Did you know the fastest growing demographic category in the world (except on the continent of Africa) is seniors . . . those 65 years and older. Wisconsin, in the year 2030, will rank number 19 of the 50 states with nearly 22% of its population being 65 years or older. Yet most businesses, agencies, churches or families really never consider the impact of this fact.
Most people do not want to think about getting older, for there is such a negative connotation to what it means to get old. Many equate advanced aging with being weak even feeble; with a loss of memory or loss of solid judgment. They equate age with illness and disease; or with loss of youthful appearance; loss of finances; loss of friends; loss of the ability to drive; and ultimately the loss of independence. So far this all sounds pretty bad doesn’t it?
Let me continue: In our youth focused society, the media creates and plays into the negative stereotype of seniors by making fun of them. Almost all shows I’ve seen recently on TV, present seniors as comic caricatures . . . full of wrinkles, annoying habits, outdated clothing, and silly talk. Our seniors are usually pictured using canes, wheelchairs and walkers. Let me ask you again, ‘how well do you think our society treats its’ elderly?’
Probably the worst fear for older people is any prospect of needing or residing in a nursing home. How does society describe a nursing home? A sad place where old people go to die! The smells are bad, the food is bad, the care is bad and then you die! Oh and by the way, (to my family) . . . promise me you’ll never put me in a nursing home! Wait, like all of the other false assumptions about being elderly, maybe it is time to reassess our thoughts about nursing homes!
There is a psychological term I’d like you to consider. That term is cognitive dissonance! Cognitive dissonance simply stated, means – “Don’t bother me with the facts because my mind is already made up!”
I would suggest we consider a ‘different truth.’ It’s a truth the caretakers for seniors witness everyday and so do you, if you think about it. It’s a truth that society must bring forward. A truth you need to participate in. It’s a reality which can wipe away false impressions, and end hurtful stereotypes! Dr. Gene Cohen said, “Increasingly when we see an older person do something that’s really incredible, we realize it’s because of their age, not despite it!”
Aging can be a wonderful and positive time of life! Seniors are important and dynamic and a growing influence that will aid our nation and the world. They represent a powerful and growing voter block that will influence policy and politics. And that they have already spoken about the need to improve health care! One result . . . most of today’s nursing homes provide far better care and provide a far better environment than can be imagined by most.
At our Cedar Lake Health and Rehabilitation Center in West Bend, Wisconsin, a 229 bed nursing home, last year we had 851 admissions and of those, 85% went through a sophisticated therapy programs and were discharged and went back to their private homes, typically in less than 60 days! At our state-of-the-art health care facility, we provide home-made style meals with the cooks working, as a part of the care team in household kitchens in front of the residents and preparing food to the individual taste of each resident and served at a time chosen by each resident. We provide an environment second-to-none in reflecting a softer, warmer domestic model, while enhancing our quality medical care delivery. We also offer nursing home alternatives to those requiring lesser care in the form of assisted living apartments and even home care.
At Cedar Community, a future thinking senior community, we have been founded on the concept of ‘purposeful’ living. From independent senior homes to assisted living apartments to our nursing home, all residents are giving opportunities and encouragement to live a truly ‘full’ life through meaningful activity! Experiential social, spiritual, educational, recreational and emotional involvement framed in creating relationships, providing services to others, and respecting the natural environment lead to better health and a better life!
You see, its time for society to ‘re-think’ what it means to be a senior! It needs embrace new opportunities! It needs to revel in the unlimited possibilities which lie ahead for all of us!
