Namaskar
Working with elders from age 60 to 95, we have seen many issues that are faced by them. We will be taking these issues and offering some solutions over many blog posts. These can also be heard on YouTube.
The following are the issues that elders face on their regular life
1. Fall and risk of falls
This is the leading cause of problem with the elders. The balance is NOT maintained, or there is less light – like in the night, or slippary foot wear or slippery floor and others.
2. Health
Normal health is weaker. Plus old tastes do not go away and some where inside us, we still feel we are very strong. One of my dear friend, is a type 2 diabetes. But ha cannot resist a sweet after meals. Elders also forget to take medicines, and in one case they will purposely miss the medicines to “save” cost
3. Loneliness
No jobs, kids far away and poor movement – also gives to loneliness. Specially males who had a higher profile career feel this most. It takes quite a long time for them to understand that – after the game pawn and queen go in the same box.
4. Wealth
How to manage one’s wealth. What if there are several properties. How about financial assets. I have seen many elders been cheated by banks and individual advisors. They service they should get – is not there and they are told of non existent rules. Plus 94% of the people are poor in managing self finance.
5. Daily chores
Cooking, washing, cleaning are quite straining. One needs help. Are these help reliable? At least shopping is easy now by e commerce.
6. Sudden Emergency
Of many elders we talk to – this was a major concern. What happens if there is an emergency? Can some one reach? How can they inform some one? Who will go to the hospital with them and take care? There are too many questions that arise.
7. Engagement
Social engagement is important for well being. Staying alone, or even with kids / relative – social engagement may get limited. How to manage those?
We will take one topic at a time, and go deeper in the same.
We start with slipping… what to do, how to make the residence anti skid and so on.