Do you have a feeling that your aging parents could be facing loneliness? The cause of this may be due to the loss of a life partner or even loss of physical abilities, such as loss of sight and hearing. Others may include being unable to drive. At such an age, many friends also pass away, and there are fewer opportunities for social engagements compared to youthful days.
The majority of these senior citizens prefer to stay in their own homes and hence lack social contact with their peers. The presence of a caregiver may not make the thingsetter as there is a lack of fun and excitement that comes with having contact with agemates and friends. Their children might also be far away, and this makes them keep worrying about their well-being.
Aware of the challenges aging parents undergo, mature children should help take good care of them. You are not in a position to satisfy them with anything they want, but there are a few things you can do to improve their well-being.
Below are 5 Tips to Help Beat Your Aging Parents’ Loneliness:
Increase Your Contact with Your Aging Parents
It is time to increase your contact with your parents. Make sure you visit them regularly, even if there is no reason for visiting. They feel good when they see their children. When you visit them, drive them around while listening to them. Take this opportunity to find out the challenges they might be facing. They will appreciate it.
Also, remember to call your aging parents daily. Increase the number of times you call them. Make sure you call them in the morning when they wake up and in the evening before they sleep.
Taking Your Aging Parents to Social Events
Your aging parents will enjoy social events such as concerts, theaters, comedies and others. It becomes even more exciting to them when you accompany them. With your assistance, they will be able to do things they couldn’t do alone. Make sure you start with the activities they used to like most, and then look for others that may interest them.
Teach Your Aging Parents the Latest Technology
The latest technology will improve communication with your parents. For instance, a personal computer with a camera will be a big bridge between you and your parent, especially if you stay far from them. Teach them how to use the latest technology. If they are willing, they will know how to use it and find fun in using technology for communication. Through Skype, you will be able to communicate with them while you can see them and their reactions. Also, ensure they have a Smartphone where you can share pictures and videos with the dialysis.
Consider Engaging an Expert in Checking on Your Aging Parents Regularly
In addition to having a caregiver for your aging parents, their health is equally important. A sickly parent finds life unbearable. Have a specific nurse and a doctor to check on their health frequently. This professional should have experience in handling older people and encouraging them. The caregiver should be able to connect with the needs of the elderly and also find social places to take their aging parents. Let the caregiver work on logistics and let him or her visit you with your parents.
Look for Community Resources for Elders Where Your Parents Live
Most urban and rural areas have senior citizens ‘ cen ‘ ters which give them opportunities to meet with peers and make new friends. These centers offer entertainment and social events. If your aging parent has never been to such centers, encourage and facilitate them to attend the centers when they have activities and games. Making these connections for them makes the lonely elderly happier. Any other time you suspect that your elderly parents could be facing loneliness, follow the above five simple tips, and you will surely beat your aging parents’ loneliness.
