| Highlights • As adult children, thinking about how our parents are going to age can be scary and uncomfortable. The good news is there are many ways to cope with these feelings. • Allowing yourself the time and space you need to process and accept the cycle of life is important. • Having open discussions about elderly care with your parents is essential, even though these conversations can be difficult. • Investing in a medical alert device can help you feel more at ease as your parents age. |
Perhaps one of the hardest things we’ll have to face in our lives is knowing that our parents will get older and eventually pass away.
This can be a daunting thought — you may be unsure about the changes they’ll go through or what they will be like in their golden years.
It can also be worrying to think about how physically and mentally able they’ll be when they’re older.
Aging is a reality for all of us, but knowing what to expect and planning for the future can provide a sense of comfort and set your mind at ease.
In this article, we will discuss how you can cope with your parents or family members growing older and what you can do to better prepare for this.
Practice Acceptance
The first step toward dealing with aging parents is to give yourself the time and space you need to accept that growing older is a reality.
We understand that this is an uncomfortable emotion to deal with, and resisting how you feel may make things harder to cope with.
Part of coming to terms with this reality is reframing your mindset. Yes, your family dynamics may change, and you might find that your parents can’t do the things they were able to before. But thinking about it negatively may make you feel worse.
Instead, try to embrace a more positive mindset. Your parents have done and achieved wonderful things in life. They deserve the rest and leisure that lies ahead.
Think about and treasure the fact that there is still time to spend together, and many happy memories to be made.
Express How You Feel
Of course you want to be there for your parents as they age. But it’s important to look after your own mental health as you process the changes that are still to come.
There’s nothing wrong with feeling scared or sad about the aging process your parents are experiencing. The healthiest thing you can do is to let these feelings out in a safe space.
You need to take care of your own feelings in order to be able to care for your aging parents.
Whether it’s confiding in another family member, a close friend, or seeing a therapist for a few sessions, it’s important that you don’t bottle up your feelings and try to deal with them alone.
Join a Support Group
A good support system can provide comfort and reassurance that you are not alone.
You might want to consider joining a local support group where you could meet with other families. This is also another safe place to express your feelings and unburden yourself.
Know What to Expect
Your aging parent will experience some changes as they grow older. They might not be able to multitask and handle responsibilities like they used to when they were running a household.
One way to ease uncomfortable thoughts about the future is to know what to expect. Spend time researching the possible mental and physical changes older adults may experience.
Some of these may include:
- Memory loss
- A mental health issue like anxiety or depression
- Loss of bone and muscle strength
- Getting tired faster
- Lack of coordination, balance, and stability
- Trouble doing everyday activities like household chores
Yes, it can unpleasant to think about these things happening to your parents, but being prepared for them can make things easier to deal with.
Prepare for a Caregiving Role
As adult children, the roles between us and our parents often reverse. We may find ourselves providing care for our aging loved ones as they did for us when we were young.
While you may want to do everything you can to care for and support your aging parents, you likely have other responsibilities as well.
For this reason, now is the time to consider whether your parents would like to age in place, get outside help, or if it’s best for them to move into ra etirement community.
It’s important that you make this decision together and let your parents voice any concerns they have about their care options.
| Key Point: Avoid Trying to Do It Alone Caring for your aging parents is a huge responsibility, one that you shouldn’t try to handle on your own. If you have siblings or other family members, have discussions with them about how you can all be involved in caring for your parents. |
Don’t be afraid to have conversations with your parents about their care. It might not be an easy topic to discuss, but it will help you prepare for the transition and may make it a bit smoother.
Make the Most of Your Time Together
Whether you live close to your parents or only see them a few times a year, savoring the time you spend together can go a long way in easing your feelings and changing your mindset.
Spend time having conversations with your aging loved ones, getting to know them beyond their role as parents, and listening to the many stories they have to share.
You may even want to help them draw up a bucket list of things you can do together now that they have the time. This can help you feel closer to them and create memories you can cherish for the rest of your life.
| Key Point: Activities to Do with Aging Parents As they age, your parents might not be able to engage in the kinds of activities they used to when you were younger. Some activities you can try with your aging parents include: • Going for walks • Doing gardening • Building a puzzle • Playing card or board games • Baking or cooking together • Attending a play or concert • Going on a trip |
Consider the Benefits of a Medical Alert Device
Medical alert devices are designed for older adults to get emergency help when they need it most. At the touch of a button, they can contact emergency services or their loved ones.
Investing in a medical alert device can help you feel more at ease knowing that your aging parent is safe, which may make it easier to accept that they are growing older.
Try to See Things from Their Perspective
As adult children, our relationship with our parents changes. They’re no longer our primary caregivers, and we may not rely on them as much as before.
When our parents grow older, their reality changes as well. It’s a good idea to spend time in their world to become aware of what they’re experiencing.
It can also give you a new appreciation for life outside what you’re feeling at the moment.
Showing your aging parents that you understand what they’re going through can help them feel more secure.
This may make them more comfortable telling you about any changes to their health or asking you for help.
Simply Being There is Enough
If these suggestions feel like more than you can handle right now, that’s okay too. Simply being there for your aging parents is enough.
Maintaining your special relationship with your mom or dad and spending time with them can make all the difference.
The benefits of social interaction for older adults are far-reaching. So, just by making an effort to communicate with your parents, you’re helping to make the transition smoother.
This may also help you process any negative feelings you might have about them growing older.
How LogicMark Can Help You Deal with Parents Getting Older
Not only does a medical alert device give you peace of mind and comfort, but it can also promote independence and confidence for your aging parents.
Your aging parents still have so much more to experience and enjoy. Ensure they can embrace their golden years with a device made to keep them safe.
Visit our website to browse our range of medical alert devices designed to bring you calm and comfort as your parents continue to age.
