I was very interested to hear what kind of advice the author was going to give because I have seen first hand the difficulty of dealing with an angry or depressed elderly individual. In the first reccomendation, the author says to respond to anger with empathy rather than questions and answers. I think this is very smart not only when dealing with the elderly but for other people as well. At the end of the day people just want to be understood and want people to know where they are coming from. Even if one cannot pretend to know what someone is going through, it helps to show a little empathy.
The next recommedation had to do with listening. I have seen before when an elderly is complaining or trying to express discomfort to their child/caretaker and they are dismissed because their child/caretaker doesn't think they know what they are talking about or just thinks they are over exaggerating or even trying to get attention. This breaks my heart because no one will even listen to them. I think even if you disagree with what they are saying, if it is not hurting anyone, just humor them. It must be hurtful to be so easily dismissed.
Reading all the things his mother was going through makes me sad and hopeful that my parents may be lucky enough to have a peaceful descent into elderhood. I cannot even imagine the anger and pain she was feeling, especiallly with losing her mobility. I don't think people ever really stop and think about it but in some cases it is like becoming handicapped or even helpless.
I am interested in the story the author tells but when I read some of his stories it makes me really sad. It also makes me want to enjoy my life and not take anything for granted because one day I won't be able to do everything I do now.
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