding, and know that they aren’t trying to make things tougher on purpose.

The last thing you want to do is show your frustration because that’s just going to make them withdraw. If they have no one else but you, that withdrawal can take them into some truly lonely places.