In today’s advanced societies, the growth trend of the elderly population is increasing, which has led to more motivation and average life expectancy in humans due to the tremendous advances in medical knowledge and public health. The main manifestations of this increase in the population proportion will undoubtedly have a series of economic and social consequences that will be very important in the development of all countries, according to the social structure and different cultural backgrounds as well as laws related to public health and social security.
The elderly need support emotionally, socially, and physically, and like other people, have a strong desire for a healthy life in society. The disabilities they feel with age, their need for this support increases. Therefore, empowering them to enter the golden age can reduce their problems and enable them to achieve independent living.
The reason for dissatisfaction with retirement
Acceptance of old age by the elderly is essential. Due to its unique features and characteristics, old age is one of the most critical stages of human life. To enjoy that experience, a person must know its features and plan to enter this period. This period of age can be relatively satisfactory by accepting new plans.
Physical weakness or chronic illness can cause a lack of personal control, affecting older people’s mental health. Also, one of the most substantial causes of depression in the elderly is physical diseases, which reduce their quality of life and lead to physical disability.
The effect of depression in old age
Depression in old age is one of the main problems that has plagued the elderly and even their nurses and caregivers. This problem has affected even those around them. Many families who seek counselling from the Cavendish Manor seek to address their aging problem but do not know how to overcome it. They are upset that when they want to travel or party, their aged parents do not accompany them and always want to be alone. These are signs of depression that we must think of new ideas to address them.
The relationship between mental illness in the elderly and physical health problems can become a vicious cycle that exacerbates each other. Sometimes the rapid decline of an aged patient results from despair and “giving up.” Successful seniors are those whose growth, vitality, and effort overcome physical, cognitive, and social weaknesses. For the old ones, social situations that allow them to manage life changes will help them succeed in this period. They need adequate health care, safe housing, and social services.
The effect of living in a nursing home on improving the quality of retirees’ life
In this regard, nursing homes, such as Cavendish Manor Retirement Residence, provide a golden age for these loved ones by providing services to increase their life satisfaction and physical and mental health. The services provided by this center are based on creating social interactions and physical activity. Read the following to know the impact of each service:
- Provide social and friendly relations
You should know that social isolation harms the mental and physical health of the elderly. Dementia is associated with depression and loneliness, and older people may feel unwanted or overwhelmed. Social isolation hurts them. That is why in some countries and situations, for example, being in prison or social isolation is used as a punishment. So it should be noted that do not ignore the importance of socialization for the aged. Most people retire at 60-65, and they should have active social relationships at this time. As a person gets older, his independence decreases. An excellent social activity helps them be noticed and increases their self-confidence and mental condition.
For this reason, nursing homes have regular programs for social activities, such as cinema and theatres, attending concerts, visiting museums, and traditional walking programs. In these programs, the elderly meet new people and can experience new friendships that improve their sense of life satisfaction.
- Provide regular exercise programs
Exercise is critical in old age, and older adults must try to stay active to avoid the consequences of inactivity. Training in the elderly causes vitality, youthfulness, and healthy life, maintaining mobility and endurance and reducing disease incidence. Here are ten critical reasons why older people should exercise:
1- Increase bone density and prevent osteoporosis
As our lives get longer, osteoporosis affects more older people. Exercise delays the onset of osteoporosis by increasing bone strength.
2- Improving self-confidence and creating a sense of independence
One of the major concerns in the elderly is the loss of control, dependence, or imposition on others. Exercise helps them have a greater capacity for daily activities.
3- Increasing the body’s metabolism
Doing muscle strength exercises increases the body’s metabolism. It can lead to a reduction in the percentage of total body fat.
4- Increasing the balance of the body
Older people gradually experience a natural decrease in balance and coordination of the body with age. This condition is delayed by exercise and gaining proper strength, and increasing proportion to prevent them from falling.
5- Creating a sense of sociality or belonging
Many people become homeless as they get older. Exercise enhances social relationships in most of them. New friendships also motivate them in team sports.
6- Improving pulmonary function
Pulmonary function decreases with age due to degeneration of the spinal disc, which changes the shape of the thoracic cavity. Physical activity reduces vertebral degeneration and increases chest strength, improving lung function.
7- Increasing morale
Exercise reduces depression and increases self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment in the elderly.
8- Prevent and regulate diabetes
Studies have shown that physical activity can be an essential tool in preventing and treating non-insulin-dependent diabetes.
9- Flexibility and improvement of movement and body joints function
Exercise increases the body’s flexibility and blood circulation in physical activities where the body requires a wide range of actions.
10- Improving the cardiovascular condition
Cardiovascular exercise helps maintain a healthy heart and cardiovascular system by reducing the risk of heart disease. Proper physical activity has shown improvement in many aspects of cardiovascular function.
That’s why nursing homes have regular and knowledge-based exercise programs.
- Provide art programs in groups
Art has long been a healing process. Art therapy can help restore general function and well-being. Creating something new using pencil, paint, clay, or other materials can be a satisfying experience for the elderly. In addition, many programs take place in a social setting that allows older people to connect and relate to others. Let’s look at some of the most important benefits of art therapy for the elderly.
In art therapy, seniors focus on a single task such as painting, knitting, sculpture, or a creative project. In old age, people are less physically active. It causes their muscles to weaken. Engaging in these light physical activities helps to improve coordination and increase blood flow. It can increase the strength of the hands, wrists, and fingers. As a result, art therapy in the elderly with osteoarthritis or other joint conditions helps manage inflammation and chronic pain.
Other benefits of art therapy include:
- Function and cognitive stimulation
- Improve mood and mental health
- Creating social communication opportunities
- Reduce pain
- Reduce stress
- Improve Alzheimer’s disease
- Improve the function of the movement sense
Nursing homes, such as the Cavendish Manor Retirement Residence, provide regular art activities for the aged people to enhance their life quality.
- Provide emotional feeling and create a sense of belonging
The emotional needs of old age are:
– Attention
– Kindness
– Respect
– Care and maintenance
We train Nurses and caregivers working in nursing homes to treat the residents. Therefore, they know how to create a sense of emotion and belonging in the older people. They create an atmosphere where the elderly feel loved and needed by those around them.
The kind behaviour of these caregivers makes it easy for seniors to ask for help and not be upset that they are disabled. Creating this space makes them not lose their motivation to continue living and have enough satisfaction from their golden age.
Paying attention to the needs of the elderly and improving the quality of life in this period is essential and should not be neglected.
To experience high-quality golden age, contact us at www.cavendishmanor.com.
