Frustration is one of the strongest human emotions. It is also a concerning one since it affects mood and harbors anger or despair. As we grow older, opportunities for feeling frustrated rise.
One of the most common struggles among older adults is the distress of being unable to perform daily tasks like cleaning or cooking. Hiring a caregiver makes some people uncomfortable, but the daily stress of fallen coffee cups and sub-optimal meals is even more jarring. It makes one feel discouraged and hopeless about the future.
Unfortunately, you may face this situation due to health problems related to aging that impact mobility and independence. Some adults may become encumbered due to an accident or mental health issues. Their impact is far worse when you are older.
Let’s discuss coping strategies to deal with the resulting angst of struggling with routine activities.
Learn to Detach Yourself From Your Health
The first recommendation is to understand what is causing your frustration and then view it separately from your essence as a person.
Let us consider the aftermath of a stroke, which is sadly prevalent in an aging population. It can sometimes lead to long-term restrictions in speech and mobility. You may face difficulties in routine tasks like going to the bathroom, which can trigger distress. BMC Psychiatry notes that post-stroke depression can affect almost one-third of patients.
However, the resulting dependence on a family member or caregiver does not indicate a weakness in your persona. It is the consequence of a health condition that is beyond your control. It may be difficult to accept this line of thinking in the pits of frustration. More counselors now consider motivational interviewing to help people feel better self-esteem.
Likewise, some senior citizens may be prone to mental health conditions like depression. It can make daily tasks daunting. In such cases, patients find it even harder to disassociate themselves from their health since the symptoms pertain to thoughts and feelings. Verywell Mind recommends considering narrative therapy to build a powerful story that does not see you as your diagnosis.
Consider Professional Support
Another way to reclaim your life amid increasing difficulties in everyday tasks is to access professional help. Modern healthcare workers undergo sensitivity training. It helps them assist older adults who struggle to reconcile with a changed reality. They can provide support with mobility and nutrition while helping you remain active and mentally stimulated.
Aging can spring up surprising problems. You may not enjoy hobbies you once spent hours on, leading to loneliness. Some cities have different guidelines for older adults to ensure security but unwittingly trigger the finality of aging. For example, Kansas asks adults over 65 to renew their licenses in four years instead of six. You may see it as a commentary on diminishing capabilities, including driving.
While loved ones may mean well, they may not always manage to accommodate your changing needs in their schedules. The prime advantage of consulting a professional is that you needn’t feel like you’re burdening anyone. Years of carefully cultivated relationships can go awry because of such feelings.
Trusting a professional for daily tasks can also help you find the energy to participate in stimulating hobbies and venture outdoors again. Moreover, a healthcare model that prioritizes your personal preferences helps you feel more empowered. For example, Wichita Home Plus communities in Kansas reiterate the importance of a homely environment to improve health. The idea is to create a patient-driven and family-focused atmosphere to inspire positivity.
According to Heartful Homes, a group committed to senior care, you should look for a good caregiver-to-resident ratio. The soothing presence of available support can be restorative for physical and mental health. Trained caregivers can support you in science-backed ways balanced with empathy and compassion.
Find New Avenues for Meaning
Optimism can seem impossible when you’re in the thick of frustration, with things steadily worsening. However, human beings are capable of immense feats. While aging may have set you back on many frontiers, you can explore new avenues to find meaning.
For example, did you always want to pen a novel? The stressors of modern life may have impeded your writing dream. Did you know many famous authors released their first book well after youth? Anna Sewell penned her heartwarming Black Beauty when she was almost 60 and terminally ill.
Knitting is a hobby we often associate with older people. Self magazine notes that it can boost hand-eye coordination and slow cognitive decline. However, it can also be a gateway to a community of cross-stitching and crocheting aficionados. You could even join or teach a class on the subject.
The lesson is that you may find everyday errands daunting, but other metaphoric doors may have opened for you. You can strive to manage the frustration of not being able to stand or walk by channeling your energies into other pursuits. It can give you more control and purpose to go on.
A lot about the modern world may be bleak, but society’s views toward senior citizens are slowly evolving. People are more compassionate toward adults who need additional help. They are also attuned to how aging-related changes can manifest as emotional turbulence. Let’s remember that the next time we put ourselves down.
Here’s hoping you find some strength in these coping strategies and feel happier every day. Do not hesitate to speak to a counselor to support you in charting a plan for a fulfilling life.
