I am depressed, but I'm not lonely, but am having severe problems with the health service I need.
— Albert Gedraitis
Family Coalition Party (Feb15,2k13)
Winter:an elder's worst nightmare |
Friday, February 15, 2013 - 09:14:38 AM by Pete Aarssen, CFP, CLU, CH.F.C., EPC |
| It’s 5:30 p.m. and the sun is already set. Yes, the lights go out early in our long, cold Canadian winters. Hunkering down in our homes for much of our day can make even the sturdiest folks a little stir-crazy but for elders, the long winter months bring increased isolation, boredom and depression. Some head south for the winter but for those who remain, life can start to appear less satisfying. There is a scientific connection to the effect of reduced light on our moods, eating habits and physical activity: it is called Seasonal Affective Disorder, known also by the appropriate acronym S.A.D. The likelihood of developing S.A.D. increases during winter months. Elder’s face increased isolation and loneliness as a normal part of the aging process. Later in life, they see a narrowing of their social network brought on by the deaths or institutionalization of their peers and extended family members. With fewer and more globe-trotting children, elders also experience the physical and sociological distancing of themselves from their children. With decreases in physical mobility as they age, elders grow more dependent on others but have fewer to which to turn. In some cases, their gloom turns to depression. Depression is four times more likely to strike people over age 65 than any younger age group. It is readily treated but few get the help they need. It is difficult for anyone supporting an elder- a child, a sibling, or a caregiver- to imagine ramping up the attention they already pay to their loved ones. However, it is more important than ever to stay in touch with elders during the winter season, to increase visits or make excuses to call them. (I hope my mother is not reading this column!) It isn’t easy. We all have busy, demanding lives. But if we can stop for a minute to consider that more than 90% of elders live alone or with one dependant, we will also realize that it doesn’t take much to brighten their day. Make personal contact by picking up the phone, stopping in for tea, popping up on Skype, or even sending a text message if you’re really on the go! Health professionals assert that psychological well being is interconnected with physical and social health. It’s true! My siblings and I can almost pin point when my mother’s existing chronic health ailments are going to be at their worst: usually when there has been a prolonged gap in people having visited. As we age, our time perspective changes. I can think to myself ‘I just saw my mother a week ago’ but to her, that can seem too long. We don’t have to do all the socializing ourselves and it doesn’t have to be complicated. There are also some great community social programs available. Some include home visits. Sadly, they are less familiar to elders so time spent investigating them would be wise. There are services that can be purchased as well. These range from home care to snow removal to meal and cleaning services. Even if hiring a service is not entirely needed, you will be adding another socializing experience to their week. And high school students can earn their community service hours by visiting elders too! So remember, before you curl up in front of the fire with a cup of hot chocolate with your family tonight, think of who would appreciate a visit or a phone call from you the most. I’ll bet an elder comes to mind. Reprinted by permission. Pete Aarssen is a Certified Financial Planner and Elder Planning Counselor, currently working as a Regional Director with Freedom 55 Financial Division. His work as the Elder's Spokesman has made him an in-demand speaker on elder issues in Canada. He and his wife Shelley live on a hobby farm with their four children outside of Sarnia, Ontario. |
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