Overview
What is the social and psychological need of elders?
According to studies, complete social isolation and loneliness cause significant health problems in older persons. Here are two elderly social requirements that can help to alleviate and perhaps avoid isolation and loneliness.
1. Real relationships
Relationships and experiences are essential for older individuals. Most people have casual acquaintances while they are younger, but as they get older, their relationships deepen. Older individuals do not want your sympathy; they want your intention. They would like to understand that you care deeply about them, not only to relieve your guilt.
2. Frequent Social interactions
Unintentional social seclusion may result from cognitive impairment. Social connections, on the other hand, can help to slow cognitive deterioration. During COVID-19, elders’ social links are much more limited than before.
At the very least, check in with your elderly relatives. Here are a few options to start the conversation:
- Request a summary of their day
- Inquire about how they are feeling (mentally, emotionally, etc.)
- Inquire whether they have devoted time to a new or old pastime
- To exercise their memory muscles, ask them about their childhood and what life was like back then
What is the emotional damage caused to elders if not handled on time?
It may lead to severe depression as socially distressed and isolated elders expect attention and due care from their dear ones. When they do not get it, their emotional wheel gets imbalanced. Diseases like nerve injury, paralysis attacks, suicidal thoughts, and occasionally sudden death with multiple organ failures happen.
Emoha App
With the Emoha app, you get access to 24/7 emergency support for non-medical & medical emergencies alike that can be availed from any place in India within seconds. You also get exclusive benefits like travel booking assistance, special discounts on travel and medicines, a helpdesk for daily support, and much more. You can also read exclusively tailored blogs for seniors on a number of topics ranging from health to wellbeing to entertainment. Download the app from Google Playstore or iOS App Store.
Conclusion
Older people do not say directly what they feel. You have to be extra patient, extra curious always to understand and listen to them more and more. It is often said that old age becomes a bitter fruit.
FAQs
What is emotional intelligence?
The ability to express their emotions to others, and identify, embrace and accept the changes with time is known as emotional intelligence.
Is emotional intelligence a way out of the emotional imbalance in elders?
When confronted with age-related changes in living circumstances such as physical health, money, and social support, older persons with higher emotional quotient can improve their life satisfaction and experience more good feelings than negative emotions.
What are the components of emotional intelligence?
- Understanding the source of emotions
- Evaluation of such emotion
- Self-management and control
What difference between feelings and emotions?
Feelings are short term whereas emotions are long-term and sustain for quite longer. Feelings originate from one’s senses, whereas emotions are the product of what one perceives and thinks about others.
What is the type of emotions?
Happiness, sadness, fear, and anger are the primary emotional categories.
Read more:
Giving Back Keeps Seniors Healthy
Volunteering as a Senior. Should I?
What Seniors Get from Giving Back
Everyday ways to support emotional health
1. Call or visit at a regular time, so there is something to look forward to. 2. Listen more than you advise. Ask open questions and let silences be. 3. Encourage routines: a morning walk, tea with a neighbour, a hobby, prayer or music. 4. Keep them connected: help with video calls and visits; see loneliness and isolation in older adults. 5. Treat hearing and vision loss, which isolate people; see hearing loss and social isolation. 6. Give them a role: ask for advice, a recipe or a story.
Signs of depression to watch for
Low mood, loss of interest, poor sleep or appetite, tiredness, irritability, talk of being a burden or of not wanting to live. Depression is not a normal part of ageing and can be treated. See depression in older adults.
When to get help quickly
If your parent talks about wanting to die, seek help at once from a doctor or helpline (for example Tele-MANAS on 14416; check it is available in your state), and do not leave them alone. Call 112 in an emergency.
When to ask a professional
A doctor, psychiatrist or counsellor can diagnose and treat depression and anxiety. See mental health tips.
Equipment mentioned in this guide
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my parent is lonely?
Look for withdrawal, low mood, poor appetite, constant calls or complaints, and loss of interest in activities.
Is sadness in old age normal?
Sadness after a loss is normal, but ongoing low mood is not and should be checked.
How can I talk to a parent about their feelings?
Choose a calm time, ask open questions and listen without judging.
Can loneliness harm health?
Yes. Long-term loneliness is linked with depression, poor sleep and a higher risk of other illnesses.
Sources and further reading
- World Health Organization, Mental health of older adults fact sheet
- Longitudinal Ageing Study in India, findings on loneliness and depression
- National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), patient information
Tags: eldersupportemotionsComponents of Emotional IntelligenceEmotional DamageEmotional Intelligenceemotional wellbeinglonelinessdepression in eldersLifestyle and wellbeingHearing and vision aids
This article is for general education and is not medical advice. Speak to your doctor before changing your exercise, diet or medicines.
