By Sheila Kun RN, BA, BSN, MS

Last week, we reflected on two scenes that seniors will encounter: 1. How social circles shrink over time 2. How societal responsibilities pass down. This week, let me translate to you two more scenes described by the author Mr. Zhou Daxin.

The third scene: There are rocky roads ahead. 

Zhou Daxin warns his senior readers that fracture, cardiac failure, dementia, and cancer may be common health concerns to be vigilant of. Illness is an inevitable facet of aging and of life. Fortunately, there are ways to learn how to coexist with these acute and chronic illnesses. What is important is to not pretend or fancy that your life is untainted by illness. Maintaining and developing a positive attitude towards illnesses associated with aging is an important aspect of getting older. Adjust your perspective on life, be positive and adaptive, and spend an appropriate amount of time on exercise. This is part of your responsibility, you have to encourage yourself to enhance your living skill. 

The fourth scene: Be ready to “go back to bed = bedbound” and return to the infancy stage.

We all begin as babies in bed, cared for by our mothers. We, therefore, begin our infancy in bed. After going through all stages of life, be prepared for the starting point – the bed. What we mean is that, it is very likely that we spend our last stage in life in bed, accepting care from others in our life for the basics. The only difference is, at this last stage, mom is no longer here to care for us. Be cognizant that there is no family to care for you during your last days. For those who might have families as care providers, they don’t provide the same care as your mother. More frequently, most seniors will receive care from health professionals outside the family. It is best to acknowledge and accept these arrangements quietly. The workers in convalescent living  are here to help, even if they may not be relatives, it may be difficult to appreciate but overtime it is important to remember their efforts are for your health.

(Sheila’s reflection: they are facts of life. The truth is ugly. But they are real. Just look around you and see if Mr. Zhou’s vivid description is right)

Your homework from the Care Ministry this week: Seniors, are you ready to co-exist with chronic illness?

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