Conscious Aging – Smilecast 129
Conscious Aging – A Way of Life
As part of my Caregiver Smile Summit, I have had the pleasure of interviewing more than 50 experts in the health, aging and caregiving fields. Dr. Maria Zayas, a practicing psychologist and a faculty member of the Psychology Department at Brenau University, is one of those experts. Together we explored the topic of conscious aging.
Caregivers Are People Too – Respect Them
With the population living longer and healthier lives, it often happens that partners are thrust into a caregiving situation when they themselves are in their 50s and 60s.
Caregivers are beginning to deal with the aging process for themselves and need to be conscious of their own needs. Dr. Zayas shares that this is a time for people to reflect on their life and look at their legacy.
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Our Friday Song of the Week – Shameless
Our Friday Song of the Week – Shameless
Senior Isolation – Segment from the Charlotte Today Show
Senior Isolation
A recent article in The Washington Post focused on senior isolation and the millions of Chinese citizens living alone. There was a particular emphasis on one: Han Zicheng. He literally wanted to be adopted. Han posted note in a bus shelter. According to the Post, the headline read: “Looking for someone to adopt me.” The text that followed said: “Lonely old man in his 80s. Strong-bodied. Can shop, cook and take care of himself. No chronic illness. I retired from a scientific research institute in Tianjin, with a monthly pension of 6,000 RMB [$950] a month.” A woman saw the note and posted it on social media, and Han received extensive media coverage. Unfortunately, he died March 17 – his death mostly unnoticed, his adoption just a dream.
About 15 million people in the U.S. live alone, including 27 percent of the 65-plus population. Carol Marak, an advocate on behalf of older adults and family caregivers, calls these people “elder orphans.” Senior isolation can lead to poor physical and mental health as well as thoughts of suicide – thoughts Han had as he desperately sought companionship.
