Page 42 - Inspire Health November/December 2015
P. 42
longevity
AILING PARENTS
THE HOLISTIC APPROACH
Aging is a fact of life, and we By Michael Kabel
accept that. Aging family BRIDGE TO HEALING feedYOUR SOUL
Let me help.”). Instead, offer assistance
without advertising it. By Israela Meyerstein
members, especially parents, Also, don’t broach the subjects of “My illness journey made gratitude
my strongest emotion.” Author, social
are one of the most difficult challenges finances and other personal responsibilities worker and specialist in marriage and
family therapy Israela Meyerstein begins
of our lives. It’s a strange, unsettling without being asked. Parents may interpret the acknowledgements to her self‑help
book with a strong, personal statement.
feeling to realize the traditional roles your interest as prying. Chronicling the journey of transition
and enlightenment as a patient, with the
are reversed and our parents are now Encourage seniors to wisdom and experience of her profession,
Meyerstein offers both inspirational and
dependent on us, just as our own find new solutions. practical approaches to wellness. The
informative, non‑technical book offers
children have relied on our help. To help keep their mobility and energy spiritual, emotional
and physical exercises
Research suggests that taking a at more youthful levels, encourage your for the body, soul
and mind. From
holistic, or “whole body,” approach to parents to take an exercise class. Eastern traditional to
modern spiritual
your parents’ wellbeing will support disciplines, including tai chi and yoga, tools, she provides a
toolbox of practical
their ongoing emotional health. Feelings offer increased and sustained energy, tips and suggestions
designed to heal.
of optimism and positivity are crucial to flexibility, and tissue and muscle health.
helping seniors preserve their vibrancy Many community centers offer classes
as they age. devoted to seniors. For men and women
Prepare yourself for pushback – without a regular social outlet, such
but don’t take it personally. classes provide opportunities to interact
It’s not that your parents are with others, promoting emotional health.
stubborn. Senior men and women, Nutritional supplements such as
especially immediately after retirement, ginkgo biloba may help improve memory
often feel a need to maintain their retention. Consult a medical professional
independence even when their ability for advice on nutritional supplements
to remain self‑sufficient starts to to help with arthritis, psoriasis, diabetes
wane. Adult children caring for aging and other ailments.
parents may find their efforts met Take care of yourself.
with resentment and frustration. But Remember to take breaks for yourself
experts caution not to confront parents and give your relationships enough
(“You’re too old to handle that now. distance and space to remain healthy.
42 INSPIRE HEALTH November § December 2015
AILING PARENTS
THE HOLISTIC APPROACH
Aging is a fact of life, and we By Michael Kabel
accept that. Aging family BRIDGE TO HEALING feedYOUR SOUL
Let me help.”). Instead, offer assistance
without advertising it. By Israela Meyerstein
members, especially parents, Also, don’t broach the subjects of “My illness journey made gratitude
my strongest emotion.” Author, social
are one of the most difficult challenges finances and other personal responsibilities worker and specialist in marriage and
family therapy Israela Meyerstein begins
of our lives. It’s a strange, unsettling without being asked. Parents may interpret the acknowledgements to her self‑help
book with a strong, personal statement.
feeling to realize the traditional roles your interest as prying. Chronicling the journey of transition
and enlightenment as a patient, with the
are reversed and our parents are now Encourage seniors to wisdom and experience of her profession,
Meyerstein offers both inspirational and
dependent on us, just as our own find new solutions. practical approaches to wellness. The
informative, non‑technical book offers
children have relied on our help. To help keep their mobility and energy spiritual, emotional
and physical exercises
Research suggests that taking a at more youthful levels, encourage your for the body, soul
and mind. From
holistic, or “whole body,” approach to parents to take an exercise class. Eastern traditional to
modern spiritual
your parents’ wellbeing will support disciplines, including tai chi and yoga, tools, she provides a
toolbox of practical
their ongoing emotional health. Feelings offer increased and sustained energy, tips and suggestions
designed to heal.
of optimism and positivity are crucial to flexibility, and tissue and muscle health.
helping seniors preserve their vibrancy Many community centers offer classes
as they age. devoted to seniors. For men and women
Prepare yourself for pushback – without a regular social outlet, such
but don’t take it personally. classes provide opportunities to interact
It’s not that your parents are with others, promoting emotional health.
stubborn. Senior men and women, Nutritional supplements such as
especially immediately after retirement, ginkgo biloba may help improve memory
often feel a need to maintain their retention. Consult a medical professional
independence even when their ability for advice on nutritional supplements
to remain self‑sufficient starts to to help with arthritis, psoriasis, diabetes
wane. Adult children caring for aging and other ailments.
parents may find their efforts met Take care of yourself.
with resentment and frustration. But Remember to take breaks for yourself
experts caution not to confront parents and give your relationships enough
(“You’re too old to handle that now. distance and space to remain healthy.
42 INSPIRE HEALTH November § December 2015
