Seniors

Seniors

What age are you if you are classed as a senior?
Well, that depends on a few factors like, retirement age and pension eligibility for example.

The ‘norm’ is defining seniors as those who are aged 65 and over.
Since working as a Griefline Helpline Volunteer, the thing that has struck me most, is just how vulnerable people are when their supports are not around or they have not engaged in gaining new supports.  

This can happen at any age, however as we age, things tend to shift (both physically and mentally) and move in directions we are unfamiliar with or in a way that may scare us.  Which in turn, may place limitations on us due to the very nature of that shift. And so this has prompted me to write this blog.

The average age of retirement in Australia, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, is 55 years (in the year 2018/19).
Retirement can be a very exciting chapter in one’s life but can also be a time of dread and uncertainty.

One area which I would like to explore with you, is loneliness.  This can come about when those social interactions you once were taking part in, decrease in frequency or stop altogether and can cause further withdrawal the longer you stay away from them.    This can happen when for example, someone’s ability to take part in the things they used to, due to physical or mental capacity diminishing and therefore the motivation to do those things also diminishes.

But wait!  There is HOPE.

Being aware of what can happen and preparing for your future as a Senior, will go a long way to keeping your wellbeing intact.

There are a few things that can help to keep you on track.  Remembering that any little bit you can manage, is fantastic.  Your challenge may look very different to someone else’s, so it is important to do what is right for you.

Some questions to ask yourself, which may be helpful are:
What do you enjoy doing?
What are you enthusiastic about?
When last did you listen to your favourite music? (did you know that research shows that music and familiar smells can be an incredible memory booster).
What would you like to try?
Would you consider doing a part of what you want to do, just to get involved?
Would you consider going along to something just to watch?
Is there someone who you identify that might like to tag along with you?
Who are your supports? Identify them and keep in contact with them. Are you having conversations with others?  The more you share what you are experiencing or would like to, the more your chances increase to actually engage with someone who may be wanting to experience the very same thing.
It is about making those small connections in the everyday things we do.

What can you do for yourself?
Knowing what your daily and weekly routine looks like. Have things in place that you can rely on. For example, that walk that you do every morning or perhaps it is having lunch with a family member or friend.

Activities that keep you active, happy, social and mentally challenged all lead to better wellbeing and have a knock on effect in keeping you motivated to do things both new and old.

Every now and then set yourself a challenge – maybe that is reading a book from start to finish or maybe for you it looks like joining a new club (craft, exercise or social).  

Arrange new activities like a gathering of people, perhaps this is a picnic in the park or a simple little dinner.  Whatever it may be, embrace it at least once and give yourself the goal of attending it twice at the very least. 

Make sure you are have a balanced diet.  I know this can be challenging for some no matter what the age.  But knowing that, having a balanced diet, increases energy levels, helps our bodies to mend and heal, so you can do those things that you really want to do or continue doing for as long as possible.

Actually as we get older, we need to be doing more things not less to help keep us motivated, inspired and connected to others.  When we connect with others and share our thoughts or concerns or achievements, we give ourselves the very best chance of increasing our happiness.

And of course making sure you get enough sleep.  EAST is a wonderful acronym for Eat, Activities, Sleeping, Time (scheduling regular time with family, friends, people). Just remembering this alone, will go a long way in creating a good foundation for your wellbeing.

Get comfortable talking to strangers, that might include someone in your church group or your local shop or even a neighbour you have not spoken to before. You may start with just a ‘hello’ for a while.

Talk about how you are feeling.  If that does not work the first time, try someone else. 

Nothing is set in stone and some of these things you may need to try a few times. 

​Be kind to yourself and do a little bit at a time to build up to where you would like to be.