Madonna’s performance at the Super Bowl 2012 highlights the challenges we all face as we age. Most critics claimed she did well for her age, ‘for a 53 year old.’ How do you think that made her feel? How would you feel?
Have you noticed lately it takes two, maybe three times to open the lid on a jar? Or maybe your ‘bum’ knee is making you think twice about going shopping until it’s absolutely necessary. Research has shown these hardships directly affect our ‘sense of self’ (inner identity) as getting older creates unforeseen and new mental challenges for individuals. (Continued below)
The simple chores in life, among other physical tasks, become a challenge as we age and these changes force individuals to put aside their pride to ask others for help. For previously healthy individuals, being helpless is not a familiar role which damages their dignity and leaves them feeling humiliated.
ER doctors shun pain medication in older people
The health problems in senior citizens result in loss of independence, self-identity and dignity from the aging process. The inner perception of oneself changes as the hardships increase. Experts suggest caregivers need to be aware of placing older people in a position which may exaggerate their feeling of helplessness. For this reason, a good support system will enhance the dignity in an otherwise helpless situation:
Dignity counts when caring for older people
"In old age when your health fails, it affects your sense of self. Understanding that from an older person’s perspective is crucially important. Care and support can enhance dignity or it can worsen the loss of it if not given in the right way. Good support is essential in terms of how people make the adjustments they need to make." E.S.R.C.
Older people strive to maintain their health and independence while attempting to keep a positive attitude, but their limitations may require support from the people around them. Understanding this intrapersonal need of senior citizens will influence a more caring environment.
As for Madonna’s performance at the Super Bowl, most agree she did very well, even though she stumbled.
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