| SENIORS |
| Some parts of aging do cause concern. The body slows, getting up in the morning takes longer, foods that were favorites now cause gas. Inability to travel freely and to care for oneself can be devastating. Others may view the strength and determination needed to arrive at "senior" status as willfulness and obstinacy. |
| Perhaps harder to accept is the death of a spouse or dear friends. Loneliness at this stage in life may feel overwhelming. Children, doctors, caregivers may try, but don't understand the sense of loss and numbing grief. |
| Some cultures value elders as important community members. Cultures that value elders help the surviving spouse by providing tasks that help fill the void. For example, in Vietnam elders are honored. They provide child care, they teach the family history and traditions, etc. |
| You may want and need more solitude and silence. You may be more introspective. This is ok; it is normal and natural. This does not mean you need to become a recluse. That only deprives the world of your gifts and deprives you of the lessons that come from being with others. Try alternating alone time and interacting with others. |
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| ABUSE
ANXIETY CHILDREN COUNSELING DEPRESSION DREAMS FAMILY HYPNOSIS INDIVIDUAL PARTNERS SENIORS TALK THERAPY TESTING TRANSITION WAR |
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| The You that you are now is different than the You you used to be. Your wants and needs may be different now. Others may not understand, and may want you to return to the You they knew. But you know that you are continuing to grow. |
| © Margaret L. Cunningham, PhD 2002 |
| Not everyone acquires wisdom with age but it is possible. We can use this time to grow, to keep mentally alert, to value oneself and others. |
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| Dr.Maggie |
| People often think that a couple married for many years would be prepared for the loss of one. That is rarely true. Couples have a rhythm as though each has paddle that keeps the boat on course. When one is gone, the other struggles and may feel as if they are going in circles. |
| Carl Jung wrote that the task of old age is to prepare for death. For some that is true. For many, death happens to someone else. |