Routine Is King

Photo collage by practicalowl.

I have trouble being productive unless I stick to a routine.

Does the trouble lie with age-related challenges to energy and cognition?

Or do I merely have more responsibilities as a middle aged person--busy kids, a big house, paid work, volunteer work and a little bit of a social life?

Whether it's a weather-beaten body or the midlife juggling of duties, I find that I must stick to a routine or I completely fall apart -- mind, body and soul.

I'm younger than the participants of this study of 96 people 58 to 89 years old, but researchers found that those who kept to a regular routine of eating, bathing, dressing, and so forth enjoyed better sleep.

APA's 21 Guidelines for Working with Older Adults

Photo by LeShaines123.

The American Psychological Association (APA) recognizes that working with older adults requires special consideration.

In response, they have developed a document entitled Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Older Adults. The latest version was published in 2013.  

Some, but not all, of these guidelines are pertinent to anyone working with older adults.

I think they are worth sharing.

This document outlines 21 different guidelines that are supported by research. What follows is just a list of the guidelines. If you would like a fuller explanation of any or all of the guidelines, click through to the entire document, which also includes references.

Philomena: Late-life Reconciliation

Released 27 November 2013. 

People are storytelling animals. We develop narratives to create meaning in our lives.

We also use narratives to persuade others to act. And we use narratives to resolve conflicts--with others, with ourselves.

Philomena (2013) is a film that depicts a woman in late life who is trying to resolve her conflicted feelings over losing her first child to adoption.

Movies about Children and Older Adults

Photo by Kevin Dooley.

After watching well over 130 films featuring older adults, I noticed that there are many that explore inter-generational relationships. 

Often the tension and opportunity for growth comes between older adults and their grown children. 

However, a few films focus on the possibility that older adults have something to offer children two generations removed from them--either their grandchildren, a neighbor or a complete stranger. 

The older adult sometimes offers nurturing, acceptance, and guidance that the parent is not providing. 

Calcium Carbonate

Photo by HBarrison.

I have not had the opportunity to visit the White Cliffs of Dover, part of England's coastline. However, I have been taking 1 antacid pill daily, so I feel some affinity to this natural beauty. Why?  The chalky whiteness of the soil is due to calcium carbonate, the same ingredient in my antacid.

I have recently learned that I have osteopenia, a weakening of the bones.  I am trying to improve my bone health through diet and exercise.   Women ages 51 to 70 years old need 1,200 mg of calcium per day.  But too much calcium can cause problems, so don't exceed daily recommendations--or your doctor's prescription, which may differ.