With the uncertainty around the world, more and more time is being spent looking for the latest news and finding ways to help those who need it most today. Turning to the elderly people following the news at that time, Laura Mačienė, a specialist in working with the elderly at the National Institute for Social Integration's Senior Program, has already noticed how their anxiety has intensified since the first days of the war in Ukraine.
"Anxiety is between us at the moment, and it is especially difficult for seniors to deal with it. Already on the first day of the declaration of war, I saw tears in her eyes when she visited Elder Vidas, who was under her care. When asked why she was crying, Vida replied that it was because of the war. She felt very anxious that he would come to Lithuania. She feared that when this began, the army would take her only son with her forever. In order to calm the senior, we spent a lot of time doing housework together and talking openly, ”says L. Mačienė.
According to a specialist in social services for seniors, interviews with "Senior" colleagues revealed the sad truth that most seniors are currently experiencing the same strong sense of fear. According to her, they hoped to meet old age in peace, but recent events have only awakened past experiences and fears of war.
"It simply came to our notice then. However, older people are not always able to name this feeling. Instead, they more often identify as experiencing physical or emotional symptoms of anxiety such as irritability, tenderness, headaches, muscle tension, nausea, digestive problems, or rapid heartbeat. Therefore, do not be afraid to ask the senior if any of these feelings have aggravated him in recent days, ”says L. Mačienė.
The interlocutor reveals that, in fact, the most basic and well-known ways can help alleviate today's heightened anxiety. It is they who are invited to get acquainted.
A senior social services specialist says that physical activity can help you relax and stay away from anxious thoughts for a while. Therefore, physical activity should definitely not be forgotten by seniors either.
“It’s important to understand that physical activity isn’t just about moving bars in a gym. First of all, the best and most useful activity for people of all ages is to go for a walk. Therefore, I would advise seniors to spend more time walking slowly in the fresh air. They can do this alone or with the company. Another way is to exercise at home. Of course, it is worth consulting a family doctor or a visiting care specialist beforehand, ”the interviewee advises.
For some older people, a lack or loss of routine can become a source of anxiety. According to L. Mačienė, especially during this period, following a routine can help seniors reduce stress and give the day more predictability.
“Seniors can try out daily or weekly routine activities. For example, you can go shopping every Monday and meet like-minded seniors, loved ones, or visiting care professionals every Wednesday. Meanwhile, the daily routine can include eating breakfast, lunch and dinner at specific hours or calling your loved one every night and going to bed at the same time, ”says the interlocutor.
The interlocutor claims that at the moment it is very important for seniors not to give up their favorite activities. According to her, hobbies can help you relax and focus on a specific activity, thus calming your thoughts.
"It doesn't matter what kind of activity it is - reading novels, solving crossword puzzles, needlework or gardening. Our hobbies always save us from breaking anxiety and relaxing from the rapid flow of news. Therefore, I would recommend that relatives encourage their older family members to continue their pleasant activities, ”advises L. Mačienė.
A senior social services specialist says it is very important to keep up to date with the current situation in the world and in Ukraine. But in the same way, she assures that a constant focus on it could cause far more anxiety for seniors.
"News about the war is everywhere - on social networks, news portals, television and the press. However, constant monitoring of them contributes to the stress experienced, which is not really good for the emotional state and psychological health of seniors. Therefore, I would advise to check the news regularly only once or twice a day and I would suggest to break away from these events in the evenings before going to bed, ”says L. Mačienė.
L. Mačienė claims that many seniors experience a feeling of loneliness, therefore this period can be much more difficult for them emotionally and psychologically. When asked how to help them, just talk to them.
"The family is one of our closest people with whom we can talk openly. Especially for seniors, every conversation with their child, grandchild and other loved one is invaluable. And during this time, conversations can most easily help alleviate anxiety. However, if you know seniors who do not have someone to communicate with and engage in enjoyable activities with, you can always persuade them yourself or offer to look for like-minded people and helpers in social support centers, ”says a specialist in working with seniors.
Senior Social Services
Home help services must be available throughout Lithuania, so they are currently largely funded by municipalities. Seniors who are unable to take care of themselves are provided with comprehensive assistance - in addition to basic assistance, socialization is provided. Contact your ward about the service provider Public Institution "National Institute for Social Integration" Senior Programs. The information will be passed on to the municipality, which will not only calculate the price individually tailored to you, but will also finance part of the amount.
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"Senior" - let old age in Lithuania be positive!