Tasks That Are Simple For Us But Are Challenging For Seniors: How Can We Bridge This Gap

Things that we do as part of our normal every day routine like showering, getting dressed or fixing meals can become increasingly difficult for the elderly. After a certain age getting out of bed can become a real challenge. While the young wake up fresh, well-rested and ready to face the day, the seniors can wake up to achy limbs and stiff joints. Loss of independence is one of the significant parts of the ageing process. The term senescence refers to the ageing process, including biological, emotional, intellectual, social and spiritual changes. The term senior can apply to 66 years old as well as to 106 years old. This is a diverse group and therefore faces diverse physical challenges. Medical care and attention should, therefore, be given according to the individual needs required. 

Having a bath is one of the most common tasks that seniors have difficulty with. Stepping in and of the shower when the floor is wet becomes very difficult. This is one area where seniors require most of the help but are least likely to ask for it. Dressing up also requires a lot of effort from the elderly compared to young people. Buttons can become a source of great frustration, especially with people suffering from Parkinson’s disorder. Even something as simple as tying a shoe can be very difficult. 

Mobility is one of the major concerns for people over the age of 60. Taking stairs is often avoided because of age-related problems like arthritis and hand pain that can lead to a weakened grip. They might also have difficulty with door handles and locks. Most of the elderly people use a cane or other walking aid while navigating between furniture. Creating senior-friendly spaces with minimal furniture or with high seating can help them to a great extent.

Household chores like cleaning, laundry, cooking etc. can also be very taxing on elderly people. Lifting a heavy pan to the stove or taking a lid off a jar can be daunting and frustrating for older people. The kitchen often proves to be hazardous for them just like the bathroom. Picking up heavy laundry baskets, reaching the clotheslines or setting up drying racks is difficult and dangerous for the seniors to accomplish. Vacuuming or mopping can be exhausting and painful. Hiring a housekeeping staff can help navigate these problems with ease. 

Preparing meals everyday can be very difficult. Many seniors have dietary restrictions and concerns therefore meal planning is necessary. At their age it becomes very difficult to remember all the things that they should and should not eat. Getting groceries and running errands can be a real problem. Many of the items can be heavy and it is difficult for the seniors to carry. 

Seniors face challenges every single day and as one of the family member, one of the biggest obstacles that someone can face is their resistance to help. However being aware about these issues and getting information and helping to find a solution, one can help them to lead an independent and safe life. Ageism should also be fought against to bridge the gap between generations. Ageism can make older people fearful of losing a job, feel dismissed by a doctor, or feel a lack of power and control in their daily living situations. Mistreatment and abuse of the elderly is a major social problem. As a society, people should get rid of these problems and work towards understanding the condition of the elders in order to help and provide assistance to them. Eldercare facilities are available that provide necessary help and aid to older people. They also provide medical, financial, physical and emotional assistance. They assist them to lead a more independent and safe life and also take care of their social well-being.

At Primus, we have made it our mission to offer world-class comfort and care to seniors so that they can enjoy their senior years without feeling inconvenience or dependent on anyone.