How to empower the elderly? In general, empower older adults plays a vital role in improving the quality of life of people in old age, given its importance. In today’s societies, due to the increase in average life expectancy and medical advances, the elderly population has increased significantly. It is predicted that the world’s elderly population will increase to about one in four people in 2050. 80 percent of this elderly population will be located in developing countries.
Also, about a third to a quarter of our lives are spent in old age. Therefore, old age should be a positive experience in our lives. This means that living in old age should be accompanied by health, participation, a sense of security, and also an increase in the quality of life. Activating old age itself requires empowerment in the elderly. This article from humanhealthmag examines the importance of empowerment and its implementation methods.
How to Help the Elderly Become Empowered?
Before talking about ways to increase the empowerment of older adults, we must first familiarize ourselves with its concept. Empowerment can be defined as giving power or authority to a person to do something or creating this feeling in a person so that he can accomplish more things. To do this, self-confidence must be created in the elderly. Empowering the elderly means encouraging the elderly to participate more in decision-making in their own lives and those around them.
empower older adults means that the elderly do activities that are effective in their lives. A space must be provided for the elderly so that they can present good ideas and be encouraged to turn them into reality. Feeling good is one of the most objective and measurable parts of empowerment and empowerment. The most effective element that creates this feeling in the elderly physically and mentally is the elderly being active in society. For example, driving is one of the ways to increase strength and self-confidence in the elderly. But these people should learn how to be confident driving before trying to drive.
Key Points in Empower Older Adults
In old age, a person faces physical, psychological, and social changes that may reduce their quality of life. With empower older adults, better conditions can be achieved for them and serious problems can be prevented from being created in society. The most important points in empower older adults are:
- Healthy nutrition: One of the important factors in empowering the elderly is proper nutrition. Consuming foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can help maintain a healthy body.
- Physical activities: Regular commuting and light sports activities can help improve the physical capabilities of the elderly. These activities increase energy and reduce the risk of diseases associated with aging. For example, participating in sports classes such as sports suitable for the elderly can be beneficial for these people.
- Mental activities: Continuing mental challenges and educational activities are considered as one of the ways to empower the minds of the elderly. By doing these activities, it is possible to reduce cognitive impairment and increase mental focus.
- Going to nature: By walking in nature, seniors can connect with nature and have a positive impact on their psyche.
- Intergenerational programs: Creating intergenerational programs that bring seniors together with younger generations means creating mutual understanding and a sense of belonging to the community.
- Educational workshops for seniors: Holding educational workshops in various fields, including history, art, and technology, can stimulate the minds of seniors and encourage their continuous learning.
- Support groups: Creating support groups where seniors can share their challenges, triumphs, and life experiences with each other creates valuable connections.
Different Fields of Empowering Older Adults
In the discussion of empowering older adults, it should be emphasized that feeling good is one of the most objective and measurable parameters of empowerment, and in this context, active management and social self-control are the most fundamental elements of feeling good physically and mentally. For example, the elderly believe in their abilities to perform activities that are related to themselves. When the elderly participate in their duties willingly and there is no compulsion in this, in this situation the elderly feel active. When the elderly are the initiators of a personal task, in this situation they can feel independent.
Also, in situations where the elderly have been the initiators and finishers of personal actions, they also accept that they can change the outcome of the action. Accepting the outcome is “the elderly’s belief at a certain point in time about their ability to make a change in the desired direction.” In addition, capable seniors feel meaningful in their lives, and being meaningful means relating goals and work tasks to the ideas and standards of the senior. Active seniors have a sense of security and trust in life. Trust also implicitly implies that although people put themselves in a vulnerable position, they believe that ultimately no harm will come to them as a result of that trust.
Social Presence to Empower the Elderly
Since old age is accompanied by retirement and as a result, social isolation, and the elderly person no longer has active and effective social participation, they go into seclusion and are exposed to psychological and, as a result, physical harm. This process causes the elderly to struggle with many problems. As a result, to empower older adults, family isolation and social isolation should be prevented. Other things that should be observed to keep the elderly active in the family and community include:
- Respect for the elderly
- Creating a good public and social image of the elderly
- Public education to increase the social participation of the elderly
- Providing social welfare services
- Physical health
- Mental health
- Having skills and knowledge
- Healthy lifestyle
- Ability to manage and prevent stress
Concluding Remarks
Due to the importance of empowering older adults, this matter plays a vital role in improving the quality of life of people in old age. As a result, by observing healthy nutrition, physical and mental activities, supporting the family, and creating an appropriate social environment, a healthier and more productive old age can be achieved. Be sure to use the participation of the elderly in various tasks. By doing this, you create a positive sense of being valuable in them. You can even ask them for help in preparing special food or preparing a special tool, or even participating in light household chores.
Given the increase in the elderly population every year, necessary family and social planning should be carried out to empower the elderly. In this case, instead of the elderly being considered disabled people in society, they will become a productive force who can benefit from their experiences to increase personal and social well-being.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Can the Mental Health of the Elderly Be Strengthened?
Positive social connections and psychological counseling can help improve the psychology of the elderly.
Why Is the Empowerment of the Elderly Important?
Empowerment for older adults is a multifaceted concept that emphasizes the importance of autonomy, self-determination, and active participation in their own lives. The empowerment of the elderly improves their quality of life and prevents serious problems in society.
What Is the Role of Technology in Empowering the Elderly?
Technology can increase the satisfaction and motivation of the elderly by improving communication and access to useful information.