Recently I have found myself amazed at the dearth of sense that there seems to be in the approach of those responsible for the care of the elderly in our communities. In my opinion that does not apply to the Kangaroo Valley community. This is a close knit village where most support one another! Rather I am referring to those who are elected by the people to keep the wheels of the nation, states and territories turning smoothly with all members of the diverse groups able to function and enjoy this beautiful country. I believe that members of our First Nations are well aware of what is lacking in their diverse and isolated communities. I have to admit that I am in the ‘Elderly’ age bracket. I don ‘t think I shall allow myself to be cared for by those who are responsible for funding and monitoring this field of politics.
Many talking heads posit changes to make things better, but none seem to follow through: that old adage “The more things change the more they stay the same” seems to have been uttered with this problem in mind! Perhaps that is part of the messy situation that is our ‘Aged Care’. We all must admit that things must change. From what I gather, listening to various persons pontificate, the verb ‘to care’ is an oxymoron when prefixed or suffixed by the adjective ‘aged’. Care seems to be a word that is unknown by many in the corridors of power.
As a woman of 88 years and a retired registered nurse, I feel there is much we can do before the need to take the nursing home road, which is very expensive to both the elderly and their families, as well as the whole nation. Let us remember that money spent by the Government of the day is raised by taxes on the public, or borrowed (this has to be repaid). This is not the Government’s money – t is that exacted from the working public to put in motion various promises made by those in power each year through the budget. Therefore I submit that communities could be helped to keep elderly folk well and fit and in their homes at less expense to the public purse. Of course the community would have to be willing to do this, and I am sure that many would. This could happen if there is a will for it to happen. General health could improve – commencing a program of organised exercising, not just of muscles but minds! A peaceful mind and contentment of emotions is a great benefit to older members of communities. I often wonder whether our culture of nuclear, rather than extended, families might be part of the cause for the irascibility which can often be a component of us elders. It is very hard to remain ‘remote and niggly’ when being climbed on by a smiling gurgling infant. I know they often smell ‘off’,not small adults!
Children keep the elderly on an even keel so they don’t feel old. Did anyone watch the TV program where four-year-old preschoolers and elderly folk met up for time together doing things where they had to depend on one another? Marvellous out comes!
Occupying one’s time with art, craft, reading, cooking, meeting friends for coffee or, dare I say, having friends for dinner, can be so energising. I use this word advisably because we ‘oldies’ tend to ‘lean back and enjoy the view’ which leads to boredom, lessening of fitness levels, weight gain and general degeneration. Crossword puzzles, maths puzzles and jigsaw puzzles all keep the brain ticking along. I tend to stay clear of social media, as I often cannot understand it until one of my grandchildren comes along, and explains it to me. My smart phone and smart TV prove daily challenges!
Study in older years keeps a person mentally healthy. There is the university of the third age, but if a person has never studied then it may be dismaying to consider in old age; believe me it is great and so enjoyable to learn new facts. However, I found this format for studying was not for me, as it did not offer a great challenge to my intellect, though it did offer me interesting conversation and company, which is very welcome when one lives alone. However, there is the cost if study is undertaken at one or other of the universities to gain a diploma or degree, especially now that Arts degrees have become so expensive as the government seeks to encourage sciences in this sphere of education.
Walking is great exercise and exercise is a great mood lifter. Communities could keep many of their older citizens at home if there were ways to help them keep themselves well. No one needs to be super athlete fit, but fitness means both mind and body perform at a higher level. Therefore the person feels happier.
Over the past two years I know that there has been a problem with the pandemic, when folk have not had the freedom to meet in groups. I visit a psychologist from time to time, not because I have any great problem but to prevent me from believing I have a problem. Good conversation is a great blessing. Gossip is not good conversation. To have a true conversation we must learn to listen; this is something several of our politicians espouse when preaching to their constituents, but when one watches question time in Parliament, or the great example of bad manners seen on TV in the ‘Debate’ between the Liberal and Labor Party leaders, where both talked over one another and did no critical listening at all, it is clear that they don’t practise what they preach.
Like so many folk of my generation I intend to stay at home until sometime after my 100th birthday!
It took me two years to finally obtain some help with my house work – the pandemic was a blessing in disguise for me! I now change the bed linen on the day my help comes and have a conversation with a lovely young person at the same time.
I am wondering that, if there is anyone in the community (of any age) who has an interest in talking through some of these Ideas, maybe we could end up with a plan to develop a social network or some such that could get together occasionally and offer suggestions or actually instigate programs to keep our elderly community members alert, content, happy, well fed, and as healthy as they wish to be. I would like to thank Kerrie Lieshman and her friends who recently obtained a grant to start up a social table tennis afternoon at the village hall. This will surely improve the health of those taking part, as it happens with a fair amount of laughter.
Win Palmer
0439 916 862
