Coping with Aging

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BY BOB FRISBY, M.S.

I'm 80 years old, so I have experience with what I'm talking about.

The big thing is pain control. Arthritis can cause a lot of pain, as can your previous serious injuries. Scar tissue can squeeze nerves. Work closely with your primary physician to do intelligent pain control. Don't try to control your pain with alcohol or street drugs. Your doctor needs to identify what is causing the pain and then recommend proper treatment. Don't try being your own doctor! Don't go after drugs that are advertised on TV or social media!

As you get into the 60's you really lose more of your family and friends. As time passes into the 80's you'll find you have more relatives and friends deceased than living. This can be depressing. If your having trouble coping with this, you may experience reduced appetite and trouble sleeping, and bouts of crying. Your doctor can prescribe medications that can help your brain chemistry get back to a more normal balance.

Visit my Human Inventory chapter and work on improving your life in the areas listed; that can be a great help in reducing the negative elements of aging.

Most of the religions help people cope with death and dying, so visit a church of your choice and visit with the church leader; they should be of help in accepting the deaths around you. Go to the wakes, funerals, celebrations of life for those you know who pass away. Maybe have a "deceased calendar" so you know when the anniversary of death is and then remember the nice memories you had with that person. Try to keep something special you received from that loved one, as a daily reminder of good memories; a card, a gift, a song, or a saying.

Be sure to get your yearly physical and write down your list of questions before you go to the doctor; catch problems before they become really big problems. You have value! And the world needs to see you share it. Figure out what you can contribute to the world around you and do it.

Aging causes a reduction in brain functions, including memory loss. Monitor these memory problems with your doctor. Some medications can have strong side-effects that your doctor should monitor, so be sure to alert your doctor to any changes you experience with different medications. If your having problems doing your budget or paying your bills, get someone you trust to help you. Be sure they go over your balances and expenditures each month with you. If you get concerned that you can't trust them anymore, contact a social worker with Catholic Charities, Lutheran Social Services or the Salvation Army; they will help you get a more trusted helper.

Think about what your parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles experienced for medical issues as they aged; odds are you'll experience some of those same issues yourself. Genetics is a powerful influencer!

Be sure you get plenty of restful sleep! If you have any sleep issues, see your doctor and get that problem solved! Lack of proper sleep will make aging problems more difficult to manage/treat.

Your body image will change as you get into the 70's and beyond, so don't be shocked at what you see. You are similar to the used car with lots of miles on it; there will be lots of wear and tear. The goal is to still get around to visit those you wish to see and soak in some rays from the sun. Cosmetic surgery should only be pursued if your medical doctor says you really need it. I see too many people getting facial surgery and actually looking worse afterwards, especially in their smile.

Budgets are always a big stressor facing the aged. If you planned well, your home will be paid for before you retire; otherwise you may have to work part-time to make ends meet. Medical costs can increase as you age, so try to keep good insurance. Review with your family or friends budget issues that worry you; they may have good advice.

As you age your muscle structure weakens so don't try to life too much; take two trips rather than one when moving objects. Better to be safe and not fall or drop something precious. Know your lifting limits. Do some basic stretch exercises each morning to get you limbered up for the day ahead; that will reduce strains and sprains which will require longer to get over. Limit your time outside in hot weather to perhaps a half hour or hour and then take a break until your body gets back to normal; then you can go outside again Too many people stay out longer than they should and get heat stroke because their body heated up beyond their control to bring the temp back down again. Same goes with the cold; limit your time, warm out, go out again and then come back in to warm your body up. Hypothermia can overcome you before you realize it; you don't want to play with heat or cold issues; keep your body temperature as close to normal as you can and still get things done.

Join AARP so you get the latest in health and safety information. Pick up informational pamphlets at your doctor's office that relate to topics of interest to your situation. Here's hoping you have a graceful aging process!!!!