elderly observation 4

another problem of the elderly is that they have eyesight problems, and cannot see that well.

there are some eyesight problems that occur due to time. this is why mostly the elderly get them, as they have lived for a long time.

there are usually cures for these types of problems, like vision aids, such as spectacles, or surgeries. it is also possible to get vision therapy. however, the surgeries and therapy may be expensive, and some people may not be willing to go for surgeries. some of these eyesight problems occur and are not treated, so the elderly's eyesight becomes worse and can even result in blindness. i think that the government should subsidise the treatments, so that at least it is not too expensive to go for. this way, there is one less problem to overcome. perhaps the companies in charge of this can try to make it cheaper as well.

as for the other problem, perhaps the family can help by persuading the elderly. other more preferable methods for treating more minor eyesight problems are spectacles or contact lenses. it think it would be better for the elderly to have spectacles instead of contact lenses, as if the contact lens drop on the floor, it may be troublesome to find it, especially if the elderly's eyesight is not good. it is also possible that the contact lens may break if stepped on by someone.

elderly observation 3

another problem the elderly face is that they have a loss of memory.

sometimes, family members get very frustrated, as the elderly in the family keep asking the same questions, as they do not remember asking, or they do not remember the answer to the question. i think that the family members should understand that the elderly have this problem, and not make them upset. the family should be patient with the elderly, and help them to remember by reminding them, perhaps about appointments or friend meetings.

in my grandmother's house, there is a whiteboard which is very visible, and she writes her appointments or anything she might forget onto the whiteboard, so that she can remember. i think this is a good way to solve the problem as well.

i think we should not hurt the elderly's feelings by looking upset or frustrated at them when they forget certain things. they may feel bad about making you upset when they ask you the question over and over again. my grandfather sometimes forgets things, but my mother is very patient and reminds him about things.

elderly observation 2

another problem the elderly have is that they may feel lonely, as some families do not have time to take care of the elderly at home, as they have to work. the elderly may then feel lonely and bored, as they have to be at home all the time. i observe some elderly always around the void deck of some HDB flats, and they sit there all day.

perhaps a way to solve the problem is to have someone around in the house, or maybe have a friendly mahjong game with their friends, like my grandmother usually does. there are usually senior citizens' corner, and that helps as well. my grandmother does handicraft, and her works are usually very beautiful. i think that elderly should have hobbies too, so that they can pass time. i think their families should also try to communicate with the elderly at home, so that the elderly know that their families care about them.

families can celebrate occasions like birthdays and new year with the elderly and give them money to spend, like what my father does. We celebrated my grandmother's birthday last year, and had a long chat, as well as a good laugh.

elderly observation 1

there are many problems the elderly face, and are easy to take note of. however, many people do not do anything about it, as they do not think it concerns them.

i noticed that the elderly have difficulty walking, but i did not interview them on it. some elderly, like my grandmother, use walking sticks. i talked to my grandmother once about it, and she said that it was because her knee joints were not strong, so she has to use a walking stick. it is adapted to have a comfortable grip, and a torchlight, as well, if she is walking where it is not well lit, so that she can see where she is walking and there is lesser chance of falling. there is a wide variety of walking sticks, to help the elderly with their different needs.

sometimes i see some elderly having a maid to push their wheelchairs. i think that it is a good point, as the family actually cares about them and even if they are at work, they still hire a maid to take care of the elderly. the elderly have weak muscle joints, and have difficulty in walking, so there should be someone around the house, perhaps a maid, to allow the elderly to rest. sometimes the elderly cook their meals, and have to stand for long periods of time. if there is a maid around the house, she can cook the meals while the elderly rests.

Holiday work - Part 1: Understanding the ‘The Elderly Challenge’

four key recommendations

- housing for seniors

there should be different houses for the elderly, specially made so that they can live more comfortably as their needs are met.

- accessibility for seniors

the environment and transport systems should be elder-friendly, so that they can lead better lives

- caring for seniors

healthcare services should be affordable for the elderly, who do not have jobs, and they should also cater to elderly with special needs, so that they can have a good standard of living.

- opportunities for seniors

the seniors should have opportunities, just like everyone else. this can ensure that they have a active lifestyle, and have friends to chat to when they have nothing to do.

ONE way that the CAI report is recommending to make our public housing more elderly-friendly:

a bar to support the elderly in the bathroom, so they do not fall down.

State TWO ways on how we can ensure that the quality of elderly care here in Singapore is affordable:

- the children of the elderly can stay with them, or at least give them some money to spend.

- there can also be some assistance from the government

After reading the CAI report, what do you are the THREE things that you can do, as an SST student, to help overcome these elderly challenges?

- Some of the elderly i see around the place seem quite lonely. maybe we can sit down with them and have a chat.

- can come up with a group, and raise some funds for the elderly

- i can just be kind to the elderly, not making them feel bad or useless