Up (2009), a love story and were making independent living possible for the elderly is a big theme, is definitely one of the movies that I love watching again and again. The superb animation and soundtrack aside, the love story shared by Ellie and Carl would bring to tears even the most cold-hearted man on the planet. It also shows how an elderly can go on – live by himself and be independent in so many ways.
Most of all, it’s a good way to show kids elderly respect because caring for the elderly and making sure that they enjoy the quality of life through their sunset years is the least that the younger generation can do. Here’s how technology and young ones are making independent living possible for the elderly.
Young Ones Helping the Elderly
This is the best way for children and grandchildren to show their appreciation for all the hard work these elderly spent their youth on. In this technologically advanced age, there are a lot of inventions for the elderly that make it easier for them to cope with the physical effects of aging. Whether they stay with their loved ones or in retirement or nursing homes, these inventions can easily be fitted to normal home furniture to help them manage everyday tasks.
Getting up from a lying or a sitting position is one of the tasks that commonly prove to be difficult for the elderly. There are aids that can be fitted onto the seats or beds of the elderly to help them perform this task. A getting-up assistant could be attached to the bed frame or underneath the mattress to provide a stable handle for the elderly so that they can easily pull themselves up from the bed.
There is also a specially designed ejection seat that can help them up from their seats. This ejection seat is portable and can be carried for use in any stable seating surface.
Mobility Systems
Walking frames, stairlifts, and ramp systems are some of the mobility systems that can be used by the elderly in moving around at home or outside. There are scooters and mobility vehicles too that allow them to travel even without the assistance of their younger loved ones. In some states, having ramps and access facilities for the elderly is required by law. It is, however, necessary to secure the necessary physician’s clearance before the elderly should be allowed to move about on their own. Some of them might have medical conditions that could predispose them to accidents and further injuries when left to manage on their own.
Making Independent Living Possible for the Elderly To Avoid Frustration
Independent living is still possible even for the elderly and it’s a great cause that researchers are helping improve their lives with technology. It is often this lack of independence that causes frustration and depression in the elderly. Helpful devices are just part of the making life easier for the elderly. The more important part of caring for them at this stage in their lives is for the people around them to show that they are truly loved and appreciated. The best way for their family and loved ones to take care of them is to be around to assure them that they are not taken for granted.
Good article. We all have to think about aging. It’s not pleasant but planning ahead is important.
I think if my father or mother in law were to really get sick and require care we’d have to drag them kicking and screaming!
my mom and dad, both 71 years old prefer to live on their own, much as I want them to stay and live with me and my family yet they resist and still want live on their own. I call them on a daily basis, and support them on their financial needs and make sure they are always complete with maintenance medicines. Never will I get tired of helping and loving them to the fullest 🙂
Having to deal with this is so hard on everyone. We just need to try remember how we would feel and support them as best we can.
Caring for the elderly is not always an easy task. I am currently in this situation with my husbands mother living with us. I try to do my best to help her in any way I can because I believe what goes around comes around and some day, I may need someone to care for me.
something to think about as my parents get older
The elderly are the most in need of our help for support and health.
This is so true. I just had a friend that had to put her grandmother in a nursing home. I thought she was going to go crazy, her grandmother krpt saying that they were killing her!
Very inspiring article … love it and thanks for sharing.
I would never put my parents in a nursing home. I would take care of them myself if needed.
Im really glad you put this article up. I am in school to be a social worker and one of the saddest things we learn about is the abuse of elderly people. It is true that the depression that comes is because they have a lack of independence.
it’s really great that we have these technologies now. my parents too are very independent. i’m glad that there are technologies like this that they can use in the future.
This grabbed my heart as I have worked for a place called ResCare for several years. They assist developmentally disabled persons in their daily lives. The goal is to “do with” instead of “do for”. Independence is very important with self esteem and overall well being for persons of any age range! Great article!
Older adults tend to wait to report pain until the intensity is unmanageable. Do not assume they don’t have pain, if they don’t mention it. Ask if they hurt periodically. With many elderly the correct word must be used, they may say it’s not pain “it’s just sore or numb.” When they do mention pain, do not assume it’s mild or manageable, ask them where it hurts, for how long and how severe. If your loved one has Alzheimer’s disease or any cognitive impairments, they still feel pain, but will probably not communicate it. Observe for changes in behavior, moaning and groaning, soft voice, tense facial expressions, laying down more, fidgeting. and/or resistance to care. Also, be aware for conditions (i.e. arthritis) and situations (i.e. tube feeding) where there is a high risk for pain. Treat the pain as early as possible.