You must have heard of the saying, “It is only human to err” but also, “It is human to feel”. As humans, we are far from being emotionless robots. At every stage of life, we are faced with problems that we must resolve. These inevitably bring up emotional issues as well. If you or your loved ones are experiencing such issues, this article will help you overcome them so you can live a life of purpose and happiness. We will take you through four common issues that you may be facing and strategies to help you cope.
Change in Lifestyle
Lifestyle changes are increasingly common as one ages. You may have experienced the empty nest syndrome. This is common when your children move out and you are left all alone at home. Sometimes your loved ones may have moved further away to another state and traveling time means that you are feeling increasingly isolated. Isolation is common and the best way to overcome it is by joining various interest groups.
If you feel that joining new groups at such a late stage in life is impossible, you can’t be further from the truth! In reality, each city has activities and events for everyone. If you have a very niche hobby, you could easily find online forums to engage with other people. Sometimes, living alone can cause sleep issues and for this, a physician would help diagnose your issues and provide the right medication.
Feelings of Useless
Have you ever complained that you feel like you are no longer needed? If so, this is probably because you are experiencing some health conditions. Perhaps your mobility levels aren’t what they used to be and so you may feel as though you are no longer contributing to household chores. You may bemoan that you feel useless and this can cause huge psychological distress. Overcome these feelings by promoting a sense of purpose and getting your family members to entrust you with chores. For example, you would be great pet sitters!
Retirement
The golden years of life are golden for a reason; you can finally reap the reward of decades of hard work. When you picture retirement, visions of a sandy beach and a good book in hand pop up but the reality can be rather different. Work provided structure and discipline. Without it, you may be feeling homebound and perhaps even restless. Physical activity can be a great way to spend your time if you are retired. Not only does it help your physical health, but it also works wonders for your mental well-being and improves the quality of your life.
Death of a Spouse
The death of a loved one will hit you hard at any age. When you had been together for decades, death can feel like a gaping void that can never be filled. This can bring about feelings of depression and isolation. Overcoming a death will take time, no doubt but slowly encouraging yourself to interact with friends and peers can help reclaim your social life.
