PTSD Awareness Month
Oct 05, 2021
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was first officially recognized in the 1980s. Many have now heard the term PTSD at some point. However, few can identify those suffering and the symptoms that impact them. With June being National PTSD Awareness Month, it is the perfect time to gain more understanding on the illness. When reflecting on our senior community, think of how many lived a huge portion of their lives without understanding, proper diagnosis, or treatment. This month, let us reemphasize the importance of mental health.
WHAT IS PTSD?
To understand PTSD, we must first understand trauma. Abuse, car accidents, loss of loved ones, or life-threatening careers are just a few of the many traumas one could experience. When a person is unable to process and heal from the traumatic event, PTSD can develop. Imagine how many of our senior population experienced childhood trauma, served during wartime, or experienced domestic abuse that was never addressed. For some of our veterans the war they fought never ends.
PTSD is an emotional or psychological wound manifesting itself in flashbacks, disassociations, sleep problems, nightmares, panic attacks, change in appetite, change in mood or behavior, and isolation. These symptoms can occur or increase when triggered by stimuli such as sights, smells, or sounds that remind the brain of the traumatic event. The person then has a physical and emotional response to feeling unsafe or threatened. Powerful emotions of fear, irritability, anger, or guilt can result. These symptoms can reoccur over a lifetime if the traumatic incident is never processed.
HOW TO SUPPORT A SENIOR WITH PTSD?
When caring for a senior who suffers from PTSD, there can be triggering moments which cause past emotional wounds to weep. It is important to remain empathetic and understand they are reacting to the brain reliving the most horrible part of their life. Do not take an emotional outburst personally. A senior could also have cognitive decline, which could worsen symptoms and increase confusion. It is important to learn known triggers and grounding techniques that work best for the individual. A grounding technique could be as simple as encouraging deep breathing or asking the individual to name items around them.
Families and care givers should communicate openly to create a care plan. There are options for treatment such as psychotherapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), medication, and holistic therapies.
Support groups can also be extremely beneficial. Many seniors rely on family members or care givers for their primary source of socialization. Those suffering from trauma may isolate those closest to them, worsening their depression. Being able to speak openly and relate to others who have similar traumatic experiences is a great start to healing.
I would like to encourage each of us to imagine what your day would look like if you struggled with PTSD. What event caused the traumatic response? What are some triggers you could encounter on a typical day? If the event were serving during wartime, some of your triggers could be seeing a news report of an attack, hearing loud noises, the smell of fire, or the feel of sand in your clothes. With that in mind, think of how you can aid someone struggling today.
ARE THERE TREATMENT OPTIONS?
It is important to know that you do not have to deal with trauma alone. There are options for treatment such as psychotherapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), medication, holistic therapies, and grounding techniques. What works best for one person may not be the best option for another. It is important to explore treatment options and find what works best for the present symptoms. During my time working in mental health, I saw many begin treatment at the lowest point of their lives. What astounded me was how they rose to be hopeful healing people after they had the opportunity to process their pain in a safe environment and learn positive coping mechanisms. Above all, it is important to have faith over fear that you can overcome trauma!
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The Importance of Staying Hydrated Comfort Keepers of Grand Junction
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How Grandparent-Grandchild Relationships Boost Health and Well-Being
Strong relationships between grandparents and grandchildren are more than just heartwarming. They have been shown to contribute to better health, sharper minds, and deeper emotional connections across generations. At Right at Home, weve seen firsthand how relationships in grandfamilies (also called kinship families) improve the quality of life for both older adults and younger family members, says Patti Walter, owner/operator at Right at Home Northern Colorado As an in-home caregiving agency, we not only support day-to-day care but also champion the kind of intergenerational connections that lead to healthier, happier lives. Heres why nurturing the grandparent-grandchild bond mattersand how it helps at any age. The Health Benefits Go Both WaysFor grandparents:Spending meaningful time with grandchildren can reduce the risk of depression, cognitive decline, and even chronic illness. Studies show that older adults who engage regularly with younger generations report lower levels of loneliness and higher life satisfaction. Conversations and shared activities also help keep the mind active. Whether helping with homework, discussing current events, or sharing stories from the past, these interactions stimulate memory, language, and problem-solving skillsall critical for healthy aging. For grandchildren:The benefits arent one-sided, says Walter Grandchildren who have strong relationships with their grandparents often show greater emotional intelligence, resilience, and a stronger sense of identity. Grandparents offer a unique kind of supportless authoritative than a parent, but still deeply rooted in love and life experience. In families where grandparents help with caregivingeither regularly or as neededchildren can experience more stability, better behavior, and improved academic outcomes. And even as teens or adults, grandchildren often gain valuable perspective from a grandparents lived experience. Mind the (Communication) GapOf course, every generation speaks its own language. Misunderstandings between grandparents and grandchildren can happen, especially in todays fast-moving digital culture. But these gaps can be bridged with a bit of patience and intention. Walter suggests some tips for different generations to improve communication with each other: Dont assume disinterest. Grandparents may not know current slang or how to use current technology, but that doesnt mean they dont care. Grandchildren may seem tied to their toys or screens, butas anyone who has raised children knowsthey are always listening. Ask open-ended questions. Encouraging storytelling and reflection can lead to richer conversations. Be mindful of hearing or cognitive limitations. For grandchildren, making simple adjustmentsspeaking clearly, avoiding noisy environmentscan make a big difference. Grandparents can make the most of mealtimes or times when grandchildren are least busy. Respect different life stages. A teen might be navigating identity or stress about the future; a grandparent may be dealing with health issues or loss. Understanding context helps both sides show compassion, says Walter. Supporting Each Other Through CareIn-home caregiving often highlights how much grandparents and grandchildren lean on one another. Grandsboth generationshave been caring for each other more and more in recent years. Adult grandchildren may step into caregiving roles, providing companionship, managing medications, or helping coordinate care. On the flip side, grandparents often remain active caregivers in their own rightbabysitting, offering financial support, or simply being a trusted presence. These roles can be deeply rewarding, but also emotionally complex for both parties. Whether or not the grands relationships include caregiving, there are many ways to support them: Schedule regular visits or calls. Routine contact reduces isolation and builds trust and familiarity. Share activities. Cook a favorite recipe together, take a walk, or explore family history. Use techcurrent and olderto stay connected. Teach each otherwhether its FaceTime or how to play an old record. Include caregiving support. Home care agencies can ease the load by providing daily assistance and helping maintain a safe, comfortable home environment. Caregiving Equals ConnectionGrandparent-grandchild relationships can be an important part of healthy aging and emotional development for all involved. They remind us that caregiving is more than a service; its a connection. At Right at Home, were proud to support families in building and maintaining those connections, every step of the way. Need help supporting a grandparent or looking for ways to strengthen intergenerational bonds? Our care team is here to help with personalized, in-home services and expert guidance. About Right at Home of Northern Colorado The Northern Colorado office of Right at Home is a locally owned and operated franchise office of Right at Home, LLC, serving the communities of Larimer and Weld County. For more information, contact Right at Home of Northern Colorado at rightathome.net/northern-colorado , at 970-494-1111 or by email at pwalter@ncoloradorah.com.
The Surprising Advantages of Aging: A Celebration of the Golden Years
By Dustin M. Cole, MDGrand River Health Aging often gets a bad rap. Wrinkles, memory slips, and sore joints tend to dominate the conversation. But what if growing older brought with it a host of unexpected giftsones that outweigh the inconveniences of aging? The truth is, aging brings numerous psychological, emotional, social, and even physical benefits that are often overlooked.Happiness Grows with AgeStudy after study has shown that older adults report higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction compared to their younger counterparts. Between the ages of 65 and 85, happiness actually increases, with many seniors ranking among the happiest people in society. Why? Theyve mastered the art of realistic expectations, theyre more comfortable in their own skin, and theyve learned to let go of unnecessary pressure.Many elderly individuals describe the last decade of their lives as the happiest. They emphasize the joy of living in the momentsomething they wish they'd embraced earlier in life.A Positive Shift in PerspectiveWith age comes increased self-esteem, self-control, and altruism. Seniors are more likely to focus on the good, let go of negativity, and cherish meaningful connections. Neurological studies even show that older adults react more strongly to positive images and are less emotionally impacted by negative ones. Emotional stability improves over time, and worry tends to decline with each decade.Sharper Minds, Wiser ChoicesAlthough aging brings some changes in memory and processing speed, it also enhances cognitive abilities in other areas. Older adults often demonstrate stronger problem-solving skills, richer creativity, and greater insight thanks to decades of accumulated knowledge. Theyre better at identifying patterns and making connectionsskills particularly useful in complex, real-life situations.People in their 40s to 60s often outperform younger adults in vocabulary, reasoning, and spatial orientation. Their broader perspective allows for deeper empathy, better conflict resolution, and wiser decision-making.Strengthened RelationshipsOlder adults tend to focus more on what truly mattersfamily, friendships, and meaningful experiences. Deep, supportive relationships are not only emotionally fulfilling but are also key to physical health and longevity. The long-running Harvard Study of Adult Development found that quality relationships are one of the most powerful predictors of happiness and health in old ageeven more so than wealth or fame.The Power of Positive ThinkingAging well isnt just about what happens to your bodyits also about how you think about it. A positive outlook on aging is linked to longer life expectancy, better memory retention, and stronger daily functioning. On average, people with a positive perception of aging live 7.5 years longer than those with a negative outlook.Movement and Connection: Pillars of Healthy AgingStaying physically active is one of the most effective ways to maintain vitality. Regular aerobic activity boosts heart health, strengthens muscles and bones, and improves brain function. It also reduces the risk of depression, improves sleep, and helps prevent chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and even certain cancers.Equally important is staying socially engaged. Maintaining close relationships and participating in community activities help prevent loneliness, reduce stress, and even lower the risk of dementia.Real-Life InspirationCentenarians like Jeanne Calmet (who biked at 100 and quit smoking at 120) and Fauja Singh (who ran marathons into his 100s) serve as vivid reminders that aging doesnt have to mean slowing down. Their secrets? A sense of humor, active lifestyle, and a positive attitude.In SummaryAging brings with it a remarkable opportunity to live more fully, love more deeply, and engage more meaningfully. If you want to age well, remember the formula is simple:Move your body.Feed your mind.Stay connected.Think positively.As Abraham Lincoln said, In the end, its not the years in your life that count. Its the life in your years.