The aging process and old age generate changes in people. Occasionally, body movement is limited, reaction speed decreases and senses such as sight, taste and smell tend not to be the same as in previous periods.
Routine tasks such as cooking meals, cleaning the house or grooming become more complicated when experiencing the normal physical and psychological changes that come with age. The daily routine that was once assumed as normal can now become a steep hill, full of obstacles that detract from the quality of daily life for older adults.
In addition, this can be aggravated if the elderly live alone. According to data from the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC), 8.1% of older Costa Ricans (about 31,000 Costa Ricans) live alone or with people of a similar age. This data shows us that there are many people who live the changes associated with old age alone.
The normal changes of aging generate a series of needs that in previous years were not experienced as such. However, many older adults do not accept this need for help for fear of being seen as less self-sufficient or not to worry others about it. Few older people express that need for help and companionship. For that reason, in most cases it is still the children, grandchildren or a close person who identifies the main tasks in which they may need help.
There are some warning signs that should be identified early if an older adult is living alone. Most of them are clear indicators that the older adult should be accompanied by someone else.
If the older adult 1) falls frequently, 2) does not enjoy leaving the house, 3) has neglected hygiene, 4) does not keep up with utility payments, 5) has lost a lot of weight in recent months, 6) finds it difficult to perform regular household chores, 7) forgets his/her medications, 8) takes a defensive attitude toward others, 9) appears sad and tired, or 10) his/her home is untidy or smelly.
If you feel that a senior in your family needs help or companionship, you can seek the assistance of a caregiver or a senior living facility like Verdeza. In our community, we make sure that seniors are well cared for, accompanied and feel the love they deserve.
