Prolonging Independence

We conducted a follow-up interview with Chandrakantha Thanukkody, and we were able to learn more about the importance of encouraging some form of activity for seniors. One of the main reasons we chose to conduct a secondary interview was Thanukkody‘s tenure. She has worked in senior caregiving for over a decade and has interacted with a wide range of individuals. She was well-versed in activities to keep seniors engaged and active.

She referred to a few personal stories when she was a caregiver for her father and mother-in-law.  "My father would read prayer songs and make his own meals. And my mother-in-law managed her own routine, to the extent where she’d change her own diapers as well."

She explained how they were self-sufficient until their physical health began to decline. As their physical health declined, Thanukkody dedicated more time to caregiving. Her perseverance is truly admirable as she returned to her career following the demise of family members. Her strength was displayed through her actions, as she used her experience to improve her caregiving towards her clients.

She would participate in their exercise routines, where she would mimic the recommended exercises for her clients. Certain clients may require additional care when performing these exercises due to their circumstances. For example, there can be clients who have had a previous fall, hospitalization, or other injuries. These clients will require additional care and assistance from physiotherapists to ensure they are able to recover in a healthy manner.

Thanukkody believes that incorporating a regular set of activities can promote better well-being. “I would encourage my clients to sustain a routine, go for a walk, talk to their friends, and try puzzles to keep themselves active.” She has found that her clients with a routine and hobbies tend to be more independent than her inactive clients.

“One of my clients is an avid reader, and her son brings her puzzles to solve after lunch. She has a stronger memory, and she is a lot more engaged than others.” This example shows the importance of incorporating cognitive exercises into the daily routine of seniors. It reduces the risk of cognitive decline, allowing seniors to enjoy the golden years.

However, it is important to note that the decline of cognitive health is not completely unpreventable. There are a variety of factors that play into cognitive decline, such as genetic factors, environmental factors, and lifestyle factors. We are limited in our ability to control these factors, but it is crucial that our efforts remain consistent.

“Unfortunately, as she has gotten older, she has mentioned that she struggles to sleep, and she is forgetting things often. She used to attend yoga classes, and she used to attend a seniors program near us. But she recently refused to go with people whom she didn’t know. She will attend if her daughter drops her off and picks her up.”

Every individual enters the world being dependent on someone, and they exit the world being dependent on someone. However, there is a large desire to sustain this short-term independence for as long as possible.

As previously mentioned, cognitive decline is not completely preventable, but there are a variety of measures that one could take to reduce their risk. They could take the appropriate steps to maintain their physical health, keep their mind active, and nourish their social relationships.

Thanukkody mentioned how some of her clients received physiotherapy, went for walks, or participated in yoga classes. These methods are excellent approaches to remaining physically active. Seniors could participate in any activity

that they enjoy (e.g., dancing, badminton, swimming, etc). As long as they are able to keep their body moving and sustain a healthy heartbeat.

Moreover, it is important that they consume a nutritious diet, receive ample sleep, and manage any chronic health conditions (e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol. A healthy diet provides seniors with ample energy and the ability to manage any potential health concerns. Sleep is crucial for individuals of all ages, as it supports healthy brain function and allows us to form long-term memories.

A common struggle with seniors who develop dementia is sleep pattern disturbances. They can have difficulty falling asleep and remaining asleep, sleeping throughout the day, and/or differentiating between the day and night. Thanukkody mentioned how one of her clients with an active lifestyle began to experience a memory decline, followed by sleep disturbances. She was unable to get a restful night of sleep. This impact can result in further health complications, where her memory can become more impaired, her physical health begins to deteriorate, and much more.

Social relationships are important to lead a healthy and fulfilling life; we require social connections. It provides us with the feeling of security and belonging. As we grow older, people tend to forget the importance of these connections, making it more difficult to establish these relationships. Hence, we should prioritize the ones we have. The presence of healthy relationships and a support system can encourage seniors to take care of their health and explore new measures. As Thanukkody mentioned, her client did not feel comfortable attending senior programs without a familiar face. The active presence of a familiar face can truly change one’s life.

You can learn more about the work of Thanukkody and other support workers on her agency's website: https://spectrumhealthcare.com/about/

AI Tools and Prompts

Opening Image Prompt

Created usingGPT Image 1, Nano Banana, Seedream 4.0, and FLUX.1. 

Prompt: “Generate an image of a south asian senior male finishing a puzzle”

Yoga Image Prompt

Created usingGPT Image 1, Nano Banana, Seedream 4.0, and FLUX.1. 

Prompt: “Generate an image of a senior doing yoga”