3 Common Traits of Later Life

It is a fact that most peoples’ lives change as they grow older. In the early stages of adulthood, significant periods of life are spent cultivating meaningful careers in the world of work. At this point in life, most peoples’ physical health is in good condition, but stress can be a major part of life. It is estimated that around 80% of the working population experience stress during some part of their careers. This can often be mild, but if it develops over time, it can lead to a range of serious health problems. Thankfully, one of the benefits of later life is that working careers have finished and there are no longer the problems and worries that are associated with the world of work. This article describes three key traits that many people experience in the later stages of life, as they become senior citizens. 

Increased Free Time

One of the greatest benefits of entering the later stages of life is that there is often an abundance of free time. Any children will have grown up and left home to pursue their own lives, and the 9-5 working week is all but a distant memory. In the senior years, this abundance of free time can be the perfect opportunity to learn a new skill, socialize more, or cultivate an enjoyable hobby. There is a wide range of interesting and enriching activities that the elderly can take part in. People with a fascination for family histories can become proficient in genealogy and learn the research skills needed to accurately map out family trees that can go back hundreds of years. Senior citizens with a love for the arts can cultivate pleasurable hobbies, such as learning to paint or make sculptures. In short, later life presents an excellent opportunity to learn new skills and live life to the fullest.

Potential for Ill Health

Whilst having more free time is a distinct benefit of becoming elderly, the sad fact is that many senior citizens will begin to experience poor health because of their advancing years. A common health problem in later life is being at an increased risk of suffering from a stroke. This can result in paralysis, speech problems, difficulties swallowing (dysphagia), and in the most serious occurrences, can cause death. Thankfully, a large proportion of stroke patients go on to make partial or full recoveries. Specific treatments for stroke patients include physiotherapy to regain limb functions and the use of food-thickening products, such as those produced by Simply Thick organization, to aid the safe consumption of food and beverages when difficulties in swallowing become apparent. This type of product is of great benefit to dysphagia patients. 

Risks of Becoming Isolated

One major social problem that the elderly often face is becoming isolated in later life. This can be the result of losing loved ones and lifelong partners to old age or living in a place that is a long distance away from friends or other family members. In such cases, it can be wise to consider relocation to a home nearer to close relatives, or even moving into an assisted living facility. At such premises, there are often a community of elderly people present who can socialize together, helping to banish feelings of loneliness and isolation.