WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

>Be understanding when the elderly person seems to be stubborn about something. Put yourself in their position; they've given up their independence and must now rely on you for care. Any little thing that they can hold on to help them feel more independent. When you understand why they are being so stubborn, it's much easier to handle and you'll have much less stress.

>Take care of yourself as you care for the elderly. Your emotions can become very stressful when caring for the elderly; you're giving up your own freedom to care for someone who doesn't seem to appreciate it. You may feel like you are being pulled in many directions. Don't take it personally and don't hold on to negatives from the past, it will only stress you more. Take time to care for yourself and do things for yourself. Go to a movie or go to the beach. Take a break, it's good for both of you. Laugh a lot.


>Listen to your elder; they have so many great things to tell you. Listening is a form of respect and we all want that. Take the time to have a chat with your elder person every day; it will benefit both of you. When your elderly loved one is gone, you will cherish this time.

HELP THE ELDERLY TODAY!

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SOCIAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL NEEDS OF THE AGING

In considering the needs of older people, it is well, first to remember that older people have the need that are common to all people and secondly, that they have special needs due to the fact that they are old people.
The needs which are common to all people are:
(1) Emotional security and affection, met by receiving love and by living in a world where things are predictable and come out usually in a favorably or at least tolerable way .
(2) Social recognition and status, met by receiving  respect from people who count in one's world.
(3) A sense of worth and respect, met by living up to one's ideas.
(4) Adequate food, clothing, shelter as well as good health.
        Whenever this common needs are not met as well as people have grown accustomed to expect, their is a social problem. If we have social problem of old age today, it is because these needs are not met adequately in the lives of many older people.

Help the elderly today!

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THINK ABOUT THIS

One wonders whether the phrase "May you live to a ripe old age" is a blessing or a curse. Old age cannot be avoided. It is a phase of life, which will arrive and stay till death takes its toll. Problems of old age come in two forms: emotional and physical. Many studies have proved that the two are actually interconnected. No precautionary measures can avoid these problems; senior citizens just have to face them bravely.
Old age is feared in recent times; however. This was not the case in the olden times. In the good old days, life was not so complicated and family values were given more importance. Hence, the older generations held a very important position in the family tree and in society. They were the epitomes of wisdom. The younger ones benefited from their profound knowledge and experiences.
The scenario is changing nowadays with senior citizens being considered as "non-productive" and. They are thought to be a social and economic burden. In urban areas, the entire responsibility is on the male child with whom the aging parent resides. Due to the nuclear family system, the aged people tend to feel neglected as all the others remain busy with their own schedule. The experiences of the old are considered primitive in this advanced ‘techno’ world and no one wants to pay heed to what they have to say.
Many are forced to sell off their property as a result of some dispute within the family or for their children’s career, making them solely dependent on their children later. After a certain age, their health starts deteriorating and their mental faculties begin to diminish. Sometimes, these people cannot recognize their own family members. In such situations, these people are considered to be a burden and are thrown out.
Those who can afford, try to reduce their guilt by sending their old parents to the home for the aged. But seldom do they realize that although their parents or grandparents may get physical care in these institutions, their emotional needs of affection and love by their own near and dear ones remain unfulfilled. What the youngsters of today fail to realize is that they will get old too some day and may have to meet a similar fate, because history is bound to repeat itself and a person reaps what he sows.

Help the elderly today! 

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Who are the Aged (Old People)?

Peoples can be considered old because of certain changes in their activities or social roles. Examples, may be considered old when they become grandparents or when they begin to do less work or different work - retirement. Most countries have accepted the chronological age of 60 to 65years as a definition of "elderly" or older person.