I've been helping out my 90+ parents, and I have found that role to be challenging in many ways. First, it is an emotional journey. Watching my parents who were always a source of strength and leadership in my life experience challenges related to aging has made me sad, and left me wondering about the best ways that I can help and support them during this life chapter. I want to retain my respect for them and their autonomy too, yet I also want to help them where they need help. To strattle the path of support and respect can be challenging.
Another reason why this is challenging is that I'm right behind them. I will most likely be in their shoes in two or three decades. In many ways, last chapters are frightening. No one wants to face the limitations the last chapters of life often include, yet many of us will face those limitations. Sadly, I've noticed that many elderly who live long lives lose their favorite strengths. For example, my grandmother who was an avid reader lost her sight, and another relative who prided herself with her gift of conversation, lost her ability to converse. It's hurtful to see these losses and it takes creativity to figure out what to do to support your loved ones in the best ways possible.
There's no one-size-fits-all roadmap for last chapters in life. Every individual experiences those last chapters differently. There also isn't well worn paths of how to deal with last chapters in life since people are living longer than ever before. In many ways, our generation of caretakers are charting new landscapes with regard to elder health care, and as I journey down this road, I notice a lot of room for improvement both in my own knowledge and work as well as in the way society cares for and supports this chapter in life. Onward.