As our loved ones get older, many anxieties begin to swarm regarding their quality of life. This doesn’t refer exclusively to their physical health, as their mental health also unfortunately takes a hit. Loneliness is a silent killer, with 40.3% of the elderly population experiencing social isolation according to a survey held by the Ministry for Health in Malta. However, there are things we can do to ensure that the time spent with our elderly is fruitful, promoting companionship through meaningful activities.
One of the greatest gifts an older person can give us is passing on the lessons learnt through their experiences. Life is evolving so rapidly, that even for the younger generation, sitting with a cup of tea and listening to stories about a slower-paced time can be beneficial. This mutually beneficial exercise provides the elderly with a space to recount their past, promoting cognitive stimulation which may help to slow down the inevitable onset of mental decline that comes with old age.
A great way to turn this verbal process of reminiscing into something concrete is by scrapbooking. Combining pictures, trinkets from the past, and written memories into a book allows you to immortalise your loved one and the life they’ve lived. By working on this project together, family bonding reaches its peak. Producing art, specifically as a group activity, is a therapeutic process for everyone involved and actually sharpens a person’s creativity and cognitive function. It is undeniable that having a tangible version of your family history is a privilege which simultaneously offers your loved one a sense of belonging, and the reassurance that no matter what, they will never be forgotten.
Scrapbooking isn’t the only way for one to reminisce; our elderly can also reflect their life-experience onto their cooking! Whether using a recipe passed down through generations or creating a dish of their own, cooking could have once been part of their daily routine. Although they might not do it as frequently or independently anymore, sitting together to prepare a home-cooked meal with your older loved one is a wonderful way to spend quality time together.
This indoor activity, which is perfect even for a rainy day, gives your loved one an element of control over what they are choosing to put into their bodies. This sense of independence teaches the lesson that food is a fuel for life. And of course, once the family recipes get a bit old, you can always have a quick look online and try and make something completely new together. There is something rather beautiful about still learning new things, even if it is later in life!
All the activities mentioned above can be done comfortably from home, however, an issue which frequently comes up amongst the elderly is that they feel alienated from the rest of society. For this reason, we cannot exclude the importance of getting out of the house and getting some fresh air! Undoubtedly, physical activity offers plenty of healthbenefits. Leisurely walks, visiting a museum, or grabbing some lunch, are all outings which encourage mobility and social interaction.
However, if leaving the house proves to be too difficult for any reason, there are a plethora of other ways to get your loved one away from the TV and out in nature. For instance, arranging a small garden for them to care for can get them moving around whilst simultaneously providing them with a sense of purpose. This has been proven to potentially combat depression, which is an unfortunate yet natural consequence to loneliness and empty days.
Unfortunately, no matter how much we prioritise quality time with our older loved ones, life just tends to get in the way. Work, errands, caring for your children or your home; it all adds up. Do your best to integrate all the activities mentioned above, but don’t feel shame when needing help to foster a fulfilling life for your loved one! By utilising community care within your family unit, you are directly enriching the time you get to spend with your loved ones. With somebody else tending to their healthcare needs, you can focus on making the most of the personal time you have with your loved one.
Luckily, we live in an time where even when entrusting your loved ones in the hands of care workers, there are things you can do to remain in close contact! The age of the internet allows us to connect with anyone around the world, there is no reason why our elderly cannot be involved. Teaching our older relatives how to use technology, while potentially challenging, can create a space for increased communication through phone calls, messaging, and the use of social media.
The internet has undoubtedly become integral to daily life in today’s world so its utilisation will work against feelings of social alienation in our elderly. Through social media specifically, they may even join other online communities, play games with others, hone new talents and be given the chance to foster new connections in their later years.
Ultimately, the priority should always be for our elderly to be clean and cared for, and to feel loved, respected, and connected with the world around them. It is the quality of time spent with them that matters, which is why introducing formal care will eliminate some of the responsibilities. This allows you to fill the hours you have with your loved one with enriching, and entertaining activities, fostering memories which will never be forgotten!
