how do you have a positive attitude about life? My grandmother's 79 and had a few problems but nothing real serious and she thinks life's crappy because she's old and I can't convince her life isn't that bad. She only has stomach and nerve problems, had high chlosterol but doc took her off the med for it because she was doing fine, she's on meds for bone density and I think it's because she had a broken hip which is doing fine. She loses her memory and gets confused some but I think it's mostly stress. Other than that, she's healthy. She's pretty skinny so she doesn't eat too much but she's not too skinny like she thinks she is. Many people would die to be skinny like her!
2007-10-18 06:54:41 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Senior Citizens
A number of things may play into her feelings about life...is she lonely? Have many of her friends have passed on? [she may be feeling disconnected from today's world] Is she active in anything that brings her pleasure? ALL people need a purpose that they view as important....Can you help her with discovering that? [foster grandmothering; crafts clubs; senior centers; learning the computer...etc etc]
Invite her to come join us here!!! :-)
2007-10-18 07:01:40 · answer #1 · answered by sage seeker 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
You really should speak to your grandmother's doctor and have him check her B12 levels. Many people do not realize that often depression and memory loss and dementia may be caused by a deficiency of this vitamin. As one ages the vitamin may not be synthesized in the stomach like a younger person. You can take foods with B12 like all animal foods but if it doesn't get absorbed it is useless. Then she might need a shot every few months. Seriously I would check this out.
2007-10-22 00:09:28 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
83 and wondering how i got here. when i was younger, i figured i would be happy to live until i was 70. well, i am happy. sometimes i feel guilty about living this old because a lot of people die much younger. makes me sad. i have outlived all of my family, even many of younger cousins, in fact ALL of them. problem is, when you are this old, you sort of get bypassed. oh, people will say hello, how are you etc, and then they move on. My problem is, that i do not FEEL 83, and so i try to mix with the crowd. people are polite and all that, but you do not mix well. there ARE exceptions, though. i think i will say i am over 55, the next time i am asked. i go to senior citizens doings some times, but then i have to be around old people. just kidding. i just get out and do things, i mow my lawn, shovel my snow, and sometimes the neighbors.My advice? Get her out with other people and do something. she ain't that old.
2007-10-21 12:32:44 · answer #3 · answered by oldtimer 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
she could be suffering from malnutrition, old ones have a tendency to eat a bowl of cereal or toast and get no protein. If she does get ill remember first your body takes fat away and then it goes after muscle. She needs to eat well. My great aunt was mad for 5 years because she was convinced everyone in her family died at 80, well they didn't and I even took her rubbings from grave stones. Try to keep in close contact with your granny and call her often or take her out to lunch, or better yet cook her a meal at her house and then freeze some left overs in small portions. Meat loaf is easy for them to chew and spaghetti or pasta and cheese, make her some egg salad--you might also take her some ensure, there is a store brand at most big chains that is the same thing and cheaper. She needs protein. I was a care giver for years---if you check out broken hips in elderly it often goes along with a certain amount of dementia. Mom really went down hill after she broke hers. Good luck and it is wonderful that you care.
2007-10-18 14:07:11 · answer #4 · answered by lilabner 6 · 5⤊ 1⤋
I was going to suggest the same thing as sage seeker. You don't know if you like something unless you try it first. See if she would like to try solitaire or find her some of her favourite music on you tube. There is nothing like music to make you feel young again and remind you of fun times. Good luck with her, and bless you for caring.
2007-10-18 14:18:23 · answer #5 · answered by Donna 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
84 and going strong. went deer hunting this morning and fishing this afternoon. something good every day.
2007-10-20 15:13:52 · answer #6 · answered by windybrr 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not me. I should live to be 79 !!!
2007-10-18 14:58:42 · answer #7 · answered by WooleyBooley again 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋