Adult Daughter Upset that Dad Doesn’t Take Pre-Diabetes Seriously
Dear Carol: My 69-year-old father is overweight, sedentary, and he loves junk food. There’s no point in nagging him about his poor lifestyle choices since Mom is no better. Both claim that they’ve earned the right to enjoy life. I understand that, and I’m not trying to turn them into vegans or jogging fanatics, but I particularly worry about Dad since he’s so overweight. His last checkup revealed pre-diabetes, so his doctor prescribed Metformin. He filled the prescription but only takes it occasionally because he says since he’s not “really” diabetic, taking it is just a suggestion. He’ll see his doctor soon, but I’m not sure that the doctor will get any farther than I have. I love my dad. What can I do to help? – TR
Dear TR: Older adults often face a conflict between changing their lifestyle to enable optimal health and giving up so much of what they enjoy about life that they lose interest. We love them, so we nag, but as you’ve found, nagging nearly always backfires. Of course, your parents know…
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An inspiring read for caregivers! Minding Our Elders is a series of stories about caregiving. But it is much more than that. It’s a book that helps us view aging and community through the lens of someone well versed in eldercare. Author Carol Bradley Bursack has been a caregiver for a neighbor and six elderly members of her family. These experiences made her the perfect person to interview and share the stories of friends and acquaintances. Through crisp writing and a sharp focus, we enter the lives of those struggling to care for loved ones with dementia and other age-related illnesses. As I read Minding Our Elders, I felt myself filling up with both appreciation and admiration for those who adopt the caregiving role. In addition, I was struck with the inherent value Carol sees in our elders. This is a well-written book that will stir your heart! …Ann Campanella
