Loneliness and sadness can be a problem in old age, how to deal with them?

 Loneliness and sadness can be a problem in old age, how to deal with them?

Many of us think that mental illness does not affect the elderly, it affects younger people. However, that is not the case. Elderly people are more likely to suffer from mental illness than people of other ages. Older people are more likely to suffer from diseases and physical problems than adults or younger people.

Those who have more physical problems may also be more likely to suffer from mental illness. Just like depression is more common in the elderly than in younger people.

There are some factors that cause mental problems in the elderly.

Unpleasant events

Some people find it difficult to accept the events that are happening now. We all fear death, that is why we rush to the hospital when we have a little problem. Elderly people are also plagued by chronic diseases.

These chronic diseases are also causing a lot of fear. In such a situation, if someone dies in the village and society, it can also cause mental pain. It may be difficult to accept it.

Moreover, if the person who dies is younger than you, then yes! I may also worry that something will happen to me. Such things can also cause mental disorders. But not everyone is like that.

Dissatisfaction with life

The elderly are stressed because they cannot do what they are doing and because they are not able to do what they want to do. An elderly person wants to do something, but if they cannot, they say that they are old enough, they will do it later. However, the elderly are already old. The body does not have strength. The courage is also lost.

The energy is evaporating. They worry that they will not be able to do anything now. They worry that they will not be able to do what they used to do before, and how will they do it now. Emotions also change.

Loneliness

The most important thing that affects the mental health of the elderly is loneliness. If we look at the current situation in Nepal, it seems that many elderly people are alone. Even their spouses have died. There is no other family at home. There is no one to share their feelings with. Some of the children are in the city, some are abroad. Loneliness seems to be bothering them a lot.

Even when family members are at home in the city, they are busy with work and do not pay much attention to the elderly or do not get any attention. This is becoming a cause of mental problems.

What to do?

To make old age healthy and comfortable and to keep them mentally healthy, family members should pay special attention to various things. Some diseases are not under our control. However, if we take care of some things, the old age of the senior citizens in our family can be made healthy. They can be kept mentally healthy and happy.

1. Do not speak harshly

You should spend time with the elderly, listen to them. You should not be rude, do not speak harshly. If someone is teased or spoken harshly when they are young, they may take it as normal, but if they are scolded in old age, they may become mentally deranged. When they are scolded like this, it makes them wonder if they are being scolded or not. They are sad.

2. Respect

We should give the elderly the level of respect they deserve. We are all looking for self-respect. It is natural for the elderly to feel that someone should accept them and respect them. Family members should give them that respect. Self-respect should not be hurt.

3. Pay attention to diet

Family members should also pay special attention to the food of the elderly. They should be given food that they can eat from time to time. They are not satisfied with just two meals a day. Earlier, they might not have eaten, that is another matter, but now we should feed them less but 3 to 4 times a day.

A problem that many elderly people see is lack of water. One of the habits they have is that they should drink water only when they feel thirsty. This causes dehydration in the body.

Most diseases occur when there is a lack of water in the body. It is necessary to give special emphasis on drinking water.

4. Eating together

At least 2 meals a day, other family members should eat with the elderly. That way, they will be happy. Another important thing is how much they like food? It is easy to keep track of how much they are eating. Even if they do not express it, you can know what they liked and did not like.

5. Letting them talk to their grandchildren

Grandchildren are much dearer to the elderly than their own children. They should be allowed to talk and chat with them. This increases intimacy. Not only that, but it also creates a sense of fun. It increases happiness.

6. Letting them express their feelings

This life is like a pressure cooker. In a pressure cooker, we are cooking something, the fire is burning from below, what happens if the steam does not come out from the top? What happens if that small hole is blocked? It will explode. Yes, it is the same, if our feelings are not expressed, they can explode. Or let's say it can cause mental problems.

The elderly are expressing their thoughts directly or indirectly. It is being expressed through grandchildren or through someone else. Sometimes they are expressing their thoughts by singing songs or hymns.

We need to listen to it, pay attention to it. We need to create an environment where we can express our feelings openly. If we are alone and let things get stuck in our minds, And should not be allowed to keep. As much as possible, it should be kept with family members. When they talk, you should listen patiently.

7. Involvement in family decisions

The elderly should be involved in any important decision made at home. It is necessary to not only involve them, but also listen to their opinions. This makes them feel that they still have a role in the family and that they are still an important member of the family.

I am still being listened to. The feeling that my opinion and decisions are important comes to mind. This makes them mentally strong.

8. Involvement in social activities

The elderly should be involved in social activities as much as possible. They should be encouraged to participate in marriages, engagements or any other ceremonies. They should be allowed to participate in any social work.

9. Regular health check-ups

Even if there is no health problem, a person of that age should have a regular health check-up. If possible, a health check-up should be done every 6 months and if not, once a year. In this way, no health problem can develop and lead to a complicated situation.