Ageing gradually limits an individual’s abilities as key life decisions and choices have already been made. Adulthood also brings many responsibilities including family and careers which must be met at all times to maintain a relatively balanced life. Unfortunately the modern world today is having so many demands that ultimately overcome our bodies and mind leading to serious psychological stresses which lead to depression if not well managed.
When a person can’t cope up with the day to day demands of life due to any valid or invalid reason, their personal wellbeing is compromised (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984) and one begins an unhappy existence which can ultimately lead to suicide. Nobody is immune from stress regardless of financial, health or social status but different coping mechanisms determine the final situation of an individual.
To effectively handle stress, an individual must be able to recognize the symptoms of stress and understand the possible cause which is easy as stress changes an individual’s happiness level, health, and behavior. When in doubt one should seek the services of qualified medical personnel who can effectively offer professional help.
The good thing with stress is that it can be effectively managed by simple strategies. Maintaining a healthy diet that is well spaced, accompanied by lots of sleep can relax the body and reduce stress levels occasioned by too much work. It’s also important to get plenty of physical exercise at all times to improve health and wellbeing. This may be supported by using mind relaxation exercises and engaging in enjoyable activities with friends and loved ones. Talking to friends and family about stressful feelings is also a good stress coping strategy as they offer emotional support.
Personally when I feel stressed, I visit my mum and dad and spend some quality time with them which always leaves me relaxed and happy.
As adults grow older, they are more likely to suffer from ill health occasioned by weakening body defense mechanisms. They can develop chronic conditions which require a lot of medication and care leaving them economically drained and depressed. This is accompanied by weakening mental faculties making them prone to forgetfulness and other problems which make their social life difficult and stressful.
Ageing limits the possibility and ability of engaging in gainful economic activities due to poor health, new technologies and government policies that require people to retire at a specific age.Adults who retire without adequate savings find themselves unable to become economically independent. Their children also become mature and independent and move out of their parents’ home as they assume more responsibilities in their careers and families having little or no time for their parents. In the case of severe incapacitation occasioned by ill health, disability, or mental weakening, older adults are forced to go to nursing homes to be taken care of, even without their consent. This takes away their decision making power.
Alcoholism and drug abuse would be quite a challenge for me to deal with in older adults because it is a deeply entrenched vice and is relatively difficult to stop. Dealing with chronically ill patients would be relatively easy for me because with good medication, treatment, and counselling, it is possible to improve the quality of lives of these older adults making them more content and happy in their old age.
References
Lazarus, R. S., & Folkman, S. (1984). Stress, appraisal, and coping. New York: Springer.