How to overcome the old age crisis: simple tips

• What is an old age crisis?
• What causes the psychological crisis of old age?
• What are the differences between the old age crisis in women and men?
• What principles must be followed to overcome the crisis of old age?
• How proper organization of leisure time helps to overcome the crisis of old age

Under the photo is the caption “When old age is a joy.” Question: what is shown on it? If you find it difficult to quickly answer the question, it means that you also believe that old age is a period of loneliness, helplessness and illness. But aren’t there problems and difficulties at any age, be it adolescence or adulthood? Yes, of course, only in old age there are more of them. How to overcome the crisis of old age? How can you help your elderly loved ones enjoy a calm and happy old age?

What does old age crisis mean?

Everything in the world is changing. So life, from the point of view of psychology, is a continuous series of eras. Childhood gives way to youth, maturity to old age... We look forward to some transitions, and to others with sadness, trying to stop time. In any case, this is a shake-up for the body, an age crisis.

The very meaning of the word “crisis” already explains a lot; it is a “sharp turn”, a “turning point” leading either to improvement or to deterioration. The transition from middle age to old age does not pass without a trace and smoothly; it causes many difficulties in the adaptation of an elderly person. A new age role does not pass without a crisis of old age, without unpleasant changes and negativity.

Nowadays the word “crisis” is used more than we would like, ranging from economic to the crisis of adolescence. It is rare that someone has not encountered the rebellious behavior of their 14-year-old children or grandchildren. From friends, neighbors, and from the press, we hear stories about the strange behavior of 40-45 year olds: he has everything, family, work, what else is he missing? In any case, a person’s life during the transition from one stage to another is subject to harsh self-criticism. What we were striving for is no longer satisfactory and is being questioned and re-evaluated. There is less talk about the midlife crisis; many people hide their mental turmoil and rethink the life they lived alone. And the “crisis of old age” is not voiced at all, although this is a strong psychological shock that accompanies the transition from middle age to old age.

With old age, and this is a special psychological age, comes a change in the social status of an elderly person, a rethinking of the entire “I”. Isn't this a crisis? The aging process, which cannot be stopped, is inherent in nature, and occurs in old age. Next comes old age and longevity; all these periods constitute old age. They will be beneficial for an elderly person only if they successfully adapt the transition from maturity to old age precisely in old age.

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There are many more age-related crises in our lives than we know. The baby realizes that he is “he” and not “me and mom”; this is a crisis at the age of three. A 45-year-old draws a line under what has been achieved and says goodbye to the dreams of youth - this is a midlife crisis. Such stages of development accompany us throughout our lives. Since childhood, these periods occur more often, brighter, more noticeable, but in old age they do not disappear, although they do not manifest themselves violently. This makes the crisis of old age more difficult for the person himself. The nature of the activity and environment of an elderly person changes, a rethinking of values ​​occurs, and numerous problems that were not visible in the rapid pace of life come to the fore. It is important not to leave an elderly person alone on the threshold of old age during this crisis period.

How many such periods are there? Psychologist I.G. Malkina-Pykh in his book “Crises of Old Age” designates eight life crises, the last one representing the transition to old age. Successfully overcoming the crisis of old age depends on taking stock of the entire life journey. Inner harmony, awareness of the correctness of making life decisions - all this allows you to calmly put the “puzzles” of your life into a single whole. A calm outcome allows you to live on, enjoy the allotted years, without reproaching yourself for anything. If the mistakes of the past, moral failures and remorse do not allow us to glue everything into a single picture, fear of the end of life and despair from the worthlessness of existence without the right to correct these mistakes appear. The adaptation process is delayed, the crisis of old age drives a person into a dead end.

Obvious psychological manifestations

The transition from middle age to old age is accompanied by a change in social status and personal relationships. It is during this period that a person begins to realize that most of his life is behind him and it is necessary to take stock of the first results. These changes can lead to the development of socio-psychological problems, one of which is the drama of lack of demand. Its cause is a feeling of unfulfillment and uselessness.

The drama of lack of demand develops against the backdrop of the inability to realize one’s capabilities, creative and intellectual potential. The feeling of one’s own uselessness and belittling of existing achievements is fueled by the discrepancy between the mentality of young people and the elderly. To mitigate or overcome the drama, it is important to help the elderly person maintain a sense of being needed, which guarantees a certain stability and a sense of bright prospects. This makes it easier for him to come to terms with existing realities and achieve harmony in the status of a pensioner.

Another significant problem is loneliness. In a social sense, it is manifested by living separately from children and their families. Also during this period, many friendships with peers are lost. This problem also has a psychological side. Deteriorating health and changes in social status lead to self-isolation or rejection from others. The feeling of abandonment is aggravated by the duality of the situation. On the one hand, a person strives to isolate himself from reality, to protect his existing stable little world, on the other hand, he is aware of the growing gap with his environment and is afraid of a lonely old age.

The problem of limited life activity is no less acute. It is caused by a partial or complete loss of the ability or ability to:

• self-care and self-control;
• communication;
• movement and orientation;
• labor activity.

This problem directly depends on financial solvency. Many people are concerned about the size of their pension, rising prices, rising costs of treating existing diseases, and decreasing solvency. Taking this into account, improving social support for low-income segments of society is a priority.

The crisis of old age in Erikson's theory

According to Erikson’s theory (according to the book “Childhood and Society” by Erik Erikson, an American psychologist), the crisis of old age is always expressed in an acute psychosocial conflict. The eighth age crisis for an elderly person means a transition to the final stage of life. During this period, a person rethinks his life.

There are 3 types of adaptation to old age :

1. "Happy" old age. It happens to people who easily overcome the crisis of old age because they are strong in spirit and have a balanced type of higher nervous system. They represent a harmonious personality; they are not alien to intellectual work. These elderly people are calm about what is happening, their psychological state is close to vital asthenia. They contemplate the world, remembering the pleasant moments of their lives, love their age, and treat many things philosophically, peacefully and with wisdom, including death.
2. "Unhappy old age." It happens in people with chronic diseases that bring suffering to an elderly person. They are constantly anxious, unsure of themselves, touchy and vulnerable. Such elderly people have lost the meaning of life, they often have thoughts of suicide, and attempts or appeals to euthanasia are possible. They, as a rule, are lonely, helpless, remember old grievances, unpleasant moments of their past, and the crisis drags on.
3. "Psychopathological old age." It is difficult for older people to endure; the age crisis lasts endlessly. It happens in older people with age-related organic disorders: depression, hypochondria. They suffer from neuroses and senile dementia. Older people invent problems and conflicts for themselves and those around them. They are very afraid of going to a nursing home, they hate their age.

Read the material on the topic: Loneliness of older people

How to deal with problems

Taking into account the peculiarities of the crisis of old age, it is important to create comfortable conditions for a loved one and help him find himself in a new status. The opportunity to continue to share your knowledge and skills allows you to increase self-esteem, feel reliable “soil under your feet,” and look confidently into the future.

Psychologists working with the elderly suggest relying on 5 principles that will help overcome crisis manifestations:

1. The golden time is not a reason to break off friendships and family ties. Don't withdraw from communication.
2. Don't isolate yourself. Share your knowledge, thoughts, feelings.
3. Take a look around. There is so much new and interesting in the world. Find yourself another interesting hobby, plan a trip, do something meaningful.
4. Learn not only to help, but also to gratefully accept care and guardianship.
5. Showing your dissatisfaction and irritability is not a great skill. Look for positivity and share it with others.

Unfortunately, many people cannot overcome the latest age crisis alone. Social services come to their aid. More and more programs are being developed for the social adaptation of old people. They are aimed at attracting pensioners to various initiatives:

• improvement of house and park areas;
• providing assistance to those in need;
• mentoring youth, etc.

Clubs and courses are also being opened where the elderly can realize their creative skills, communicate, gain new knowledge, improve computer literacy, etc.

Aging is a natural process that cannot be stopped or reversed. It is associated not only with a deterioration in physical fitness, but also with overcoming a psychological barrier. After all, you have to rebuild, find the meaning of existence without your favorite job, change the established rules. To overcome oneself and let go of the past, to start the next stage with a clean slate, one does not always have enough one’s own strength and requires the support of relatives and special services.

When the old age crisis comes

The crisis of old age does not occur after a person retires. Even age is not a prerequisite; some older people work until they are 80-90 years old. For every older person, the age crisis manifests itself differently; this is a turning point period of rethinking oneself, often accompanied by a change in behavior. Statistics with long-term analysis give an approximate time of transition to old age, it is 60-74 years. Everything that will be said below can be titled with a phrase from the English critic and poet of the second half of the 18th century, Jones Samuel: there are people who cannot get rid of youth all their lives. It’s true that for some, fifty years is a long time, while others, even at eighty, will “give a head start” to the young. There are no specific boundaries for designating old age.

Sometimes all three age determination indicators do not coincide. How is this possible? An elderly man, let's call him Ivan Petrovich, feels his age to be 70 years old. He is active, participates in sports competitions for veterans, and does exercises in the fresh air every day. Neighbors, seeing a fit, cheerful neighbor in a bright tracksuit, who always responds to all community events, be it painting a swing or planting trees, give him no more than 60 years. What's in the ID? Our Ivan Petrovich is 82 years old. The crisis of old age is not scary for such people.

Aging is not only biological changes in the body, it is a mood, an attitude towards life.

What social role did he take after his retirement? Still working, feeling great? What kind of old age is this? Have you finally found time to spend time with your grandchildren and are feeling rejuvenated by their irrepressible energy and every minute questions? Also an option! Expands his horizons by going to his small homeland, and then traveling throughout the country? How to call him an old man? It’s great when you have the strength, interest and means! Let this period last as long as possible, and let the time of old age move past the crisis.

Age crisis. How to live after 50?

Home, family, career, experience - by the age of fifty a person most often has all this. Life is good. There are undeniable achievements - there is no need for deprivation, in the race for success. With such a positive result, it is at this age that many people experience a crisis: doubts arise about the correctness of the choice of path, purpose, state of health, and in general it is not clear what tasks to live on next, what guidelines to follow?

In my understanding, based on knowledge of theory and practice, a person’s experience of his age is one of the key PHENOMENA of his life.

The fourteen-year-old Russian prince led the army into battle. A modern teenager of his age has a completely different field of responsibility. A person’s sense of self in a certain age period is the result of the interaction of his physiology, psyche, living space and the world external to him.

We are the heirs of a period when the fiftieth anniversary was not considered productive.

Based on the experience of psychological science and practice, my personal observations, let’s try to figure out what the psychology of systemic phenomena I created says about this crisis. And, most importantly, how to overcome it and go in the RIGHT direction.

1.
It's inevitable!
The crossroads, the interval between periods of life when previous goals have already been achieved, meanings have been exhausted, and new ones have not yet been found, are called crises. Throughout his life, a person experiences several such age-related crises - this is inevitable. The age crisis is also affected by

● crisis of experience: previous knowledge and action algorithms do not lose their value, but are no longer sufficient;

● crisis of self-realization: in youth, everyone draws a picture of the expected future, and the time comes to compare expectations and reality.

2.
Why does it hurt?
This is a new period of increased responsibility, and the ability or inability to take it is especially clearly felt. The fear of making decisions forces you to remain at the starting point - the longer, the more painful it is. In addition, there are harmful behavioral tendencies and habits that take away energy and aggravate the situation. These include the habit of surrounding oneself with small, irrelevant and sometimes completely useless affairs and events - vanity. Like bottom silt, it rises and prevents you from seeing your true needs. Make a habit of being in silence, without being distracted by social networks, empty conversations, let the silt settle to see yourself.

3.
This is NOT old age
The proportion of people in society who have reached and crossed the threshold of maturity is growing. Life expectancy and the level of medical care are increasing. Yet many people at this age are concerned, if not disappointed, about their health. Uncertainty about “physics” gives you self-doubt. Of course, age-related changes cannot be reversed, but you can extend your physically resourceful state for many years. The middle of life is not only not old age, but also in many ways physical and intellectual blossoming. But what was previously provided by the youth of the body will now be based on self-care, attention and work: meditation, qigong, adequate and rational physical activity, attention to your inner world and its interaction with the external world to relieve psychosomatic problems.

4.
What BENEFIT can this bring?
People who are busy with their own business and people who devote their time to hired labor experience this period somewhat differently. For the former, this may result in a new creative impulse, for the latter, it can be a reason to change their lives for the better, perhaps get a profession, improve their financial situation and level of self-realization.

5.
What EXACTLY should you NOT do?
Many people in this state have a desire, an impulse to change their life very dramatically, to do some kind of madness: sell a house and build a hut on the Faroe Islands overlooking the stormy North Sea, get a divorce, leave their previous job and go on a trip around the world, or go into a simple life. living... An excellent plot for a romantic adventure comedy. Unfortunately, a drastic change in lifestyle and lifestyle rarely leads to positive results.

Before you make a sharp turn, you should understand WHERE you need to go.

6.
Career guidance 50+?
Some time ago, it was believed that choosing a profession was relevant only for high school students, or at most for university graduates. The word “career guidance” may still have the aftertaste of something schoolboy and vague. However, now that you have experience and a better understanding of yourself, you can allow yourself to turn in a new direction.

7.
Prioritize action over anxiety
Some people tend to be anxious for a long time. Sometimes the decision has already been made, the path has been chosen, but no action is taken. You need to remember the need to act, then you can kill two birds with one stone: become closer to the goal and reduce anxiety.

In my consulting experience, passive anxiety and the impulse to drop everything and rush into the taiga are two sides of the same melancholy, when a person has accumulated unresolved conflicts and dissatisfaction with life.

Age 50+ in itself is not an obstacle to a fulfilling and meaningful life. Obstacles should be sought in ignored problems and unlived feelings.

Why does the old age crisis occur?

Any age crisis implies the inability to follow the same path, because... Not only life priorities and values ​​change, but the leading motivation changes. Personality undergoes both physical and mental changes, which are formed under the influence of specific reasons. What are the causes of the old age crisis?

The usual way of life has changed a lot, namely:

• From a respected and invaluable employee, breadwinner and authoritative worker, an elderly person turns into an ordinary, often powerless member of society with a low income;
• Change in social status due to retirement;
• Active labor and intellectual activity is replaced by inaction;
• The world that revolved around the elderly man suddenly collapsed, and society decided that his potential had been exhausted;
• An elderly person has a huge amount of free time, running around a clearly defined circle of life has stopped;
• The environment is melting before our eyes: children have fluttered out of their parents’ nest, colleagues have forgotten, friends are leaving this world;
• Preoccupation with one’s own unhappy thoughts drives one into a dead end;
• With age, diseases worsen, new ones appear;
• An elderly person realizes with horror that he is becoming dependent on others in his helplessness, and his self-doubt is growing.

Old age crisis, i.e. entry into old age appears, according to E. Erikson, due to a contradiction, a discrepancy between the satisfaction of the years lived and disappointment in life. This is the time to take stock, to “gather the scattered stones.” Entering the period of crisis of old age, people, before “crossing the threshold of old age,” analyze their lives, compare achievements and failures, pros and cons, as if on a scale. This is very important for the psychological state of an older person, because... from now on, the center of his concerns and attention will be shifted from the future to the past. Having rethought his past years and remaining confused by the inability to correct anything, the elderly person suffers from negative emotions, loneliness and uselessness. This is the crisis of old age. Unfortunately, as we age, our hearing, vision, and touch do not improve. The surrounding world, narrowed to the size of a room, retreats even further into the nebula. An elderly man is conjecturing something, trying to guess, changing the essence according to his conviction. This imaginary world is highly dependent on his fears and prejudices.

All these mental changes inherent in old age also influence the course of the old age crisis.

Personality types in old age

Foreign psychologists have been able to identify several personality types characteristic of old age:

1. Construction type. Characterized by internal balance, optimism, positive thinking, a critical attitude towards oneself, tolerance towards other people, high self-esteem, plans for the future, expectation of support, a positive attitude towards losing a job.
2. Dependent type. There is a good ability to adapt in completely social ways. A dependent person has no professional and personal ambitions for his future life, is prone to subordination, is completely family-oriented and hopes for help from other people.
3. Protective type. Characterized by defensive stinginess in emotions, straightforwardness in words and actions, and habits. The person has difficulty accepting help and tries to provide for himself.
4. Aggressive-accusatory type. Shifts responsibility for his own mistakes in life onto other people. Characterized by impulsiveness, suspicion, negative experiences, denial of aging, fear of death, inadequate perception of oneself and the world, negative attitude towards others.
5. Self-accusatory type. Characterized by passivity, faith in fate, depressive tendencies, lack of desire to fight difficulties, lack of initiative. The self-blaming type has a negative attitude towards life and himself, suffers from loneliness, and sees death as a release from torment.

The crisis of old age and its manifestations

Mental processes in old age do not fade away, do not disappear, but only slow down. The speed of reaction, attention and thinking changes. These changes look like this:

1. Reaction speed

The reaction time in older people increases, the time interval for the passage of a nerve impulse stretches, perceptual (sensory) information is processed more slowly, and cognitive processes are slowed down. According to E.Ya. Sternberg (the founder of the school of domestic gerontopsychiatrists), when mental activity and the speed of psychomotor reactions decreases, the scope of perception narrows, and concentration of attention becomes difficult, only then can we talk about the aging of the body. Let’s add to the complete picture of a slower mental response a decrease in tone and mobility.

2. Memory

Memory in old age often brings surprises. Reading the memoirs of veterans, you are surprised by the flow of names, surnames, division numbers, and detailed accounts of events from the days of “bygone days.” Yes, it would be wrong to talk about memory decline in all elderly people; more than 90% of elderly people aged 65 years and older have excellent memory, perhaps with slight deterioration. These nuances are more related to current events, and the distant past is seen clearly. This has a beneficial effect on the mental well-being of the elderly, because returning to pleasant moments in a past life, in youth, living them again and again brings pleasure and peace. Pleasant memories are one of the means of overcoming the crisis of old age. Memorizing new information in older people engaged in mental activity is also successful.

3. Attention

When talking to older people, you can often observe their absent-mindedness. A person confuses the sequence of events, understands this himself and suffers, aggravating the crisis. One must be especially patient with the fact that control over danger signals is often reduced in an elderly person. In youth, traffic lights and car signals are perceived instantly; in old age, attention is weakened, and these signals are perceived with difficulty.

4. Intelligence

For some reason, there is an opinion that a person loses his intelligence as he ages. There is no evidence of this; moreover, a multi-year (20 years) massive longitudinal (with one group of people) study in Seattle (USA) showed amazing results. The IQ level (intellectual quotient) does not change throughout life, i.e. if it was average, it will remain so, if high, it will remain at this level.

Of course, there are some nuances. Intelligence requires constant development. If professional activity was associated with mental work, intelligence will remain stable. Otherwise, constant training is required in old age (memorizing poetry, solving crossword puzzles).

General intelligence can be assessed in terms of crystallized and fluid intelligence.

What is crystallized intelligence? It is formed and depends on the knowledge acquired over a lifetime. Solving problems and getting out of difficulties rely on this type.

What is fluid intelligence? The ability to comprehend and find solutions to heuristic problems, problems for which there are no conventionally correct solutions.

Fluid intelligence is more unstable than crystallized intelligence. When talking about a decrease in intellectual level, they mean the lack of creative approaches to get out of difficult situations. But still, more than 10% of older people surprise with their youthful level of intelligence. Such people easily comprehend the crisis of old age and quickly adapt to new conditions.

Read more: Depression in older people

Give up old ideas

Very often a person is influenced by stereotypes, ideas and beliefs that prevent him from living for himself and enjoying life in retirement. The old image of a pensioner, familiar to post-Soviet people, is a wreck who sits on a bench, gossips or does nothing for himself. Allow yourself to let go of such ideas. To do this, ask about successful people your age who have retired and experienced the same feelings as you. And if they managed to get out of this crisis, then you will definitely succeed too. Just start allowing yourself this. Replace negative statements about yourself and your new status with positive ones. For example, instead of “I’m too old to start something new” - “I’ve already gained enough wisdom and experience to allow myself to take up an interesting hobby.” Or change “Retirement life is over” to “I’ve already done a lot, and now it’s time to do what interests me.” And act on these new ideas.

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What is a psychological crisis in old age?

It would be easy to judge the crisis of old age only from the physiological side: deteriorating health, decreased capabilities and loss of strength. An age crisis also implies psychological changes. Emotions are contained. The person seems to go into his inner world to comprehend what he has lived through.

What changes in characteristic phenomena do we observe from the outside? An elderly person has an acute need for communication, for listeners and those who want to receive his advice.

An elderly person experiencing the difficulties of an age crisis becomes intolerant, emotionally unstable, annoying, and painfully touchy. The desire to teach everyone becomes unbearable, the reluctance to listen to any, even the most reasonable, arguments is perplexing. The crisis is blossoming. If you don’t argue with an older person, you will hear arguments about your callousness; if you try to prove him wrong, you are heartless; if you remain silent, they will be offended by you. If you come to make peace, first you will listen to the grumbling, and then you will fulfill the whims. Be patient, be glad that the crisis of old age has not yet overtaken you. This is a defensive reaction, a psychological mechanism that allows you to survive in this difficult time for an elderly person.

Of course, not all older people, experiencing an old age crisis, behave this way. Others are overcome by fear, despair from the irreversibility of life, a feeling of hopelessness of “the passage of the remaining minutes through their fingers.”

How to cope with the crisis of old age - basic principles

The crisis of old age in our country is a pressing problem. This is due to the fact that older people rarely turn to appropriate specialists with their problems to quickly and effectively overcome decline. Also, few people understand the seriousness of the crisis problem. As life progresses, one difficulty replaces another, and here it is important to learn to adapt and rebuild.

To overcome the crisis, according to professional psychologists, it is enough to observe the following basic principles:

• maintain regular communication with friends, neighbors, and family;
• do not isolate yourself, consult with other people, discuss emerging problems;
• do not give in to a sad mood, find something you love that brings joy and satisfaction;
• accept help with gratitude, take care of loved ones.

Old age crisis in women and men: what is the difference

The crisis of old age in people of different sexes occurs in their own way; even the time frames of aging, both for men and women, do not coincide. According to summarized data from the WHO Regional Office for Europe (World Health Organization), we can talk about women as older people from the age of 55, and about men from the age of 61. But then, from the age of 75, rights are equalized, followed by advanced age (old age). And from the age of ninety we are talking about longevity.

From old age a person goes through 3 sub-crises :

1. There is a rethinking, a revaluation of the understanding of one’s own “I”: who am I besides a professional, an employee, when no one needs my experience and qualifications, and life goes on. The beginning of the crisis.
2. The fact of noticeable aging of the body and weakening of health becomes undeniable and obvious. Overcoming this point of crisis speaks of developing an adequate acceptance of this moment, a middle ground between panic and absolute indifference. The crisis is intensifying.
3. The third sub-crisis allows you to analyze the situation and accept the idea of ​​inevitable death calmly and soberly. The crisis is easing.

Men, naturally, experience the first point problematically, because... career and professional status are the basis of life for many of them. Women are more concerned about the loss of health, because... They usually look after their aged husbands, and this requires strength.

In any case, the problems of loneliness come to the fore. Although here too women adapt better, devoting themselves to children and grandchildren. The crisis of old age in men is associated with philosophical research: have I managed to do everything in life, why did I come into this world, who am I and what is the meaning of life? Because of this, the crisis in men is more painful.

Why do married couples (who are the same age, eat the same and relax) age differently? It's all about the "double standard" for women and men. What is valued in a woman? The ability to prolong the family, and for this to be desirable and sexy, to be a support for your man. As soon as the reproductive function disappears, a woman is classified by society as an “old woman.” No one is interested in her talent and success in the professional field. A man, depending on his field of activity, can be “on horseback” for a long time. Therefore, he looks more attractive in the eyes of society than his peers.

Stages of crisis development

Age crises are unique to each person. It proceeds depending on the character and internal attitudes of the elderly person. The crisis also depends on what place a person previously occupied in society, what his social circle is, etc. All this adds up to the overall picture of the psycho-emotional state. However, in addition to the psychological component, deterioration in physical health to a greater or lesser extent plays a significant role.

Due to such a multifaceted manifestation, the crisis does not pass through in one stage. Experts count 3 steps that every person who reaches old age overcomes:

• The initial stage is the stage of internal experiences and introspection. A person cannot ignore dramatic changes in life. He compares himself in the present with his past self and invariably loses. Despite his new status as a pensioner and the lack of the same amount of strength and energy, life must go on. A person is looking for a way to live this life in harmony with himself.
• Understanding yourself as an old man who needs help and support. Physical activity becomes more and more difficult, and chronic diseases remind us of themselves. Constantly overcoming, trying to stay on the same level with the younger generation will only worsen the psychological pressure. At this stage, it is important to accept the new you, to allow yourself to be an older person.
• Accepting the inevitability of physiological changes and the aging process. Replacing old habitual activities with new, age-appropriate ones.

How is the old age crisis different in the USA, Germany, and Finland?

I wonder if such a concept as the crisis of old age is international? Yes, the age crisis exists outside of time and boundaries, it only differs in the degree of impact. If we recall the reasons for the emergence of the old age crisis, it directly depends on the quality of life of pensioners. Quality is connected with the state policy of caring for the elderly, with the mentality of the people, with national traditions, and the adequacy of the pension system.

Let's compare the traditional activities of pensioners in different countries and evaluate how they cope with the old age crisis.

USA

Retirement in the United States occurs at 65 for women and at 67 for men. The amount of the pension varies, depending on the pensioner’s services to the state, but on average it is $1,164. It is the size of the pension and accumulated funds that become the decisive arguments for the decision to end working life. But part-time work, if health allows, is not a means of survival; it is one of the chances to remain in an active society. Grandparents, as a rule, do not replace eternally busy parents; there is no such tradition.

American retirees are characterized by optimism and an active lifestyle. Are they before the crisis? Many public events are organized for them, both social and commercial. There is a whole industry that makes money from organizing leisure activities for the elderly. Pensioners driving up in their cars, busily getting ready for some meeting, is a common occurrence. There are special media that cover the active life of older people and announce all events. Here you can find a schedule of interest clubs, courses, creative houses created only for older people. The famous communities “Educational Society for Those Over 55+”, “Union of Lovers of Outdoor Games”, societies for connoisseurs of orchids, fishing, antiques, the list goes on and on. Veterans find an outlet in helping those who find it more difficult by working as volunteers.

A large place in the lives of American elders is given to the Church; it is a place of meeting, communication and consolation, a wonderful way to overcome the crisis of old age.

There is an opinion that American retirees with high incomes change their place of residence to a more comfortable one, for example, move to Florida. This is partly true, but in reality everything is more complicated. In Florida and several other states, there are many special benefits and discounts just for seniors. Naturally, it is cheaper to live there; the influx of elderly people forces the infrastructure to adapt to demand and develop a powerful network of medical institutions, nursing homes, and industrial enterprises producing goods for the elderly. Improved conditions entail a new influx of pensioners.

Germany

How do older people live in Europe, and is the elderly crisis threatening residents of Germany?

The state, taking into account length of service, number of children, years of military service and education, calculates pensions from the age of 65. Naturally, it differs from person to person, but on average it amounts to 810 €.

All over the world you can meet optimistic German retirees traveling around the world. It is good practice to visit the sea at least 2 times a year. What's the secret? The national mentality is expressed in pathological frugality and economy. The tours may be cheap, but traveling means new experiences, nature and people, and this is so useful in old age! The crisis will not catch up with them.

Many elderly people in Germany live in special homes, social communities for the elderly. It’s simple: this is the norm; in Germany there is no tradition of living in large families or clans. But it is not customary to take care of elderly parents and relatives. One good thing is that specialized homes for the elderly are well provided by the state and social organizations. Comfortable conditions are created there, a high level of medical care and active leisure are provided.

Finland

Having retired at 65, Finnish pensioners fill gyms, cinemas, and cafes. Traveling, playing sports, and various hobbies help you get through the crisis of old age quickly and painlessly.

The average pension is about 1344 €. If the pension is less, then an amount is added, the so-called “national pension”. The state helps its elderly in the form of significant benefits for cultural events, gyms, purchases of certain goods, medicines, and transportation.

Read material on the topic: Senile egoism

Advantages of accommodation in the private boarding house "Harmony House"

When organizing care for the elderly in Moscow, the specialists of our boarding houses strive to cover all areas of the lives of their residents:

• special classes and organized leisure;
• maintaining an active lifestyle for wards;
• adherence to daily routine and balanced nutrition.

In addition to basic care services, loved ones can choose an additional set of services so that the elderly person feels their care and attention.

An emotional crisis is formed not only in adolescence or middle age; elderly people often find themselves in difficult situations. It is more difficult for them to cope with this condition, because neither physical nor moral strength is enough to improve their well-being, which means they need professional help. The boarding houses of the network offer wards excellent living conditions, medical care and psychological support with socialization and adaptation.