Building Relationships As We Age
The Importance of Building Relationships in a Digital Age
In the past, relationships were built by spending time with one another and bonding on a deeper level. In today’s society, this is becoming something of a rarity due to the increase of technology in our daily lives. In later years, it’s more important than ever to have those strong relationships and support networks based on those relationships you built years before but how do you adapt to the changing ways younger members of your family interact with you, and is integrating with this new technological space affecting how you view relationships in general? Building relationships in later life can be challenging but maintaining some solid principles and incorporating new methods can reap both benefits in new relationships but also those friends you’ve had for decades.
Take a look at some of the benefits of sustaining healthy relationships in this ever-changing digital age.
Stay in touch
Both technology and traditional face-to-face meetings help us to stay in touch with the people that matter the most but making sure those personal experiences don’t get replaced by the technological ones can help to sustain better friendships in the long run. Spending time with people in a one-to-one environment opens up better lines of communication and reduces the risks of misinterpretation, which can often occur via telephone or over email. If you have younger family members that are often glued to their phone in these meetings, perhaps making a technology-free zone will help to get everyone communicating on a healthier level.
Making time for people
In today’s busy schedules, you are more inclined to put off that meeting with someone due to other commitments or life just getting in the way. We’re all guilty of being too busy but making time for others is a great way to show how much you care. Arranging to see people is one thing, but committing to it is quite another. Many of us make plans to break them, and this can become a vicious cycle due to things getting in the way. Committing to your original plans and making time to stick to them is an excellent foundation for staying connected without technology.
Get together for fun
There’s nothing better than getting everyone together and having some traditional fun. Many people take life too seriously nowadays so going back to the basics and organizing activities is a fantastic way to get everyone of all ages interacting. Games such as the Memphis Escape Room create an environment where you have to work together to win plus after all the excitement catching up over a meal is the perfect time to unwind with each other.
Blocking your calendar out and encouraging everyone to get off their screens for a few hours can help build healthier and stronger relationships throughout your later years. Not only will this make you happier in the long term, but it will also bring people closer together for memorable times in both family and friendships circles.
HOW TO BE A SUCCESSFUL LONG-DISTANCE CAREGIVER
The Challenges of Being a Long-Distance Caregiver
I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Amy Goyer, family caregiver expert for AARP, as part of our virtual Caregiver Smile Summit. We spoke about long-distance caregiving and being a
long distance caregiver.
Amy has been a caregiver for her grandparents and for her parents so she knows the long-distance caregiving space well. She cares for her father who has Alzheimer’s. And while she lives with him, she travels a lot for her work.
Covert Abuse of Elders – How to Recognize It and Make Changes
How to End a Lifetime of Covert Abuse
The general public are now becoming more educated on and aware of the fact that domestic violence and abuse isn’t just physical. Parents who are guilty of neglect and verbal abuse are just as problematic as parents who use physical violence against their children. As such, many members of the aging population can be involved in abusive relationships and dynamics and not even know it. Sometimes it takes outside intervention and a mental abuse test for elderly victims of abuse to realize that there’s a better way. If you have just come to the realization that you have been abused in a covert manner for decades, here is how to see a real positive change in your life.
From Victim to Survivor
Most people have a picture in their minds of what abuse is and how abusers operate. For the most part, society views abusers as having substance abuse problems and frequently exhibiting violent outbursts. Nobody pictures an abuser being the successful CEO of a major company, or as the kindergarten teacher who just won an award for their dedication. For elderly people, mental and emotional abuse can come at the hands of the children who they loved and raised to adulthood. When dealing with an at-risk population, there is no shortage of sources of covert abuse. As soon as a victim of abuse realizes what’s going on, speaks up, and asks for help, they transition into the mind state of a survivor.
Leaving a Toxic Home Life Environment
The thing about people who live in abusive households is that is isn’t easy for them to get out. For a married couple who may have been together for over 50 years, it can be almost impossible to just pick up and leave. From financial constraints to social concerns, some victims of covert abuse know that something is wrong but they don’t know what can be done to change their lives. There are shelters for domestic violence survivors in every corner of the world, and resources for them to help rebuild their lives. In some cases, even if the abuse wasn’t physical in nature there can be ways to help hold the perpetrators responsible for their behavior.
Seeing the Change for Yourself
When you don’t live in an environment where you are belittled, criticized, yelled at, or mocked, you can breathe a lot easier. You don’t have to look over your shoulder or think twice before making important decisions for your life. In fact, you don’t have to check in with anybody before you leave your home or decide to spend time with loved ones. Going from living a life that feels stunted to having the whole, wide world open up to you will feel freeing and exciting. In order to know how good life can be, you have to first leave that toxic, abusive environment.
Sometimes perpetrators of abuse can get help and make changes themselves. It doesn’t happen often, and you should never compromise your safety. In any case, take care of yourself, especially your mental health, so that you can live a long and happy life. End covert abuse.
Healthy Heart When Young = Healthy Brain When Older-Smilecast 116
Healthy Heart in 20s = Healthy Brain in 40s
People who take simple steps to keep a healthy heart in young adulthood, such as exercising, eating a healthy diet and controlling blood pressure and cholesterol, may keep their brain from shrinking decades later. People who take care of their heart health in young adulthood may have larger brains in middle-age, compared to people who do not take care of their heart health, according to a study published in Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS
Our Friday Song of the Week – Satisfaction
Our Friday Song of the Week – Satisfaction
