Finding Solutions for Forgetfulness and Other Issues of Aging

Many couples are newlyweds again in the golden years. It does not mean a remarriage but, as couples get older; their bodies aren’t what they used to be. That is an adjustment similar to being a newlywed with many life-changing experiences. How fair is that after already surviving mid-life crises?

The worst part is when the brain starts to change, and forgetfulness and other issues of aging set in. The husband puts the thermostat on cool for just a few minutes, and one hour later, it is still on and the wife. Is freezing, ffrom poor circulation. Then a decision must be made that takes forever, about whether to program it to automatic so the same thing won’t happen again. The instructions aren’t clear, so the husband telephones the company for advice.

His wife has two pairs of glasses, one pair around her neck, and the other for computer reading. The second pair is in a lost and found somewhere due to forgetfulness. The couple spend hours looking for that pair while she gets eyestrain and a bloody eye trying to work on the computer

He is supposed to tell her when he goes outside, but forgetfulness sets in, and she gets short of breath trying to find him. Then she finds out, after she is pooped out, that he forgot to tell her he was going to take a shower. That is one of the other issues of aging.

They are ready to go somewhere. She thinks he is already in the car, so she goes out and gets in and waits and waits and waits, and gets hot in the summer heat. He is somewhere outside doing a chore that he thought would only take a minute. On the other hand, he could be in the bathroom, as she perspires in the heat, wondering where he could be. She is not about to look everywhere for him.

He was always a slow driver. All of a sudden, he gets on the interstate and revs up the car. going way beyond his normal driving speed limit but only a little over the actual speed limit.. She gets breathless and feels like she is flying without being in a plane. He says, “Isn’t this fun?” As she tries to get him to slow down, she decides it is not fun for her.

Medication can become a problem.His medication, including supplements, are set up for a whole week in little plastic containers. Her span of attention is decreasing from forgetfulness, so she fills her container by the day. By the time she fills it, she has forgotten what medicine she has taken that day. Her husband tries to teach her to fill the containers for a whole week, and sometimes does it himself when she cannot perform this task.

Is this like being newlyweds again? Yes, these are the golden years and issues of aging, but there are remedies for some of the issues. In addition, there are good times with the family, going out to eat, being glad to be alive, smelling the flowers, watching the birds, swimming in the pool, enjoying hobbies, and the companionship of the twilight years. Life is a series of changes, and the keys are flexibility and love for one another. Some people do not live to see the golden years, and this couple is among the fortunate.

Solutions do exist for senior citizens’ issues as mentioned in the article on coping. The following are some of the solutions.

Use cell phones to communicate your whereabouts to another, especially if you have a large home or property. Always carry it with you to keep in touch A large horn or bell might be a second choice to locate someone who is outside.

Prevent problems with proper planning. Plan the day to avoid stressful surprises. Put appointments on a calendar, especially doctor appointments.to prevent forgetfulness. Keep emergency numbers on the refrigerator with a magnet,

Avoid medication problems by placing daily pills in a container. If someone has difficulty with this task, watch the person for several days to allow adjustment to the procedure. This may solve one of the issues of aging.

Work on forgetfulness - A solution for the computer glasses might be to attach them to something at the computer and always leave them in that location. Placing items in specific places instead of just putting them somewhere can be helpful – a certain place for keys, purses, wallets, bills, checkbooks, and then write down where they are in case of forgetfulness. Keep any notes in a specific nearby place, including any notes to yourself about important issues that you never can remember.

Take a senior refresher course to help with any driving issues.

Take a brain test on the computer. Keep busy with the challenge of the computer and hobbies to keep the brain alert.and avert forgetfulness. Stay socially active, with an occasional visit to a senior citizen center and interact with friends and relatives.

Work out with small weights, stretch and walk several times a week to keep the body active.

Develop your sense of humor. Join a laughter club or laughter yoga or read humorous books. Laugh with friends and relatives.

Keep doctor appointments and follow directions about medication. Drink water and eat the recommended nutritious foods, especially fruits and vegetables. Consult a dietitian or nutritionist if needed.

Use relatives and your area-aging agency for guidance,for forgetfulness and other issues of aging.

Keep yourself looking good. Take care of your hair, makeup for women, skin, and clothing and keep yourself clean.

Too often in this life, people focus on the problems and not the solutions. A little brainstorming can take care of many issues. If the elderly cannot think of solutions, they need help from others. The world would be a better place for humanity if everyone could extend a hand to help just one elderly person. In the words of Abraham J. Herschel “The affection and care of the old (person) is the true goldmine of a culture.”