Aging and decline
Advances in healthcare and technology have made incredible strides over the last century and now in most developed countries, the 85 to 94-year-old age bracket is the fastest-growing population segment. This means we are more likely to be living longer with disease, comorbidities, and physical and/or mental decline.
We are both living longer... And dying longer.
Most of us will die from chronic diseases, such as cancer and heart disease, and may suffer from a number of corresponding physical issues, such as pain or breathlessness, and mental wellness issues, such as cognitive decline and loneliness for many years. People are now living with degenerative diseases like Alzhiemer’s and Parkinson’s that slowly erode mental and physical abilities for extended periods. And invasive treatments that keep people alive can also add to the side effects and co-morbidities people are living with.
The changes that come from aging and living with disease can impact the whole family, especially those who may need to provide caregiving. (See more on caregiving HERE)
One of the ways you can ease this time is to plan for the future together. Having open and honest conversations about health, pre-planning, and clarifying the wishes of what one would want as they get closer to end of life can take some of the stress out of things later on, leaving more time to enjoy the remaining time together. (More on planning HERE)
“Clear choices, clearly communicated, help families navigate today’s end of life.”
- Avivah Wittenberg-Cox, writer and generational thought-leader
Understanding the physical and mental changes that come with specific illnesses can help the family plan ahead. Here are some resources on common diseases experienced at end of life:
Heart Disease and more here
Parkinson’s and more here
It can take a person some time to come to terms with a new diagnosis or stage of decline, so you may have to offer support and help with the planning. It is important to be mindful of the wishes for independence and privacy that parents and loved ones may have as they age, face new health challenges, and require additional assistance.
Some of the practical things you can do to help:
Listen: make yourself available to talk and provide emotional support
Help with practical tasks: such as grocery shopping, transportation, and housekeeping
Planning: Assist with managing finances and navigating healthcare
Source support: research and connect them with resources such as home care services, adult day care programs, and support groups
Keep active: Help them stay active and engaged in their community
Organize: Make sure they have all their important documents in order and you know where to find them
Resources:
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.