September is Heathy Aging Month
Oftentimes when one thinks about the subject of healthy aging, we tend to think of the elderly. Have you ever considered that healthy aging begins when an individual reaches adulthood? When I look back at my life, I now realize how the choices made in my 20s, 30s, and 40s have impacted my present state of health. For example, one’s dietary habits during early adulthood can affect those diagnosed with diabetes, obesity or cardiac issues later on in life. One may have had difficulty coping with stress or depression as a young adult. This, too, can impact healthy aging.
Healthy aging can be viewed as a state of mind, how you feel about yourself, your community, and the world. Are you content with the things you have or have not accomplished? Are there goals you still hope to achieve? Are you willing and able to make the necessary adjustments in your lifestyle (dietary, physical, psychological, educational, employment, social, medical) that will positively impact promoting healthy aging?
Erik Erikson is a psychologist who developed one of the most popular development theories, which includes 8 stages. Intimacy versus isolation is the sixth stage. This stage takes place during young adulthood between the ages of approximately 19 and 40. The major conflict at this stage of life centers on forming intimate, loving relationships with other people. Success at this stage leads to fulfilling relationships. Struggling at this stage, on the other hand, can result in feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Generativity versus stagnation is the seventh stage. This stage occurs between adults. Adults strive to create or nurture things that will outlast them during this time, often by parenting children or contributing to positive changes that benefit other people. Contributing to society and doing things to benefit future generations are important needs at this stage.
Integrity versus despair is the eighth stage. This stage begins at age 65 and ends at death. At each stage of psychosocial development, people are faced with a crisis that acts as a turning point in development. Successfully resolving the crisis leads to developing a psychological virtue that contributes to overall emotional well-being. At the integrity versus despair stage, the key conflict is whether the individual has led a meaningful, satisfying life. Question: How are you aging?
Caregivers, have you ever felt overwhelmed because you do not know where to begin as you seek services for your loved ones? Connecting the dots and making the connections is the key to a successful caregiver’s journey. Please join us for our monthly 45 mins informational session on Tuesday, September 21, 2021, at 7pm. Topic: Making the connections as you make sense of it all. Please RSVP online at www.comeoutreach.org. COME is here for you. Please contact us with any questions or concerns. 718-379-3159.
Do you know a family caregiver? Nominate a Family Caregiver for the Leon David Simmons Recognition Award at our upcoming 15th Annual Caregivers Gala, via zoom, on November 20, 2021, from 11am to 12;30pm. Complete the nomination form online. Contact us for more information about our sponsorship packets.
Diane Cooper
