We all know that after the age of 65, lots of things change. If you had kids, they are likely out of the house and have families of their own. You have likely reached the age of retirement, and must consider when and how to transition out of the workforce. A host of lifestyle changes begin to crop up: This can range from something as drastic as a full transition into a home or assisted living facility all the way down to enjoying the senior discount at certain shops and stores. In short, 65 is one age that can mark the line between adulthood and old age. Psychological researchers have taken increasing interest in this stage of life, as the number of seniors in most developed countries is projected to double between the years of 2010 and 2050. With such a significant percentage of the population in this stage of life, it becomes all the more important to understand the challenges that seniors face. In response, the field of gerontology (the scientific study of old age) has seen an explosion in funding and popularity in recent years. One of the most important issues facing gerontology researchers is the cognitive decline associated with old age: how it can be prevented, and how it can be ameliorated. None of these issues is more difficult than memory loss, and recent research may have discovered one important way to delay memory loss in seniors. Let’s take a look at the general effects of aging on cognitive ability, the new research, and what it all means. Cognitive Decline with AgingIt’s important to be able to tell the difference between the normal, universal effects of aging, and a pathologic cognitive decline that requires medical attention. With the prevalence rates of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease on the rise, many seniors can experience a feeling of fear that prevents them from addressing any symptoms of cognitive decline. On the other hand, the most effective seniors are able to recognize and admit to the general cognitive failings that accompany old age, and make allowances to address them. Some of these normal changes accompanying typical old age include decreases in memory, processing speed, and conceptual reasoning. In general, cognitive abilities based on what is called “crystallized intelligence” (i.e. general knowledge, vocabulary) don’t change much over time. However, abilities that fall under the heading of “fluid intelligence” (i.e. problem-solving, attention, reasoning) are subject to decline. Specific to memory, the specific type of memory that begins to decline once old age hits is called “semantic memory,” which encompasses language use (particularly the meaning of words) and practical knowledge such as general information recall. When these changes occur, more often it is not the ability to retain old memories that has declined, but rather the ability to access new ones. It is not easy to know when this general memory loss crosses the line into something that could require serious attention, and it differs for every single person. One general test that can indicate whether memory loss is normal or pathologic is to note how familiar the information is that was lost. Forgetting the name of a new acquaintance or forgetting a fact that you learned last week on Jeopardy is much less concerning than forgetting how to drive about in very familiar areas or how to perform a routine task. However, individuals with any degree of concern over any memory loss should consult a physician. The Effects of Volunteering on MemoryWhen a senior is able to take in this information about what types of memory loss are to be expected in old age, they become able to accept the problem as something real, and begin looking for ways to improve it. There are a host of resources out there about strategies that can help seniors with memory loss to not let the changes in memory slow them down, to work around the difficulties, and to continue to lead productive, fulfilling lives. A recent research study has added to this wealth of scholarship by revealing the impact that volunteering can have to prevent memory loss in seniors. The study, published in 2016 in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society, showed that seniors who volunteer generally enjoyed better physical and emotional health, tended to live longer, and showed a 27% decrease in risk of developing cognitive decline. This was true even if the seniors had other risk factors, including inactivity and smoking. The study was conducted by researchers at Arizona State University in the United States, and followed more than 13,000 seniors (over age 60) for a period of 14 years. Seniors were asked every 2 years if they had volunteered at least one time, for any reason, over the last 12 months. The seniors also came in regularly for testing on various markers of physical and emotional health. Importantly, these volunteering effort not only hold personal benefit for the seniors who perform the service, but they also combine together to make an enormous social and economic impact. For retirees with open workday hours to devote their efforts to improving the community can cause a positive spiral for everyone involved. Making the Effort to TryIn the final analysis, volunteering is simply one way among many for seniors to improve their quality of life and prevent the memory loss that accompanies cognitive decline. The authors of the study went so far as to suggest that perhaps physicians should consider giving seniors a “volunteering prescription.” This idea is apt, because it illustrates the point that many different activities can lead to the positive effects demonstrated in the study. What’s most important is that seniors make an effort. It can be easy for seniors to avoid the challenges of trying new things, learning new skills, meeting new people, and pursuing physical exertion. However, it is precisely this effort that contributes to a positive health spiral of physical, social, and emotional well-being. In the end, lots of things change at the age of 65, but the ability to lead a full, rich life does not have to be one of them. Spirit Room Team ReferencesInfurna, F. J., Okun, M. A., & Grimm, K. J. (In press). Volunteering is associated with decreased risk for cognitive impairment. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Harada, C. N., Love, M. C. N., & Triebel, K. L. (2013). Normal cognitive aging. Clinics in Geriatric Medicine, 29(4), 737-752.
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Marriage is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires consistent work and commitment by both partners in order to keep it on a successful path. “The key to a relationship is communication” is a long- held cliché. There is however, a great deal of truth in this old adage. The differences between you and your partner as well as the many stresses and strains of life can impede communication. It’s so easy to fall into bad habits or to neglect communication altogether. Sometimes we may not even be able to identify the errors we are making. This short list will highlight some of the more common pitfalls of marital communication, and give some pointers as to how to improve the dialogue at home. Learn To ListenThis is another cliché but one that therapists and marriage counsellors can't emphasise enough. So many of us skim over advice on how to listen, thinking we have it down, when in reality our skills need updating. Listening is so much more than just hearing what the other person is saying! Try to be an active listener. This means not only understanding the content of your partner’s words but actively trying to understand how they feel and see things from their perspective. You may not be as deeply interested in your partner’s current work project as they are, but put yourself in their shoes. If it matters to them it should matter to you. It also really helps to show signs that you are listening. Show signs of acknowledgement and if unsure, repeat back what you have heard in your own words. Your partner can then correct you if you have misheard. This may not be as easy as it seems. When your partner brings up a difficult issue, it can trigger emotions that make it challenging to listen and respond non-defensively. Working on yourself emotionally, physically, and spiritually can help you to manage your reactions more effectively. Taking this approach goes really far in terms of helping you and your partner understand each other. It can also help to smooth over any arguments or grievances as you will both be able to air your thoughts calmly and without interruption. It Is Not a CompetitionWhen you are having a difficult discussion or argument with your partner, it can be easy to slide into being argumentative and competitive, particularly if we are this way inclined by nature. You and your spouse are on the same team however, and you should not be embroiled in competition with each other. Remember, when it comes to marriage you do not always have to win and you do not always have to be right. As part of the same team you should be working together to achieve a compromise. It is important to know that often time it only takes small changes in behaviour to make a large difference in the relationship. For example, you may think your partner is overly demanding with cleaning, but it may turn out that a relatively small cleaning task is enough to show that you care. Obviously, if you are being required to give way on anything unethical or that compromises your personal values or safety then that is a different matter. In terms of the smaller things however, don’t make a mountain out of a molehill. Work alongside each other and not against. Be Open About Your VulnerabilityWhen we are embarrassed or feel vulnerable about something, it is all too easy to conceal our feelings and become defensive and outraged instead. This habit is absolutely destructive in a marriage as it blocks the lines of communication and paves the way for misunderstandings and arguments. For example; your partner said something this morning that hurt you but you think this is embarrassing or petty on your part. Later this evening you find yourself becoming passive aggressive over dinner before blowing up in anger when he/ she makes a similar comment. This situation could easily be avoided by some honesty. By opening up about your hurt feelings and using the first person, “I felt hurt when you said..”, your partner would know the effect of their words. This avoids the need to let feelings simmer and resort to negative emotions at a later stage. It’s not embarrassing to show your vulnerable side to your partner - in fact it is extremely healthy in a relationship. When you take the first steps to emotional honesty your partner will start to reciprocate. Likewise, be open to your partner’s vulnerability and always encourage this sharing. Examine How You Talk to Your PartnerYou and your partner have a unique way of talking to each other. A marriage is a relationship like no other and particularly as the years go by, you may have developed certain patterns and habits. Sometimes these issues can go beyond just habits and actually be a result of the way we process language. Speech pathologists would say that individuals can have difficulty producing language in various ways and that this can effect the ability of individuals to process communication, even with familiar individuals like spouses. We are all more familiar with family members but this should never be to the detriment of being civil and respectful. Next time you have a negative encounter with your partner listen to yourself and how you have spoken to them. Have you been irritable, bossy, condescending or sarcastic? If so, this is probably not a once- off. Although it can be hard to face- up to our own flaws it is the first step in change. If you realise you have a habit of being condescending towards your partner when you are tired for example, become more aware of it and make a conscious effort to change. Involve your partner in the process. Openly discuss the bad habits you have both acquired and explore why these have slipped in. Although it’s difficult to change these patterns doing so will make a massive difference to your relationship. Psychologists propose that one of the best tests of a marriage is to compare the ratio of negative to positive exchanges. Think about how your marriage rates using these criteria and try to introduce more positive and supportive dialogue. FinallyThese are just some basic tips recommended to improve the lines of communication in your marriage. Obviously, there are many more and this is not a one- stop solution.
Communication is a project which both you and your partner must work on. Doing so can be difficult at first but also extremely rewarding. Try out some of these tips above. If your marriage needs more expert intervention however, make sure to seek out professional help and support. By Dr. Syras Derksen, a Winnipeg psychologist that provides assessment and therapy services for children and adults. References: Whitchurch, G. G. (1992). Communication in marriages and families: A review essay of family communication textbooks. Communication Education, 41(3), 337-343. |