July 12, 2024
Aging is a natural and inevitable part of life that brings unique challenges. As people grow older, they experience increased physical and emotional major life changes—retirement, loss of loved ones, health challenges, and decreased independence. These can be stressful and difficult, but knowing how to handle and grow with these changes is often the key to healthy aging.
At The Madison Senior Living, we understand the key ingredient to coping with the challenges of aging is the ability to continue to find meaning and joy in life. The activities you enjoy may change over time and may not be suitable as you age. Finding new hobbies, picking up long-neglected ones, or learning new skills can be an exciting, new adventure.
Some older adults find comfort in connecting with their community and loved ones. Community work can be a great way to utilize and pass on your skills. Attending local events or volunteering for a great cause are other ways to feel connected.
One of the most important coping mechanisms is acknowledging and expressing your feelings. Many aging adults have a hard time showing emotions, believing them to be inappropriate and weak; however, burying your feelings can lead to anger, resentment, and depression. Don’t deny what you’re going through. Find healthy ways to process your feelings by talking with a close friend or writing in a journal.
A new experience residents enjoy in our community is Wellness Wednesday. This event offers education and management tips on the difficulties of aging, including cognitive impairments, increased falls, maintaining healthy diets, and age-appropriate exercise. Additionally, our weekly Happy Hours on Fridays allow residents to socialize and enjoy themselves in a friendly setting. Many older adults miss socialization due to losing family and friends, which can lead to loneliness.
Learning as much as possible about new residents is crucial – their work history, hobbies, likes, and dislikes. Community events are based on residents’ interests. Building relationships and trust with residents is the best way to encourage them to engage in new activities.
Community staff identify residents struggling with aging challenges by observing behaviors such as self-seclusion in their apartments or lack of engagement in conversations with others. Increased falls and noticeable changes in appearance are also key indicators that need to be addressed to identify underlying concerns.
Finding ways to cope with the difficulties of aging allows one to always see the silver lining. When facing major challenges, try to look at them as opportunities for personal growth. It’s not just about adding years to your life—it’s about adding life to your years.
The Madison Senior Living in Kansas City, MO offers independent senior apartments, assisted living, and memory care with a variety of services and a range of floor plan options. Amenities include restaurant dining, 24-hour bistro, concierge service, housekeeping, events and entertainment, personal care, transportation services, and more. Centrally located near St Luke’s South/ Menorah with convenient access to major shopping centers and attractions, including Top Golf, Park Place Shopping Center, Worlds of fun/Oceans of fun, Kansas City Zoo, Union Station/Crown Center, National WWI Museum and Memorial, and The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
Arrow Senior Living serves and employs individuals of all faiths, regardless of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age or handicap, except as limited by state and federal law.
