ADVICE OF DELANY SISTERS ON MAINTAINING INDEPENDENCE IN OLD AGE

(Miss Sadie Delany, aged 106, and her sister, Dr. Bessie Delany, deceased at 104, had definite rules for living a long and healthy life. Both exercised every single day, whether they felt like it or not. Both always downed chopped garlic and cod liver oil at breakfast and ate at least seven vegetables at lunchtime. The sisters also made a habit of living as stress-free a life as possible. They steadfastly refused to install a telephone, preferring more personal methods of communication. Other strategies for the sisters’ serenity were published in the Delany Sisters’ Book of Everyday Wisdom in 1994).

Bessie and Sadie, the Delany sisters are famous for remaining physically and mentally active into their second century. After they became 101 and 103 years of age respectively, the book on their experiences was a best-seller book, the television shows were very popular. I am quoting some of their pieces of advice, comments and wisdom:

“No matter how old you get, you think of yourself as young. In our dreams, we are always young.”

– Sadie Delany

“Most folks think getting older means giving up, not trying anything new. Well, we don’t agree with that. As long as you can see each day as a chance for something new to happen, something you never experienced before, you will stay young—–even after a century of living, we haven’t tried everything. We‘ve only just started.”

– Sadie Delany

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SELF CARE IN LATER PERIOD OF LIFE

Ageing and accompanying health factors often make later part of life a very difficult period of life. Self-care and health promotion are important in maintaining independence in old age. Self-care is the ability to meet one’s needs. It is suggested that maintaining of low risk of disease and disease-related disability, high mental and physical functions and active engagement of life are most essential in the later period of life.

Indeed, the higher functional ability is not necessary for a higher quality of life. The elderly who have chronic disabilities find ways to maximize the quality of life through other means including spirituality and social engagements. Altruism and volunteering in various capacities enhance life satisfaction.

CONTROL THE ENEMIES OF POSITIVE AGEING

Positive psychologist Seligman has discussed many features of positive psychology. Positive aging should be understood in the light of the important premise of positive psychology, the premise is – human beings possess strengths and resources that can be used as buffers against challenges or realities of life. The specific strengths according to Seligman are: “courage, future mindedness, optimism, interpersonal skill, faith, work ethic, hope, honesty, perseverance and capacity for flow and insight—“.

These individual traits of personality, values, attitudes and beliefs are the sources of coping with the aging process. The resources are psychological or intrinsic and external resources are medical care, housing, occupation, social security, etc. With a positive attitude, the elderly can modify their own aging experience. To cultivate a positive attitude aged person should first control over the enemies. The enemies are Rigidity, negativity, worry, self-absorption, regret.

Maintain your Heath and Independence

Significant shifts are evident in both population ageing and the prevalence of non-communicable lifestyle diseases. The impact of such changes on society is becoming dramatic. The growing obesity problems, declining levels of physical activity and increased prevalence of coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes are just of few health issues that are requiring immediate attention from the Government and other agencies who are advocating the issues of the elderly. Older adults want to remain healthy and independent at home and society wants to minimize the health care and economic costs associated with an increasingly ageing population.

The most important health problem is the need for a reduction in the morbidity of ageing populations. Prevention is always better than cure. Curative approaches to problems of frail elderly are not likely to have robust effects. Prevention of morbidity associated with ageing represents the central issue for future health, and knowledge of which approaches are best and how they may best be implemented is a prerequisite for successful health policies.

Keeping in view this fact, health promotion and disease prevention activities should be given priority for older adults, their families and the health care system. Several studies have indicated that healthy eating, physical activity, mental stimulation, maintaining a safe environment, social support and regular health care are important in maintaining health and independence.

HAPPINESS IS A STATE OF MIND

A beautiful message explaining how Happiness is a State of Mind.

HAPPINESSAll of us should try to develop such an attitude. A man of 92 years, short, very well-presented, who takes great care in his appearance, is moving into an old people’s home today. After waiting several hours in the retirement home lobby, he gently smiles as he is told that his room is ready. His wife of 80 has recently died, and he is obliged to leave his home. As he slowly walks to the elevator, using his cane, I describe his small room to him, including the sheet hung at the window which serves as a curtain.

“I like it very much”, he says, with the enthusiasm of an 8-year-old boy who has just been given a new puppy.

“You haven’t even seen the room yet, hang on a moment, we are almost there.”

“That has nothing to do with it”, he replies.

“It is already decided in my mind that I like my room. It is a decision I make every morning when I wake up.”

“Happiness is something I choose in advance. Whether or not I like the room does not depend on the furniture, or the décor rather it depends on how I decide to see it.”
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