Activities for the Elderly
The number of the elderly and their life expectancy has increased, extending the retirement period. Aging comes with various implications, such as decreasing physical and cognitive capabilities. Berk states that approximately 17% of senior citizens cannot accomplish simple self-care and technical duties (CHAPTER 17 P.461). Physical exercise and healthy eating are essential to keeping fit and avoiding illnesses that encroach due to sedimentary lifestyles following retirement. I would recommend working with a physical therapist to develop a physical training program that suits their health conditions. Last summer, I enrolled in a fitness class and made a workout schedule with my trainer to improve my flexion movement. A nutritionist could also help retirees formulate a dietary plan for their optimal ketosis to control chronic illnesses. A learning program can boost an elderly’s cognitive abilities, increasing independence and life satisfaction (Berk CHAPTER 17 P.462). Engaging in leisure and group activities, such as climbing and community activities, builds physical resilience. Assistive devices such as hearing aids are vital to helping the aged adjust to their declining sensory capabilities.
Support System
A social support system could help a person have an enjoyable retirement. The socioemotional theory posits that aging contributes to alterations in the purposes of social relationships (Berk CHAPTER 18 P. 499). The retiree should select cordial people that induce their positive emotions to foster emotional wellness. Preconceived biases for the elderly make them recipients of a judgmental and condescending environment. Additionally, the feeling of being in charge of the happenings of one’s life is strongly associated with retirement fulfillment (Berk CHAPTER 18 P.512). Friendships are a vital element of their social cycle as it fosters optimism and life fulfillment among the aged (Berk CHAPTER 18 P.508). People with disabilities, cognitive disorders, and chronic illnesses require the help of family members or assisted-living arrangements for comfortable living (Berk CHAPTER 18 P.502). My retired step-grandfather, who is partially blind due to diabetes, became happier and healthier after we moved him to a life-care community. The community is nearby, they pay him frequent visits, and he confessed to feeling less lonely due to interaction with his peers.
Works Cited
Berk, Laura E. Exploring Lifespan Development. 4th ed., Pearson, 2018.