Like adulthood, childhood, or adolescence, aging is a stage of life. Adults age differently and experience numerous changes psychologically, physically, socially, spiritually, and intellectually. Every person adapts to aging differently. However, those who fail to adjust appropriately might develop emotional problems.
Let’s explore some of the emotional changes in an elderly loved one.
Denial
Your loved one could try to cope by refusing to accept that changes have occurred in herself or himself. Aging adults may ignore the changes, hoping that the changes will naturally go away. If this happens, their mental or physical conditions might worsen with time when not treated properly.
Guilt
Many aging adults might blame themselves and believe they could have changed things if they have reacted in a different way. Such guilt may lead to depression, social isolation, or even thoughts of suicide.
Loneliness
As a way to mourn the loss of loved ones, aging adults might isolate themselves. This would cause them to feel more lonely and suffer from more severe emotional issues.
Sense of Helplessness
Your loved ones could also feel a sense of helplessness and at the mercy of negative events happening in their life. If prolonged, this sense of hopelessness could result in depression.
Suspicious and Critical Behavior
Another common emotional change in aging adults is becoming overly paranoid, suspicious, or critical. They find it hard to trust anyone and feel that they are always being manipulated. Having such a mindset can affect the harmony and interpersonal relationship of the family.
Stubbornness
Many aging adults yearn for some control in their life, hence taking on an attitude that friends and family have to follow their ways. Such stubbornness can cause more emotional issues as they would have a hard time getting along well with family members and friends.
Selective Memory
Your loved ones might be coping with aging by remembering only the worst or best parts of certain people and events in their life. This causes a distortion in reality and they might be attached to their false belief. Selective memory, especially when one remembers only the negative parts of partners or family members, can cause severe family conflicts.
Reminiscing Old Events or Experiences
It is common for aging adults to dwell on how things were in the past, and wish for the events they experienced when they were younger. They might resist life’s many changes. Refusal to be accepting of changes can lead to many other emotional problems as your loved ones are unlikely to adapt to shifts in life.
Rage or Anger
Many aging adults react with anger when they believe that they have no control over the present. Your loved ones may vent their anger towards family members or friends who are most supportive simply due to the fact that they know these people will still be there for them despite their anger. Family discord can occur when this happens.
Anxiety and Depression
You’ll notice that your loved ones may react to losses and uncertainties with anxiety or depression. It is critical that you help them understand that such emotions are normal and they are able to seek help if their negative feelings are interfering with their daily activities. Otherwise, anxiety and depression can increase the risk of suicide attempts amongst aging adults.
