There are many misconceptions about seniors. Out of all age groups, older people have been the most misunderstood, especially on an intellectual level. Young people adhere to the belief that old people cannot learn new things; you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. However, this statement is not true; in order to truly understand and support aging parents, it is necessary to turn away from mistaken beliefs.

Stereotypes

All older people are believed to have the same physical and mental ailments. It is important to realize that each elder is unique from others, just as each young person is different from the rest. These are some stereotypes about elderly people.

• Loss of memory
• Cannot concentrate
• Cannot comprehend complex ideas
• Become senile

Memory Problems

Older people who never experience memory problems are fortunate. Elders who have trouble with memory often do not recall when recent events took place; they were most likely distracted at the time. Noise, confusion, disinterest, or other interference causes them to forget incidents. When older people take an interest in something, the event will most likely stay in their memories. A new face, recent event, or new telephone number needs to be learned or else it will be forgotten.

Learning from Your Elders

Stories from the early days are an important resource of family history. Interestingly enough, elders can remember past events better than recent events. They generally like to tell or repeat a story from their upbringing; this is a normal part of aging. Elders enjoy the attention they receive when sharing these stories and relating them to recent events. Your elderly parents may be able to describe their very first work experiences in considerable detail. Even though these stories may not be accurate, they are valuable memories that everyone can treasure for the rest of their lives.

Helping Your Elders Remember

• Make sure information is expressed at a time when they can pay attention.
• Help them become familiar with names, events, dates, and places.
• Write down reminders about doctor appointments, vacations, and birthdays.
• Repeat or reinforce information when necessary.
• Allow them to maintain independence and build self-esteem.
• Encourage them to recall events from the past.
• Help them appreciate life and all it has to offer.

Educating Your Elders

The education of many old people was interrupted by the depression. Fortunately, there are colleges and universities that offer classes for the elderly. Professors gladly welcome elders in their classrooms. Interested, enthusiastic, hardworking, and intelligent are a few of the words used to describe older students. Other elders do not wish to attend classes for various reasons relating to the youthful environment and the cost. They believe living is learning and do not wish to receive further education at a college.In either case, it is important that you take part in educating your elderly parents. If they have trouble using the new dishwasher, show them how to use it by making slow and instructive movements. If one of them has a physical ailment, then you should offer to do the chore. Your parents will be able to test and try new things with your help.

Understanding the Personality of Your Elders

Elders have been told by their sons and daughters that they are stubborn and set in their ways. Refusing to eat their vegetables, insisting on preparing a large dinner, and declining the thought of buying new clothes are just a few examples. Many older people do not change their ways. Elders who lived sedentary lifestyles in the past are most likely not going to want to become active now. Older people who were sedentary during their youth may have developed more physical problems during aging. Elders who were active and social in their younger years have maintained the same energy unless they have conflicting physical or emotional problems. Abrupt changes in thinking or behavior may be an indication that there are health problems. Unusual patterns should receive the attention of a doctor. Your elders may be either sedentary, or active, and possibly somewhere in between. It is important for you to understand the personalities of your parents.

Unmanageable Circumstances

There are certain circumstances that are beyond anyones control. For instance, many old people have to consume up to eight medications per day. The more medication elders take, the greater the chance of drug interaction. One or more drugs have the potential to interact and produce dangerous side effects, including confusion. Memory and learning problems in elders result because of the following:

• Poor diet
• Vitamin deficiency
• Drug interaction
• Misinterpreted signs of dementia

Supporting Your Elders

Elderly people take joy and comfort in familiar people, places, and objects. They may not want to participate in new activities because they do not want to look unwise or make mistakes. Certain habits that they have maintained over a long period of time may work well for them, and they may not want to change their ways. Others may want to broaden their horizons and try new ways of getting things accomplished. In either case, be supportive of your elders ways of thinking and acting.

Understanding the psychology of your aging parents is helpful for you and your entire family. If you can see your aging parents as the same people they once were, you can be more approachable and supportive as they grow older. If you have any additional questions or concerns about your elderly parents, contact their healthcare provider for further assistance.