OLD PEOPLE, AMIRITE??
Despite the immaturity emanating from this TearDrop’s title, this week’s topic (like the others) is something of great importance. So with that, today’s piece addresses the value of examining and strengthening the mental health of the elderly community.
I felt called to hit this topic because of the lack of attention it’s given. When it comes to talking about mental health, there’s growing awareness targeting the younger generations (which is dope). However, because they aren’t engaged in the workforce anymore, it feels as if society devalues and ignores the older generation, along with their mental health.
For a clearer, more in-depth look at the daily lives of seniors, I had the opportunity to connect with one of my closest friends, Brooke Harris. For the past few years, Brooke’s worked firsthand with residents at noteworthy nursing homes, immersing herself in the people's day-to-day lives she cares for.
Brooke graduated from UW-Eau Claire with a major in Health Care Administration. Not only did she hold a position as an Administrative Intern at one of the best nursing homes in the state of Wisconsin, but today my girl’s a freakin’ LNHA (Licensed Nursing Home Administrator) in San Diego. I mention this to attest to the credibility of the information she’s provided me (and to flex on y’all a little).
Jerksy, What’s The Point?
I understand some people reading may be naive and thinking to themselves, “What’s the point of caring for old peoples’ mental health when they’re so close to death?” My unembellished answer: they’re human beings (unless there’s some kind of transformation they’re not telling us about).
In all seriousness, though, if senior citizens aren’t given the tools to take care of their mental state, their lifespan shortens dramatically. The human mind is identical to any other muscle in the body. If you were to never leave your couch, eat genetically modified food all day, and balloon up to 400 pounds, the muscles in your legs would be a disgrace.
The same thing can happen to the soft tissue glob between our ears. The brain needs stimulation, exercise, a sense of purpose to grow and stay healthy. Without these basics, depression’s ability to overtake our thoughts is effortless.
If you need statistics to prove how pressing this issue is (nerd), Brooke gave me some numbers that really opened my mind. About 50% of residents take an antidepressant, while almost 25% take anti-anxiety medication—nothing against these medications. However, a prescription makes up only a small part of the solution for most people. There needs to be another element.
“We need to make the mental health of seniors a priority because they’re always going to be in society, and people will continue to live longer as medicine constantly advances.” - Brooke Harris.
Human beings, regardless of age, are all just trying to find purpose and happiness in life. Even if it’s a small sense of accomplishment, when there’s something for our brains to pour energy and passion into, happiness and satisfaction replace boredom and desolation.
In nursing homes, Brooke describes that a Life Enrichment Department’s sole focus is presenting activities that furnish a sense of purpose and achievement for the residents. While activities like bingo, gardening, and crafts may initially appear rudimentary, they are far from considering the proven benefits.
Sadly, not every nursing home boasts a Life Enrichment Department due to the financial component. So instead of pushing these valuable activities to the top of the priority list, residents’ mental health falls to the bottom. Even as I wrote that (and re-read it), I feel something in my chest growing infuriated. It’s demoralizing to think that there’s so little value placed on a human’s mental state.
There is still one simple (and free) way to bring happiness into the lives of the residents; visiting with family and friends. With the coronavirus becoming less of a prevailing issue (I think? I honestly don’t know what’s going on), connecting with loved ones produces a positive lasting impact. So, spread some love and go visit your f*cking grandparents.
Ending On Some Good Vibes
You know the pure joy you can see in someone when they talk about something they love? That describes my conversation with Brooke to a tee. Brooke’s time working at a nursing home isn’t merely a job. Instead, it serves as a chance to expand her mind, learn about different life perspectives, and become more open to unfamiliar ways of approaching life.
I want to express the tremendous amount of gratitude I feel towards you, Brooke. Being able to seize an opportunity to learn more about something I was uneducated in was incredible, and I’m thankful to spread this awareness with others!
By reading and sharing this article, you're actively supporting the DPRSD brand, and I can't thank you enough for that. If you feel called to do so, spread some DPRSD vibes by hitting the share button. And if you're holding a life experience in your head you believe can positively influence others, please reach out to me. I'm always searching for more people to expand and solidify the DPRSD community.
xo,
Jerksy
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The TearDrop is an integral part of the DPRSD brand; these individuals help create our genuine community of love and empathy. For each story, Jerksy has an open conversation with the featured guest, elects a creative direction, then writes and edits everything before your beautiful eyes see it. The process is fueled by an indescribable passion to construct something powerful enough to accurately describe the complexity of our mental health. So if you want to support DPRSD and ensure there are plenty of TearDrops to come, we graciously accept monetary contributions (and yes, $1 is donated).
