What is Aging?
Aging is defined as a stage in which physical and psychological changes occur later in life as adulthood becomes longer. Old age in general; It is considered a period in which different criteria such as physiological changes in our body, psychosocial factors, and chronology are taken into account in the definition. Empowerment methods, which stand out in social work disciplines in our country, aim to develop individuals' inner potentials, highlight their advantages, mobilize environmental resources, participate in the decision-making process, support their contributions and ensure their participation.
Spiritual Characteristics in Old Age
Ageing brings difficulties in life, and sometimes we may have difficulty staying mentally healthy and strong. According to the definition of psychosocial development stated by Erik Erikson, humans are affected by environmental factors, have difficulties at various ages, and have tasks that they must overcome psychologically. In the last stage of the 8th stage, stated by Erikson, we enter the stage of despair against the integrity of the self. This phase may trigger conflict between peace and regret. While a person who has completed himself by this time is defined as an individual who has achieved the goals he set before and does not regret what he has done in the past, an individual who is experiencing restlessness is defined as an individual who continues to live with what-ifs and regrets what he could not do in adulthood.
As old age brings a new environment and living space in our lives, our previous responsibilities and functional abilities may decrease. Since aging is a natural process, just like our childhood and adolescence, it is a situation that every person experiences, not accepting the old age process can bring depression and anxiety problems. We may feel lonely, thinking that we are no longer cared for as much as before, that we cannot help the people around us. When we experience an event, it is not the event itself that upsets us, but the meaning and thoughts we attach to the event. Our thoughts and perspectives on the event have been distorted and may not be correct. For example; A retired individual is no longer as old as before. He may think that he cannot help them, that they spend little time together, that he cannot be with them, and may become sad. As he got older, he could not spend much time doing physical activity with his grandchildren, and the issues he asked for help on may have changed as his grandchildren grew up. Listening to your grandchildren when they have problems, helping them make decisions, and providing guidance based on our own experiences in the past is actually a way of helping. Just because the way we help people changes, it does not mean that we are unimportant and unable to help people. Accepting our own limits and being open to and accepting new roles and changing situations can also help reduce the anxiety we experience in our old age.
With aging, economic, social, health and physical activity also come into play. may impose restrictions. A retired individual may become lonely as his/her circle of old friends decreases. In this case, you can spend more time with your family, start new activities or acquire hobbies, meet new people and spend time together. If you think that you cannot help people as much as you used to, you can do volunteer work and help people with your lived experiences. If you cannot do as much intense physical activity as before, you can stay physically active by doing regular walks, yoga, and exercises. The important thing is to accept our limitations, find out what you can replace the activities you used to do, and continue doing them, instead of being sad about the things we cannot do as we get older. If your business life and career have a big place in your life and you can no longer do this, your self-confidence may decrease and you may feel sad. You can be open to innovations that can replace your business life and try new things until you find a new activity. If you cannot cope with the concerns you experience in old age, you can contact a psychologist to get support from an expert.
With aging, mobilityslows down. Especially people over the age of 60 may move away from socializing and become lonely. In addition, the death of loved ones or a spouse in old age can lead that person to even more loneliness. Life The changes during these periods of time are difficult times for most people to cope with. There are some coping methods that can strengthen psychology during these periods. Some of them are as follows:
1.Exercising: With aging, there is a decrease in physical movements. However, people who exercise regularly since their youth or even early childhood experience less physical decline during the aging process.
2. Reading daily newspapers: Many elderly individuals do not follow the current agenda much. On the contrary, following daily life, following politics, and following the agenda keeps the person mentally vigorous. It delays dementia.
3. Maintaining relationships with people: Occasionally visiting your old place of employment and socializing with your friends will keep you in life and make you feel vigorous.
4. Doing voluntary work: As of a certain age, passing on the experiences you have gained in life and helping people makes you feel even more that you are a useful person.
5.Spending time outside: Many elderly people do not want to leave the house much for various reasons. However, going out and walking around provides exposure to many new stimuli. This keeps that person very ready and fit.
6.Continuing to eat: The most important way to take care of your health is to pay attention to your diet to avoid getting sick.
7. Chatting with young people: Meeting and communicating with young people encourages that person to stay in life.
8.Taking up a hobby: Especially retired people They are more accustomed to producing. Suddenly not continuing production creates a feeling of uselessness. For these reasons, there must be an area to strive for.
9. Traveling: Travelling and exploring new places as much as your economy allows keeps a person's need for learning alive.
10. Touring the city you live in: In many cities, elderly people have opportunities such as free travel by public bus. Leaving one's own neighborhood and going to another increases environmental contact. It keeps such mental functions alive.
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