Over the past ten years or so Thailand has been transitioning into an aging society with an increasing proportion of the population classified as elderly. As the retirement age population grows, so too does the focus on how to take good care of them. Let’s look at what those caring for elderly persons can do to look after not only their physical health but their mental wellness too.
Understanding the task
It is important to keep an open mind about the changes that take place in our bodies and our brains as we age as well as the impacts of medications for various ailments that are increasingly likely to arise. At the same time, there are changes in roles and responsibilities according to one’s status as a grandparent, parent, sibling, lover or friend that also affect our lifeway. When caregivers understand these factors, their job looking after an elderly person will go more smoothly and both parties who arrange will be happy.
Caring for elderly happiness
The best care for the elderly covers the body, mind and brain.
- Body
One of the fundamental factors dictating bodily health is good food choices. The dietary requirements of an elderly person will be different to those of other age groups. The foundation of the diet should promote good digestion. As such, the food they eat should go easy on gastrointestinal processes. Protein can come from fish, egg whites and milk. Cooking methods should focus on stewing, boiling and steaming. Food should be presented in small pieces that are easier to eat. Fruits shouldn’t be too sweet. Good fruits for elderly people include strawberries, rose apples, melons and such. As for liquids, it is recommended to cut back on alcohol and sugary drinks. Tea and coffee should be avoided in the afternoon as it will interfere with sleep at night. Also crucial to elderly bodily health care is exercise. The elderly have particular factors affecting how they exercise determined by their physical condition and overall health. It is advised to exercise according to doctor’s advice. Popular examples include brisk walking, jogging, aerobics, swimming and cycling. Those who need stabilizing equipment when they stand and walk should also use it when they exercise as this will avoid accidents. Caregivers should be on hand to provide assistance throughout each exercise period. - Mind
Mental health is as important as physical health. Caregivers must consistently give love and encouragement to the elderly. It is also important for caregivers to listen to the elderly when they express feelings and responses. Otherwise, their feelings will be hurt and they will feel lonely and unaccepted so that their sense of self-worth is undermined. When elderly people are emotional and sensitive, caregivers should give them special attention. Caregivers should also keep a watchful eye on sleep behavior, concentration when doing various activities, and appetite, a loss of which may indicate depression. When any of these conditions are noticed, the elderly should be taken to see a doctor immediately. - Brain
As the body deteriorates with age, the number of brain cells is reduced and the ways the brain work become less efficient. This may partially result from deficiencies in certain nutrients and vitamins. It can also result from reduced blood supply to the brain which can lead to memory loss, dementia and prone to accidents. What caregivers can do is keep the elderly happy. Help them avoid stress, anxiety and negative thinking as these are toxic factors that interfere with the efficient functioning of brain cells. Find activities that the elderly enjoy doing such as gardening, planting trees, arranging flowers, crocheting, reading, cooking, doing art, and so on. Hobbies like these will help keep the elderly’s brain active and avoid stress. The general environment around the elderly is also important. Where they spend their time should be well-ventilated, clean and calm. Taking the elderly outdoors for a dose of vitamin D at least once a day is another essential way of keeping them healthy and comfortable. Being open-minded and understanding with the elderly is so important. This will put us in the best position to care for all three vital aspects of the elderly person – body, mind and brain – and the family will continue to live together happily. Krungthai-AXA Life Insurance customers can check mental health online for free at https://www.krungthai-axa.co.th/th/MindHealth.
References
• Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University
https://www.rama.mahidol.ac.th/ramamental/generalknowledge/general/07172014-1131
• Bangkok Hospital
https://www.bangkokhospital.com/content/care-for-the-elderly
• Samitivej Hospital
https://bit.ly/3iO7vcb
• Paolo Hospital
https://bit.ly/3NCN40b