Precious faces of elderly individuals

I need to focus and move on with life.

Where am I aheading?

Many Faces of Elderly Individuals.

Give me the strength to face my daily life.

Many Faces of Elderly Individuals. Many Faces of Elderly Individuals.

What is she looking for?
Are you listening to my prayer?

Is loneliness universal?

Do elderly individuals in Borneo feel lonely? How is loneliness experience among elderly individuals in Borneo?

"I am alone but not lonely"

God's grace may empower us to act with more generosity than we ever dreamed would be possible when responding alone.

Often I heard an elderly individual said, "I feel alone?" Then I normally proceed to listen and to feel the feeling in her/him.

Once an 88 old woman told me, "I am alone but not lonely." I requested her to share with me her interpretation of alone. She said, "yes physically I am alone but there are always people around this building. She further explained, "a person can be surrounded with people but he/she still feels lonely. "I am in solitude with my God even though I am alone." This woman taught me a new way of looking at life.

Reflection......
"Be still, and know that I am God!" (Psalm 46:10).

• Am I confortable in silence? What are the effects of solitude in me?
• If I am uncomfortable in silence, what can I do to address the cause of my discomfort?
• What are my memories of times of stillness in my life?
• Whatimages of God have come to me at times whe I have been still?

Finding God in Each Moment, (Smith & Merz, 2006).

...emptiness would be one word that would fit it"

She chooses Cross as a metaphor of her life. She feels that a cross is directly related to her beliefs and more specifically, her religion. She believes that people were put on earth to carry crosses.

"You know that you are lonely, but you want to tell more about it top other people, that loneliness is something about sadness; is something about emptiness. Loneliness is something about the inner suffering inside. It is not physical, you know. You are craving for...Emptiness would be one word that would fit it." Dissertation Excerpts, Abas 2008.

A strong tree

She selects a strong tree as a metaphor of her lived experiences. She admits that the strong tree symbolizes the fact that although she is aging, she is still standing and also that her way of life is like that of a strong tree as well. the reason is that, similar to a strong tree, she can undergo changes (as leaves droppings) but still manages to stand firm.
She, while exuding confidence and a positive attitude, elaborates that a strong tree is "still standing" as is she, even after her husband has passed away.

..."interlocking circles...."

She admits, "I am afraid of the circle becoming untangled." She feels that the support she receives comes from her family, the community and her work. The reason is she is very much systems oriented due to her past career in social work and cosiders her personal life style using the system theory.

She explains the "interlocking circles" metaphor relates to being considered as such important part of each aspect of her life. The need to be supported, and the circumstances of beig connected are both key issues for her as she fears becoming entangled to the point of detachment andmisdirection.

...it goes 'around and around'

He symbolizes his life being that of a spinning top that eventually needs periodic straightening up. The reason for this is that, he eventually would like to be headed towards the right place, when his life is coming to an end.






He selects a spinning top as a metaphor. He feels that once the top comes off the strings, it goes 'around and around' and wanders off a little bit, and until it slows down and stops.

The "power" of Metaphor.

He emphatically states the sunset symbolizes the beauty of life. The reason for this symbolism is that he feels the whole concept os the sun setting centers around God creating the world.



"An oak is the symbol of my life, bending way over, and then straigthening up again." Symbolically she states that her life encountered some harsh blowing wind that has bent her over, but when the wind ceases, she stands up again.

"Flowers symbolize happiness and are the colors of life." She elaborates that a garden of flowers always brightens her mood and makes her cheerful and happy.

"...the flowing river, while constantly changing its courses, can be treacherous, at times."

It was very interesting to know and to learn that during my doctoral research work with the elderly individuals, I discovered that they were comfortable to use metaphor to describe their lived experiences. ABAS, 2008.

...it is never too late to share with others.

I would like to thank Dr. Baryy Bittman and Christine Stevens who trained me in the Health Rhythms Program. Now I am sharing this knowledge with the elderly individuals and teenagers.

I took the training in Chicago.
I would also like to thank the "Bushmango School of Drumming", Rochester, NY, this is the place that taught me the "African-beats drumming."

The Intergenerational Peaceful Rhythmic Hand Drumming Group.

Barry Bittman, MD is a neurologist, author, international speaker, award-winning producer/director and inventor. As CEO and Medical Director of the Mind-Body Wellness Center, a comprehensive, interdisciplinary outpatient medical facility in Meadville, PA., Dr. Bittman has pioneered a new paradigm for treating the "whole person."

Christine is a board certified music therapist (MT-BC) with over 15 years of experience creating and implementing programs using rhythm and percussion for rehabilitation, health maintenance, and life enhancement.

A Recreational Music-Making Program
Health Rhythms is a division within Remo Inc. that develops and provides materials, programs, training and the latest research supporting the use of drumming as an effective means for promoting and maintaining health and well-being. At the forefront of our activities is the development of our HealthRHYTHMS Group Empowerment Drumming program.

It is never too late to study...

I completed and graduated with Gerontology Certificate Program in 2006.

Gerontology Certificate Program
Lifespan and St. John Fisher College offer a Certificate Program in Gerontology. The certificate is given upon completion of 120 hours of course work

PDEV 760
Physiological Aspects of Aging
PDEV 761
Emotional Aspects of Aging
PDEV 765
Functional Assessment
PDEV 763
Legal Aspects of Aging
PDEV 764
Mental Health Assessment
PDEV 762
Social and Public Policy
PDEV Elec.
Mental Aerobics
PDEV 780
Nutrition and Aging
PDEV 766
Women and Aging
PDEV 767
Medications and Older Adults
PDEV 773
Issues of Sexuality
PDEV 769
Communication Skills
PDEV 772
Stress and Burnout
PDEV
Counseling Older Persons and Their Families
PDEV 768
Loss, Separation & Grief
PDEV 774
Aging Services Network
PDEV 775
Economic Aspects of Aging
PDEV 781
Ethics and End of Life
PDEV 778
Elder Abuse

PDEV Elective
Spiritual Eldering
PDEV 779
Physical Fitness and Aging
PDEV 776
Alzheimer's Disease
Elective
Developmental Disabilities and Aging
PDEV 782
Substance Abuse and Older Adults
PDEV 771
Cultural Variability
PDEV 783
Spirituality and Aging

Spiritual beats!-Hospital in Rochester.

"I do not know how to drum" said a 84 year old woman. But when the beating of the drums began, she started to move her mallot and beat the "dun-dun" (african drum). The room was occupied by residents (all on the wheel-chairs), beating the drums. It was a happy afternoon for them.

"I could not believe that I can drum."

"When can we do this again."

"I just love the drums, they produce beautiful sound."

"It made me relax and I felt peaceful."

"It was magic, we all played."

"I like it and will play again."

"I thought it was difficult but I was wrong, I enjoyed it."

TIME PIECES

Aging Gracefully Session

There were 28 elderly individuals (ages between 80 to 99 ) who attended the session today.
They were divided into three groups.

The first discussion topic was on TIME PIECES
Each person has the opportunity to share her/his feeling(s) on the two questions.

1. My best time of day:

• Early morning because I am alive again.


• Mid-morning, I am fully active


• Afternoon when I see the sun.


• Late afternoon, when it is more quite.


• It is hard for me to pick, the whole day is very good.


• Night time, I am able to sleep.


• Mid afternoon that is my praying time.


• Lunch time is the best.


• Noon time, looking forward for lunch.


• 3.00 PM, my prayer time.

2. My worst time of day:

• At night, unable to sleep.


• I could not sleep at night.


• I am not a morning person.


• During time, unable to sleep.


• Afternoon, it is too noisy.


• Night time, difficult to sleep.


• Seeing the sun setting.


• I do not like when it is getting dark.


• It seems whole day is worst for me.


• I feel uneasy in the evening, I am afraid of being alone.


• uh! I think night time.

...always a new insight to learn...

"I am ready for lunch", said a 90 year old woman. She is enjoying her food as I passed by her lunch table. She reminded me, "make sure you take that cookies." It is always a new insight to learn of how an elderly person is very concern about other(s).

...she is very precious...

"A smile from this man can be an expression of joy"

A 99 year old woman asked me as I walked pass-by her lunch table. She said, "how are you today?" I responded, "I am doing fine." She further told me, "I am having this flu do not come near to me." I immediately told her, "it is OK."

It is always a new learning for me as I conversed with an elderly person.

...the journey I took to be where I am now!

Finally many thanks to the Scandlings fellowship which was awarded to me until I completed my doctorate studies at University of Rochester.

Thanks to the La Salle (Christian Brothers) who gave me the opportunity to study my Master in Counseling (Substance abuse) at the Graduate School of Education.

Big thanks to the Jesuit who gave me the scholarship to study at Fordham University. It was a blessing that I successfully completed two masters and one post-master.

This is Sante Anselmo University in Rome where I obtained my LSL degree. I had completed my liturgical doctorate courses but never have the time to finalize my undefended doctorate dissertation.

Thanks to Pope John Paul II who awarded the scholarship to me in 1990.

"I have a happy life."

This morning a 90 year old woman shared this inspiring sentences with me. With a smile, she said "I have a happy life." She further said, "I have nothing to complain, I have what I need in this place." She said, "my life is like flowers growing in the garden." She has the positive attitude looking at her daily journey in life. It is always a blessing to hear from an elderly individual's experience.

To test loneliness-use UCLA Loneliness Scale

UCLA Loneliness Scale
Indicate how often each of the statements below is descriptive of you. Circle one letter for each statement:
0 indicates "I often feel this way"
S indicates "I sometimes feel this way"
R indicates "I rarely feel this way"
N indicates "I never feel this way"

1. How often do you feel unhappy doing so many things alone? O S R N
2. How often do you feel you have nobody to talk to? O S R N
3. How often do you feel you cannot tolerate being so alone? O S R N
4. How often do you feel as if nobody really understands you? O S R N
5. How often do you find yourself waiting for people to call or O S R N
write?
6. How often do you feel completely alone? O S R N
7. How often do you feel you are unable to reach out and communicate with those around you? O S R N
8. How often do you feel starved for company? O S R N
9. How often do you feel it is difficult for you to make friends? O S R N
10. How often do you feel shut out and excluded by others? O S R N

(with permission of Daniel Russell)
Russell, D. (1996). The UCLA Loneliness Scale (Version 3): Reliability, validity, and factor structure. Journal of Personality Assessment, 66, 20-40.

This might help you as a caregiver: Geriatric Depression Scale

Depression and Loneliness, any CONNECTION?

Geriatric Depression Scale
This scale was developed as a basic screening measure for depression in older adults.

MOOD SCALE
(short form)
Choose the best answer for how you have felt over the past week:
1. Are you basically satisfied with your life? YES / NO
2. Have you dropped many of your activities and interests? YES / NO
3. Do you feel that your life is empty? YES / NO
4. Do you often get bored? YES / NO
5. Are you in good spirits most of the time? YES / NO
6. Are you afraid that something bad is going to happen to you? YES / NO
7. Do you feel happy most of the time? YES / NO
8. Do you often feel helpless? YES / NO
9. Do you prefer to stay at home, rather than going out and doing new things? YES / NO
10. Do you feel you have more problems with memory than most? YES / NO
11. Do you think it is wonderful to be alive now? YES / NO
12. Do you feel pretty worthless the way you are now? YES / NO
13. Do you feel full of energy? YES / NO
14. Do you feel that your situation is hopeless? YES / NO
15. Do you think that most people are better off than you are? YES / NO

The basic references are:
Brink TL, Yesavage JA, Lum O, Heersema P, Adey MB, Rose TL: Screening tests for geriatric depression. Clinical Gerontologist 1: 37-44, 1982.
Yesavage JA, Brink TL, Rose TL, Lum O, Huang V, Adey MB, Leirer VO: Development and validation of a geriatric depression screening scale: A preliminary report. Journal of Psychiatric Research 17: 37-49, 1983.
Sheikh JI, Yesavage JA: Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS): Recent evidence and development of a shorter version. Clinical Gerontology : A Guide to Assessment and Intervention 165-173, NY: The Haworth Press, 1986.
Sheikh JI, Yesavage JA, Brooks JO, III, Friedman LF, Gratzinger P, Hill RD, Zadeik A, Crook T: Proposed factor structure of the Geriatric Depression Scale. International Psychogeriatrics 3: 23-28, 1991.

Catholic gerontological pastoral care...

U.S Bishops in their pastoral message, Blessings of Age (Catholic Church, 1999, pp. 22-24):

• Older people are providers, not just recipients, of pastoral care.


• Older people themselves should help to identify their pastoral needs and decide how they are met.


• Older people are diverse, if not more so, than other generational groups.


• Older people need a mix of activities that connect them with each pothers as well as the larger community.


• Spiritual health affects and is affected by the individual's physical, emotional, mental, and social health. Although the faith community is expecially concerned about meeting spiritual needs, it cannot ignore these other realities.

"Catholic gerontological pastoral care is, by its very nature, dialogical, collaborative, mutual, diverse, creative, communal, and spiritual in the most holistice sense" (Rost, 2008).

Generations, Journal of the American Society of Aging, p.45, Summer 2008