Active Ageing

Needs of the Elderly

There are a number of aspects that are involved in taking care of elderly or aged people. Having a good amount of awareness about the various possible needs and requirements of the elders, is extremely important for those people who have the responsibility of taking care of their aged family members, parents or relatives. In this article, we will have a generic look at the type of assistance and help that elderly people commonly require, in addition to a few elderly special needs.

Financial Needs

If elderly individuals happen to be living on their own, i.e. without anyone else's support, it is but natural that they will have a certain amount of financial needs. They will need to fend for themselves for everything such as food, groceries, medicines, etc. Pensioners would have the benefit of a steady source of monthly income (whatever be the amount trickling in). However, those senior citizens who do not have any pension facilities or any other sources of income would have to live entirely on the basis of their savings or through special senior citizen government finance schemes.

Health Care Requirements

Senior health is the most important requirement when it comes to elderly needs. With advancing age, the body tends to slow down and becomes less efficient. Elderly people are prone to a few age-related health issues. This is a normal aspect of life and one cannot help it. However, through proper care and nursing facilities, one can definitely help in keeping most of these health issues in check and preventing them from causing any serious harm. Regular medical checkups are necessary. They can help in anticipating potential future health-related issues. At the same time, they may help in identifying serious health problems at an early enough stage during which treatment is possible.

Dietary Requirements

As people age, their digestive system gradually starts weakening. Aged and elderly people especially, face this problem wherein they start finding certain foods indigestible or difficult to digest. What one must realize is that their diet can no longer be the same as it was say, twenty years ago. Their diet should now be modified accordingly such that it remains a nutritious, balanced diet and yet, contains foodstuffs that their system is able to accept, without causing them any discomfort or problems. Often, the diets of elderly people need to be altered depending on their medicinal prescriptions.

Nursing Requirements

If you have an elderly family member whose mobility has become limited due to aging, he or she would require a certain amount of assistance in his or her daily routine. If it is not possible for someone in the family to be around the aged person the whole day long, you could consider having a full-time nurse to assist the elderly person. This could be beneficial, especially if the elderly person requires assistance in basic activities like walking, eating, bathing, dressing, etc.

Social and Other Needs

One thing that you should keep in mind is, to shower all your love and care on your elderly relative or family member. Just because they have become old and slow, does not mean that you should ignore them or let them be confined to themselves. Remember, a few years down the line, you yourself will be in their position. Spend time with them, chat with them and make them feel wanted, cared for and loved. Pay special attention to their room. You could consider installing a few senior citizen friendly appliances which they would be comfortable using. Also, you should consider installing certain medical alarms that are specially made keeping in mind elderly citizens.

These were some basic elderly needs that you should bear in mind. Try your best to fulfill all of them so that they can spend the golden days of their life happily and comfortably.


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