How is one’s life enhanced after stepping beyond youth? 9 best tips

Increasing age often becomes the cause of many diseases and problems. Such situations often arise when family members feel that the elders have turned mad. They are deliberately troubling them. But although they may be sick, they need to be cared for and loved properly. If someone in the house is suffering from such a disease, how should we deal with it? In what ways does stepping beyond youth enhance one’s life?

Here is an example. Maya has been behaving strangely for the last few months. She often forgets family members’ names and cannot carry things. Sometimes, Maya doesn’t say anything but sometimes starts crying. She takes a bath several times a day and sometimes comes out of the bathroom without wearing clothes.

Family members feel that she does so because she does not get along with her daughter-in-law. I mean intentional. But Maya has dementia, one of the most prominent diseases of old age. Know about the symptoms and treatment of dementia and other diseases of old age. So that old age does not become a big problem for parents and children.

How is one’s life enhanced after stepping beyond youth?

As humans, we all pass through the natural process of aging, and as we do, our bodies, minds, and perspectives on life also change. While youth is often celebrated and glorified, it is also crucial to recognize that there are many positive aspects to aging as well.

In particular, for an older woman who may be facing challenges such as dementia, depression, or Parkinson’s, stepping beyond youth can bring unique opportunities for growth, learning, and connection with others. In this article, we will explore how an older woman can enhance her life as she steps beyond youth. We will also explore how she can find joy, meaning, and purpose in her later years.

Dementia

If someone’s memory has become so weak that it affects daily work, such as forgetting which month is coming on, which city they live in, has eaten food or not, people may have dementia. Dementia, Combining the Latin words ‘de’ (without) and ‘mens’ (mind) forms dementia. It means the reduced ability of the brain to function.

In this disease, specific brain cells start dying. During this period, the person’s thinking power and understanding begin to diminish. Their behavior also changes. We can divide dementia into two categories. 

First, that is preventable or curable. In this category, one can identify the acute cause of dementia. Like blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, tumors, tuberculosis, sleep apnea, vitamin deficiency, etc.

The second one progresses with age. Alzheimer’s, frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and vascular dementia fall into this category.

1. Alzheimer’s is the most common dementia. There will be a disturbance in the patient’s orientation along with memory loss. It may happen that one forgets where the bathroom is in the house, or sometimes they forget the way to their home.

2. In frontotemporal dementia (FTD), along with forgetfulness, there is a lot of change in the patient’s behavior. For example, a person becomes very stubborn, angry, and irritable.

3. The symptoms of vascular dementia are almost identical to those of Alzheimer’s. But it does not occur gradually, but rather suddenly after a stroke.

Symptoms

1. Forgetting someone’s name, thing, or words.
2. One not being able to recognize even their closest family members.
3. Difficulty learning new things and making decisions.
4. Repeating the same thing over and over.
5. Unnecessarily angry, aggressive, or upset.
6. One has difficulty with minor tasks such as driving, cooking, dressing, eating, etc.
7. Having hallucinations, i.e., having the illusion of being a human or an animal, etc.
8. Taking drastic decisions such as wearing a thick jacket in summer or sleeping on the ground. Taking off clothes in winter.

What are the reasons?

As we age, people above 60 years of age become victims!

• Smoking a lot
• No exercise at all
• High blood pressure
• Having a family history
• Men are more victims due to genetic reasons

Note: There is no single cause of this disease. However, the reasons mentioned above can double the risk of it occurring.

Stages of dementia

There are seven stages of dementia and we can divide them further into more subcategories. But not knowing much about this, I am telling you about the five generic stages here.

Stage 1: At the onset of dementia, there are no easily recognized changes. It is possible for the patient to take care of their concerns and needs. Yet, they forget things even rarely.

Stage 2: The second stage is losing track of too much, and becoming oblivious. People like these often forget things, ignore the names of people, and ignore the time dates, and dates of events. In fact, they start forgetting what they are doing as well. At this stage, the patient can take care of themselves without help.

Stage 3: Patient begins to decline in daily activities and has difficulty speaking. One’s behavior starts to change.

Stage 4: The patient is unable to perform routine tasks. One does not remember eating food, cannot dress, and cannot take a bath. One does not recognize their family members and needs someone’s help.

Stage 5: The fifth stage of dementia is hazardous, destroying the patient’s memory. Now, one cannot comprehend things. The patient can’t do any work without the help of someone.

Dementia patient’s problems and solutions

Dementia is a neurological disorder that affects millions of people worldwide, and it can cause a range of problems for patients and their caregivers. One of the major challenges for dementia patients is memory loss, which can lead to confusion, disorientation, and difficulty completing tasks.

1. They forget to keep something, forget people’s names, and even the food they eat. In the later stages, they don’t even remember to wear clothes.

Solution: First of all, know that they are not doing this on purpose. 

Just as we care for a sick person, one must take care of them also. Make sure that their keys, wallet, mobile phone, etc., are always in one place. Give them mobiles and talk to them every day on the phone to get used to picking up calls and talking on the phone.

Add the Track Me app to your phone and link it to the patient’s phone. You can ask them to wear a watch with GPS. It will keep you informed of their location. Put a locket around their neck and write their name, home address, and the mobile numbers of two family members on it. So that if they turn astray, someone will inform you.

2. Anger comes a lot. They get involved in beatings and abuses. They repeat the same thing over and over.

Solution: Don’t argue with them, and don’t shout. Remember that they don’t understand what you are saying. If you get angry more, they will get angry even more. They can even harm themselves. If possible, get away from there at that time. Say yes to everything at that time. Say yes even if it seems wrong.

Of course, please don’t do that later because they too will often forget after a while what they said. Whatever demand is possible to meet, you should fulfill it. It will make them happy.

3. They have no hunger, but they ask for it again, seeing others eating. Then they overeat or waste it. They pick up a variety of food items and keep them with them.

Solution: Give them less food at once so that you can give them again if they ask for it again. You shouldn’t worry about them wasting a small amount of food. Make things they like. Notice what they like to eat, when, and how much. It will give you an idea of the dosage. If someone keeps a lot of things with them, then pick up some of them. However, do not pick them all up, and do not pick them up in front of the patient.

4. They try to break things into the house or harm themselves.

Solution: Never leave them alone at home. You should also lower the furniture so that they won’t be hurt by bumping into it. Install strong handrails on stairs and bathrooms. Keep fewer mirrors in the house. It may confuse patients with Alzheimer’s and sometimes makes them feel scared.

Many patients cry throughout the night or get into a fight with each other. The treatment for this extreme behavior is to take them to a neurologist. One can overcome this problem by taking medicine for two to three months.

5. Usually, they start urinating and pottying in clothes.

Solution: It is a much-talked-about stage. Keep patient with diapers and change them 3-4 times a day in such a situation. If they are tattered, you should pick them up immediately. So they won’t spread it. If we have strict discipline in our youth, what impact does stepping away from the youth have on our lives?

However, there are several solutions that can assist dementia patients and their caregivers in managing these challenges. For example, creating a consistent routine and environment can help reduce confusion and anxiety. Using memory aids such as calendars, notes, and reminders can also help with memory loss.

Additionally, engaging in activities that stimulate the mind and body, such as exercise and socializing, can help improve overall well-being. Medications and other treatments can also manage specific symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.

Caregivers play a crucial role in supporting dementia patients and may also benefit from support and resources, such as education on the disease, respite care, and support groups. Overall, a holistic approach that addresses both the physical and emotional needs of dementia patients and their caregivers can help improve their quality of life. This can help reduce the impact of the disease.

The inspection

1. Doctors conduct many types of tests. These include vitamin B12, ammonia, thyroid tests, etc.
2. CT scan of the head, MRI of the head
3. MINI-Mental State Examination: This test is for checking the state of mind. There are a total of 30 questions. It can mark the person as a dementia patient if one gives less than 24 correct answers. A psychologist conducts this test, which takes one to 1:30 hours to complete.

Treatment

See a neurologist for dementia treatment. The cause of dementia, such as a vitamin deficiency or a side effect of medications, may improve with treatment. But in progressive dementia, there is hardly scope for improvement. They can give medicines, usually to increase acetylcholine (the brain’s primary memory transmitter). But their effect is modest.

Parkinson’s

It is a disease of the central nervous system, in which there is an uncontrollable tremor in the body parts of the patient. It starts in the hands and spreads throughout the body. The brain does not have proper control over the body’s activities. This problem often begins with a mild tremor in the hand and affects one part of the body more.

Gradually it spreads throughout the body and then the patient starts losing control of their limbs. In this broadly, three things come to the fore: 1. Slowness in everything, 2. Vibration in the hands, 3. Hardening of body parts.

Symptoms

1. Tremors or vibrations in the arms or legs.
2. Inability to move the hands while walking.
3. Movement is slow, such as strolling or getting up from a chair.
4. The hands, feet, and other parts start to stiffen up.
5. Difficulty with automatic movements such as blinking, smiling, moving hands, etc.
6. Speaking slowly, stagnantly, and stuttering.
7. Difficulty in writing.
8. Difficulty swallowing.
9. Fluctuations in blood pressure.
10. No smell of anything.

Reason

• In older people, the risk increases in people of 60 years or more
• Exposure to dangerous chemicals and pesticides
• Taking drugs
• Head injury
• Boxers are more at risk

The underlying cause of this disease is unclear, but some factors contribute to its development.

The inspection

For this, there is a clinical investigation. The doctor determines whether Parkinson’s is present by looking at the symptoms. Apart from this, you can also check with TRODAT with SPECT or the F-Dopa PET scan test. The cost of a trial at AIIMS is around Rs 2100.

Treatment

There is no complete cure for this disease. Medications, however, can slow down the progression of the disease. Medications such as Levodopa can be given to increase the brain’s neurotransmitter dopamine. In the market, it is a generic name that can be found in various brand names.

Patients taking this medicine should try protein within a gap of one to two hours. Do not eat in tandem with one another like milk, curd, cheese, egg, lentils, etc. Otherwise, it will reduce the effect of the medication.

If there is depression or there are other emotional problems, it is possible to treat them as well. If one cannot control urine, cannot smell, lacks appetite, or has a problem with sleeping, there is a provision to give separate medicine.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS)

This surgery is very beneficial. A neurosurgical procedure where doctors place neurostimulators (brain pacemakers) inside the brain. This pacemaker delivers electric waves to specific brain parts through a transplanted battery.

A non-chargeable battery lasts 4-5 years and costs Rs 5-6 lakhs. In comparison, a rechargeable battery lasts 10-12 years but costs Rs 9.5-11 lakhs. The cost of surgery is different in private hospitals.

Take care

For patients with this disease, medicine is like fuel in the car, that is, if you put petrol in the car, it will run. Similarly, if you take medication, you will walk more easily, as otherwise, even a walk will not be possible. Also, wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly in lukewarm water before eating.

The average age for Parkinson’s in India is 49.2 years, and about 60 years abroad. Possibly pesticides: The reason for this may also be the use of more pesticides in our raw food.

Physiotherapy and exercise have a significant role in this disease. It is common for the patient to fall into this disease and have difficulty walking as a result. Thus, they have to do activities that improve balance, flexibility, and strength. If we had taken some precautions in our teens, this would not have happened. So how is one’s life enhanced after stepping beyond youth?

Note: The medicines given here are for informational purposes only. Do not use any medicine without consulting a doctor.

Depression and loneliness

When children grow up, they are often engaged, leaving their parents feeling lonely. This loneliness eventually manifests itself as depression. The old begin to believe that they are worthless and that no one needs them. Several strategies for dealing with depression can be successful. So much for parents to consider:

1. You should spend some time with your parents every day. Ask about their condition. If you set aside some time for this and make a routine, then it will be fine.
2. Take them for a walk on weekends and don’t leave them alone. If they want to be with you, definitely take them with you. It’s okay to cancel your program and spend a holiday with them if you don’t want to go.
3. Rotate to the places of their choice. Take them to meet their friends and relatives and invite them to your home, too.
4. Take their advice in small household decisions. Don’t bite them right away if you don’t like something about them. Listen to them comfortably and keep your words in front of them with love.
5. Ask the children to play with their grandparents. They share their childhood memories happily. Children also enjoy hearing such things.
6. Kids can also play games like Sudoku, Ludo, and Business Buddy with their grandparents.

Even if you live in another city, talk to them on the phone at least once a day.

It is essential that elderly people avoid such diseases…

It is possible for parents who do not have mental problems to overcome loneliness by keeping themselves busy. Also, they can do some exercises to increase memory. Anyway, people say that using or losing memory means losing it if you do not use your brain. For this, you can tell your parents to try some of these methods. If you can do most of these things from an early age, then you will remain healthy in the future as well. So how is one’s life enhanced after stepping beyond youth?

Brisk walk

Do a brisk walk for 30-40 minutes daily with yoga and meditation. By doing regular exercise and yoga, anyone can reduce the chances of any disease. Do Surya Pranayama, Kapalbhati and Meditation. Surya Namaskar is very helpful in dealing with depression. You can use the internet or a book to learn how to do Surya Namaskar.

Set your routine

Set your routine even after retirement. Get up at the same time every day. Find work for yourself. Keep yourself busy and involve yourself in some social activity, such as tutoring a child with a medical condition. If you are an excellent cook, you can teach someone to make your favorite recipe.

Social interaction

Increase social interaction with people. Meet with family and friends. If relatives or friends are not around, join a community or an organization. Spend time there with people of your choice. Come to the park and make friends with your classmates. Play cards or chess with them.

Online social networking is also a way to pass the time. Yet, it is not as good as meeting someone face to face. Here, think for a moment before trusting anyone. Also, instead of checking it all the time, set aside time for it.

Fulfill your hobbies

If there was any hobby you could not fulfill in your youth, you can do it now. For example, playing guitar or sitar, learning to swim, etc. Always try something out there. Something you haven’t done before. Become familiar with at least one brand-new job in a week.

Read newspapers and magazines. Read the parts of the newspaper that you usually skip. Let the people around you know about the news. Listen to the music of your choice. Remember, don’t be sad. Better listen to FM. Don’t miss out on the enjoyment and watch your favorite movies on TV at home.

Be organized.

Usually, when anyone scatters things, they have a chance to forget them quickly. Set aside a place for things like your mobile, keys, diary, purse, etc., and keep them there. In a journal, planner, or calendar, write down your tasks, appointments, events, etc.

Do not do multi-tasking. Do one thing at a time. If you focus on the information you want to get, you will remember it. As we move beyond our youth, we are able to enhance our brainpower through a well-organized life.

Visualize your mind

Visualization is also an excellent way to exercise the brain. Think of an event or place from your childhood. Like when you are stuck in a traffic jam, waiting for an appointment, or getting ready to sleep. It activates the mind and relieves stress. Think of anything that will fill you up with your desires. If you live such a life, you will surely enhance your life as you move beyond youth.

Other more tips

1. Sleeping 7-8 hours a day improves memory.
2. Do not take lightly diseases like depression, kidney, thyroid, and vitamin B-12 deficiency. They have a terrible effect on memory. Treat them properly.
3. Color the house’s walls with fun and distinctive colors or apply wallpaper. Keep the decor of your home colorful and exciting. Decorate the house with fragrant flowers.
4. Keep a pet in the house. A dog can be a pleasant companion.
5. Solve puzzles. (sudoku, maths puzzles, reasoning puzzles, etc.) Doing this will improve your memory. 

Pay attention to diet as well

1. Eat nutritious foods rich in carbohydrates, proteins, and minerals, such as cereals like oats, wheat, eggs, milk curd, cheese, green vegetables (beans, spinach, peas, fenugreek), and seasonal fruit.
2. Eat things rich in antioxidants and vitamin C (broccoli, cilantro, spinach, walnuts, raisins, sweet potatoes, berries, blueberries, kiwis, oranges, etc.)
3. Include omega-3 in the diet. For this, eat flaxseeds, nuts, soybeans, etc.
4. Instead of eating discolored food, focus on colorful food. The salad may contain carrots, tomatoes, blueberries, and oranges.
5. Milk, milk products, and eggs are good for you. They contain an adequate amount of vitamin B12. Fish is also very beneficial.
6. Drink plenty of water. Drink plenty of coconut water, buttermilk, etc.

In the End

To make old age worthwhile, one should take some care. It is said that whoever is right in his youth will have a good old age, and whoever spoils his childhood will also have a deteriorating old age.

Old age life is extraordinary. Without strength, the body has many desires. Those elders suffer a lot when they have to face the neglect of their children. Human life is scarce. It is essential that we understand something correctly in order to make this human life meaningful.

Everyone should set a goal for themselves on their wedding day, and that is how long they will be an active household. Marrying between the ages of 24 and 25 is a time when everyone should consider this. The only time I will remain fully active in the household is after 25 years, when my son is 20-22 years old. 

And when I am 50, I’ll wrap myself up. Then, I will give family responsibility to my son and daughter-in-law. When they can take care of the household and business, I will relax with them. I will keep only so much for myself that I will never have to stretch my hands before them.

And in the end, we should try to make every moment of our lives meaningful. Let me say one more thing. Make such a score in the first innings that you do not need to pick up the bat in the second innings. This is how one can enhance their life while stepping beyond youth. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Have a wonderful day.