By Prisha K I have been tending to my Uncle for almost three years now. He moved in when my aunt died. Initially, he was sweet and accommodating though he had mood swings. But these were short-lived. Gradually, his behaviour started changing. The mood swings became more pronounced. Obduracy crept in, and at times he…
By Sunil Saxena Are you feeling tired, anxious, irritable or even depressed? Especially when you are taking care of a loved elder who is suffering from dementia, Alzheimer’s or a terminal illness. If yes, then you are heading for what is known as a caregiver burnout. You may not realise it, but the stress has…
By Akhilesh Upreti The neurologist was blunt. “No, dementia can’t be cured,” he said firmly. “At best, we can slow it down.” The answer was simple and straightforward. Yet, I found it hard to accept. “What does it mean,” I asked. “It means that your mother will never be the same again. The best we…
The car stood in the driveway gathering dust. My son had moved to Canada and left it at my house with no directions as to what was to be done with it. It wasn’t of any use to me because I’ve never driven a car and don’t know how to drive one. I turned 81…
This series is being started to capture moments that men and women cherish most or regret most as they start getting old. In the first part of this series, three Senior Citizens reflect on three moments that brought them happiness and three moments that they wish had never happened. Group Captain Anil Vohra (Retired), 62,…
As a nursing assistant, I am frequently assigned to work with dementia patients. Each assignment is a challenge but there is one that is burnt in my memory. The dementia patient was 83 years old and had been suffering from dementia for almost three years. Her cognitive powers were declining, and her family was finding it…
By Aavesh Anand My neighbour was around 75. He was well-built and full of life. I was therefore surprised to get a hysterical call from his wife one day. Her husband had collapsed in the living room. He was still breathing but clearly in trouble. She pleaded for medical help. Sensing the urgency in her…
By Ranjana Sunil Whether you’re taking care of your ageing parents, grandparents, or other loved ones who need your help, showing empathy is the best way to make them feel happy and wanted. Here are 11 thoughtful ways to show that you care: # 1. Listen actively: When they want to talk to you about…
By Sunil Saxena There is little doubt that old age is a curse. But have you realised that it is a bigger curse for women than men. The first reason is widowhood. Women live longer than men, and this adds to their old age woes. According to the projections in The India Ageing Report, 2023…