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Apply these useful tips to understand and treat older adults
Many of us have gone through the difficult task of caring for or dealing with older adults whose behavior we do not understand. It is not easy to understand the elderly, but it is essential that we learn how to do it, for a better coexistence you will want to learn some tips.
Old age is a stage from which no one can escape, however, understanding how they think and react helps us to treat them better, making their lives and ours more pleasant.
So clear your mind and focus, because these are tips, you will certainly appreciate reading.
9 key tips for a healthy coexistence with older adults
1. Know their pathologies in depth
Old age brings with it some diseases, usually a mixture of them, between physical and psychological deterioration.
Taking this into account, you should seek to know in depth the condition of that person, since you will be able to understand the position in which they find themselves and the reason for their actions.
Some diseases cause acute pain, others discomfort, some suffer from depression, anxiety, and many other emotions or reactions, from which they would like to get out.
2. Know their limitations
The golden age deprives us of some skills that we find it easy to develop when we are young.
Things like walking, listening, seeing, speaking, moving and many other functions become difficult tasks for older adults and alternatives must be sought for this.
3. Respect their trajectory
There is a very simple truth that we must understand before any elder, and that is that their life experience and upbringing context will make them think and act based on other times.
However, this effect is more evident in people with memory problems.
They come from a time when many things were done differently. Due to this it is natural that they do not understand the operation of many things today, in the face of this we must be patient and respectful.
4. Listen to them
The elderly have much to say, either in words or gestures, but there is usually little interest in hearing them.
We don't just mean listening to their life stories, but those times when they try to tell you that something makes them uneasy or uncomfortable.
Make an effort to pay attention to their gestures when eating, taking medicine, or even receiving a visitor.
This tells you a lot about what they likes and what they doesn't, also pay attention to the things they say to you no matter how crazy it seems. Take the time to listen to their anecdotes or advice, this creates a bond of affinity that will make them more receptive to you.
In addition, take into account their emotions and how they express them, since some, such as fear and worry, can alter their state of health and attitude.
5. Express yourself clearly
The first thing is to be clear about the tone of voice you require, because according to their physical condition you may need to speak louder or quieter if they are sensitivity to sound.
Simplify your words and expressions as much as you can, explaining slowly and deliberately. Make sure that they understand what you say so that there are no conflicts due to lack of understanding.
In cases where there are diseases such as Alzheimer's, one must be prudent and sometimes go with the flow, looking for alternatives so that they can understand you.
6. Do not underestimate their authority
Upon reaching a certain age, in family settings some elders are stripped of their authority, which is not correct.
It is clear that on many occasions they no longer have the capacity to decide many things, but they must be treated with the same respect.
When this does not happen and they are deprived of making even the simplest decisions that do not affect their well-being, you are creating a state of frustration and bitterness in them.
For this reason there are many old people who have bad character, being in constant conflict.
7. Be patient
Do not expect them to adapt to your rhythm, you are the one who must adapt to them. Their speed, motor skills and responsiveness are affected, so they should not be pressed.
On many occasions, activities such as eating are a slow process for them, and although they already feel pressured seeing that the younger ones finished earlier, the fact that we stay watching them increases it. In this sense, give them space so that your presence does not affect them.
8. Create utility spaces
One of the main causes of depression in the elderly is the fact of feeling useless, and this is aggravated when they are not allowed to do any activity at home.
As long as their body allows them to perform some tasks that aren't too risky or heavy, don't hold them back.
As their age advances, but their spirit and vigor remain the same, replace the tasks so that they can continue performing some activity that, apart from entertaining them, strengthens their self-esteem.
9. Put yourself in their shoes
Before giving any response or reacting to any mistake they make, you must put yourself in their position.
To begin with, no one wants to be old, being weighed down by illnesses and the weakness of the years. Also, nobody wants their life to pass into the control of third parties.
I hope that these tips will be of great help to you, and that you can improve your relationship with the elderly that you have close.
