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Saturday, February 18, 2012

SENIOR INDEPENDENCE

Senior independence in most cases is directly related to quality of life.  Many seniors want to hold on to their independence for as long as they can, as most of us do.  Seniors try in so many ways to satisfy their own needs and will go to all lengths to try to fulfill those needs.  They want to remain independent because independence exemplifies the dignity they, for so long, exhibited.  But being independent also means being able to deal with issues associated with safety, finances and house upkeep as well as being able to maintain daily living activities that are necessary to survive.  Walking with someone to the grocery or drug store, working in the garden, crafting and doing light housekeeping are just a few of the things that can keep a senior’s mind and body moving and stimulated, thus helping to extend those independent senior years.  Brain activities like reading, doing crossword puzzles, working on the computer and playing Bingo keep the mind probing and functioning.  Communicating with friends and family can keep seniors in touch and up-to-date with all that is happening and events such as birthdays that might be taking place.  Companionship can be an avenue for extending senior independence.  With companionship come help, support and communication.  Seniors can still be independent with the assistance of others.  As we grow older, we may have a harder time reading fine print or reaching up to get that ingredient needed to cook.  We may have a hard time using our hands or going up and down stairs due to arthritis setting in.  Our reactions may not be as quick to situations and therefore may not be able to drive as often as we would like.  And, if we become dependent on medication, we may need help in keeping it organized so we are not overdosing on any one prescription.  Even though seniors look at these events as seriously impacting their independence, they fail to realize that with some kind of support or help, they can continue to function independently in other areas.  Seniors work very hard at staying independent and we should respect that.  However, we need to observe and take charge when we see that independence deteriorating in seniors and possibly becoming a threat to their livelihood.  We need to hold firm and insist that help be secured for those senior family members.  And, if help is necessary, we need to be there to help them make that transition. 


When that frame of mind to live disappears, so do our seniors disappear.  Seniors hold on to being independent for as long as they can because they know once it starts fading, it is most likely gone forever.  Our Seniors are deserving of a healthy, happy, independent life style for as long as possible. Remember, without seniors, we would not be here.


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Available in ebook or paperback

SENIOR EBOOKS... Click Here!
The Ultimate Babyboomers' Resource, Retirement Planning and
The Ultimate Eldercare Resource