The Federal Administration on Aging estimates that the number of people over 65 will double by 2050 to 79 million and the number of people over 84 is expected to quadruple to 18 million. What’s hard for us, the kids, is seeing our parents as people who need to be taken care of. We are used to them taking care of us.
If you are like me (rich) and live away from your parents, you ask them how they are doing and they respond with the usual, “everything’s fine.” But you have to dig deeper. Unfortunately, many of us don’t get involved our parent’s health until it become major. The little steps mean alot in this area. We have to start the conversation honestly and at a time when you are not on an emotional high. Do it before something happens. “I see that it’s harder for you to read.” Or “I see that it’s harder for you to get up from the chair.” This opens the door for them to say something.
Our parents our proud. And when they are on the phone they may not talk about their ailments. They don’t want to worry you. After I get the “we’re ok.” I ask about her wrists and I ask about her knees specifically. With my dad, it’s the numbness in his fingertips. Before my grandfather on my mom’s side became incapacitated, his children already had the power of attorney and knew where his assets were and avoided allot of drama.
The State of . . . our elders is a cherished one. We will be there one day, Lord willing. But for today, we want to have the peace of mind knowing that we looked after our elders. Tell Me More has a great two part discussion on it (parts 1 and 2). The second part is particularly good because it talks about riffs in families over what kind of care to give.
