Too often, much of what is being communicated by our elder parents and friends is misinterpreted by those not listening with the understanding of the elder developmental stage. Many a chasm has been created in a relationship because one fails to understand the other, and this time of life is no exception. Having spent time [...]
Read the rest of this entry »Archive for the 'Expand Your Comfort Zone with Elders' Category
Personal Growth
Personal growth means different things to different people. Being all you can be might mean pushing the physical limits to some, while to others it has more to do with spiritual pursuits. Still others find academia and intellectual muscle building the path to enlightenment. Emotional growth might be what some see as the ultimate, where [...]
Read the rest of this entry »Listening…A Lost Art
There is an art to listening. Some people are natural listening artists, other aquire the skill through understanding and practice. Byron Katie, a favorite author/philosopher of mine, said it best when talking about it in parenting context, however it can applied to any situation: When I became quiet, they could hear themselves. One of the [...]
Read the rest of this entry »Art and Alzheimers
Former elementary art teacher now works with Alzheimer’s patients Share on Facebook
Read the rest of this entry »Crossings
Crossings By Sandra Peters When I visit my mother’s grave I strangely find myself humming a tune and recalling the chorus Tears are for watering flowers, it seems like the logical way, that is reason I am giving to you, for crying upon your bouquet. But then again, really not so strange – my father [...]
Read the rest of this entry »The truth about truth
Sometimes it takes a crisis to get to the deeper parts of our emotions. I’m not sure why this is the case, I just know that it is. My friend often told me she had no real feelings of caring for her mother, however the fact that she mentioned it several times indicated it might [...]
Read the rest of this entry »Elder Years: The Best Is Yet To Be
For too long the mystery, fear and trepidation surrounding the elder years have kept us from maintaining meaningful relationships. Let’s start a movement to reframe our misguided perceptions and let the elder years be a time of continued living, not a time of waiting to die!
Read the rest of this entry »Navigating Change
How can you do what you think is best for your parents when they are resistant to change? Perhaps you’ve been noticing that your parents aren’t as agile as they once were. Your Mom stopped sending holiday cards (hey, she deserves a break, she’s done it for years) Your Dad still insists on paying the [...]
Read the rest of this entry »Facing Elder Phases
Much is written about changing beliefs, having a choice in the way you see things, flipping from negative to positive. I support much that is written! What I hear from people, though, is how does one apply these principles to specific areas of their lives? Q . When you are with someone who has been [...]
Read the rest of this entry »10 things you can do when visiting an elder
10~Check your judgment at the door and be open to what happens. 9~Provide direction but follow their lead . 8~Listen. Acknowledge. Show compassion, avoid sympathy. 7~Ask if they remember certain rhymes/jokes/songs/stories/etc and let their answer be ok. 6~Hold hands, look directly in eyes, be fully present. 5~Go for a [...]
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