AGEING CAN BE ROUGH IF NOT HANDLED PROPERLY
Ageing and health: The body and mind work in tandem across every phase of life. So, ageing is a mental and physical phenomenon. Like puberty, this transition can be rough if not handled with proper care. Heightened production of cortisol, owing to high stress levels over long periods, affects important functions of the body such as metabolism — quickening one’s ageing process. Managing stress keeps cortisol under control. Increasing support networks, both intimate and larger networks, e.g., extended family, neighbours and clubs, keeping work life balance and mindful living can keep stress from affecting our body in the longer run.
Healthy and happy: Ageing is complicated with comorbid illnesses. Depression, often labelled as sadness due to separation, empty nest syndrome or lack of purpose, especially goes unnoticed and untreated in old age. Depression for long periods can alter an individual’s personality and reduce life’s quality. So, remain vigilant about low moods over long periods (more than 3 weeks), alterations in sleep and appetite, and difficulty in engaging in any kind of pleasurable activities. A licensed mental health professional can evaluate it and recommend treatment to drastically improve the quality of life.
Being in the game: Cognitive decline such as memory difficulties and slower processing of information, because of pathological conditions such as Alzheimers or may be simple age-related phenomenon, are common. Ignoring these symptoms for long can compromise the elder’s life. Get a thorough evaluation and follow-up treatments for serious conditions such as Alzheimers to help these individuals live a more adapted life.
Non-pathological age-related cognitive decline can be prevented, minimised or delayed with constant cognitive stimulations — puzzles, Sudoku, etc. Continuing white collar jobs post retirement (even if not required financially) can keep cognitive decline at bay.
The body and mind work in tandem across every phase of life. So, ageing is a mental and physical phenomenon. Like puberty, this transition can be rough if not handled with proper care. —DR CHANDRIMA MISRA MUKHERJEE, Clinical Psychologist and Psychotherapist
Ending isolation: Isola-tion and decline in feeling of selfworth happen as we enter the twilight years of our lives. Often, we feel disconnected from our loved younger ones and the world in general. This phenomenon has become more pronounced in the last few years with fervent digitisation of communication. Efforts to connect and engage are necessary. Expecting the younger people to connect with elders may not be enough. Engaging with youngsters, understanding their world, which could be very new to the elderly, learning from them ways of this new world — social media, new digital terminology — can ease the process of staying connected with newer generations.
Feeling worthy: Community living and contributing to a community’s sustenance help grow one’s identity. The key is formal participation, not merely recreational. What is taken away when one is no longer an active professional or a parent to a growing child can be replaced by what one could mean to another individual or community who benefit from their skills such as being active members of resident welfare associations, alumni associations of schools and colleges, NGO, etc.