Encouraging Retired Parents to Stay Active and Involved
Dear Carol: My husband and I feel blessed that our aging parents are relatively healthy. Even so, retirement has made them physically sedentary, and intellectually and socially stagnant. They attend church and occasionally see friends, but they’ve stopped challenging themselves physically or mentally, and they seem to consider watching TV plenty of stimulation. We’d just like to see them more engaged in life for their future health and well-being. Any suggestions that won’t alienate them? – TL
Dear TL: Longer lifespans have changed how people view retirement, so your concern is valid. You mentioned that you don’t want to alienate your parents, and that shows me you’re also aware of approaching them in a careful, respectful way. After all, this is their retirement, and they may love their lives in a way you don’t understand. Consider that they may be interacting with friends in a way you don’t notice, or are more integrated with their church’s social activities than you are aware of. They may have chronic pain they aren’t mentioning. If low-level depression is an issue, that could interfere with their being more active. Encourage proper concern…
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Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories: “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 C
