How important is it to have a Clear & Open Communication among Family Members at Old Age?

Having an affectionate family and maintaining open and clear communication with them is of profound importance in the context of seniors. That is because a healthy relationship from the loved ones fosters better senior care improving their health and overall quality of life. Research also reveals elders who have strong communication links and ties with their near and dear ones have a longer lifespan and blissful aging.

 Communication with family is known to bestow the following benefits in elderly care-

·Fosters a constant source of bonding and connection as social networking and relationships vary with aging.

·Thwarts feelings of isolation and depression significantly by encouraging social involvement. It not also prolongs the longevity of seniors but also adds life to the yesteryears by making life meaningful and involved.

·Builds better and stronger immune systems in elders as they are more relaxed and happy when they are in touch with their families. Good immunity helps in preventing health problems and fighting infections.

·Improves mental health as family interactions increase closeness and bonding and induce a feeling of bonding and involvement and also avoids loneliness.

·Enhances cognition as social engagements improve memory and thinking skills.

How families can encourage open communication with elders?

·Show sufficient respect for elderly people so that they feel wanted and involved. Too much patronizing may be inappropriate as most elders seek mutual respect in relationships. Some seniors may also be used to formal systems of addressing from homecare attendants  and may expect the same from their family members.

·Seniors must be comfortable in their own homes or care facilities so that they feel secure and safe. This feeling of security encourages them to share their needs and concerns without inhibitions. For achieving that, families must adopt a friendly, patient and compassionate method of communication with the elders.

·Spend time with older people to establish a good rapport and accept them with their strengths and weaknesses. Make it a point to greet them periodically, acknowledge their kindness and explain how you can help and support them. Having a clear-cut communication can instill confidence and relieve stress.

·Do not overload elders with plenty of information. Rather, listen and speak to them slowly as rapid questioning can cause overwhelming easily leading to confusion and miscommunication. Give seniors enough time to understand and comprehend what you need to convey. Older patients, especially, must not be hurried. By slowly discussing their complaints and grievances, families can gather vital information and get better cooperation and adherence from elders.

·Conscious and careful avoidance of interruption is also crucial when elderly people are talking. That helps them to articulate the problems and concerns clearly. Constant undivided attention and compassion from the family also makes elders more secure as they get the required prominence and feel wanted.

·Maintain proper eye contact and give periodic responses and positive affirmations when seniors are talking. This helps them to understand that they are being well attended and keeps the discussions more focussed.

·Display empathy to elders whenever possible by communicating to them that they are not alone and their feelings are genuine. Doing this indicates that family is a strong pillar of support and they can rely on it at all times, good and bad. Demonstration of empathy should also be done by nursing attendants who take care of elderly patients as it leads to better satisfaction, medical compliance and healthcare outcomes.

·Do not use medical jargon and disease-related terminologies often with old people as it can confuse them (especially if they are not familiar with it) .Also, the constant input of medical information can hamper the recovery and healing process. It is equally essential to discuss the treatment and care plans with elders in a simplistic manner so that they are aware of their health condition and the treatment route to be followed thereof.

· Appropriate language must be used when communicating as some words may have different meanings and connotations with the older generation. It is best to talk in simple language with common words and provide clarifications promptly when needed. 

Thus Healthabove60 can indeed be a pleasant and enjoyable journey if there is open and amicable communication between elders and their families, friends and close neighbours!