Are you or someone you love struggling with life transitions with aging and changing relationships? While aging is a natural part of life, we may not always understand how this changes our day to day lives. We work all of our lives: earn an education, work hard in our chosen field, raise children to adulthood and look forward to retirements so we can relax. Ahhh the golden years.
But sometimes retirement, health conditions and aging matters can result loss of identity and purpose, that we often felt from our occupations and sense of connectedness with colleagues. What about the Loss of income; social security and savings spend quickly. We don’t think about losing our independence but acute and chronic health conditions can rob us of our sense of autonomy and cause us to need more help with everyday tasks such as shopping, driving, or cutting the grass.
Downsizing takes on a whole new meaning when you have lost your spouse, feel forced to sell your beloved home and relocate to a “senior living community.” Then there is the matter of appointing a designee, pre need guardian or even a court ordered guardianship in which we cannot make some of our own decisions anymore.
You don’t have to be diagnosed with depression or an adjustment disorder to experience feelings of devastation, isolation and loneliness or even resentment of the events that have transpired.
After working years with adult protective services, investigating and evaluating the impact to retirees and disabled adults, I have seen how unexpected issues with aging and fractured relationships compound the emotional pain you are experiencing.
If you or an aging loved one are struggling with these life transitions, call today to schedule a consultation to see if supportive counseling could be helpful.
