Story provided by Aging Advocates
Balancing the demands that caregivers find themselves in is precarious as they are pulled between raising their own children, leading their own lives, and helping aging family or friends. Statistics show adult caregivers share a range of feelings about the caregiving experience from the positives of the close bond developed in caregiving to feelings of frustration, fear, sadness, isolation, and guilt.
A caregiver with a healthy holistic aspect of caregiving notices invaluable benefits, incorporating mind, body, and emotion or spirit. Physical health such as rest, regular exercise and diet are important as well as staying emotionally engaged, and sharing your feelings with a trusted friend or counselor.
Mindfulness is that third arm of that holistic triangle. According to Psychology Today, mindfulness is a state of active, open attention on the present. When one is mindful, you carefully observe your thoughts and feelings without judging them good or bad. Mindfulness means living in the moment and awakening to your current experience, rather than dwelling on the past or anticipating the future. Caregivers can benefit from the focus of staying in the present and awareness of their feelings.
The Aging Advocates want to bring the idea of caregiver mindfulness to workshop form with the program, “Mindfulness and Aging: Supporting your Family.” The free event, set for Thur., Oct. 4, will be held from 6-8 p.m. at First Christian Church. Staff from LIFE Adult Day Center will provide caregiver support so that participants may listen to speakers and engage in round table discussions. A light supper will be provided. To register or for more information, please call the LIFE Center, 405-377-0978.
Aging Advocates, a group of area businesses and agencies in the Stillwater and Payne County area, come together monthly to advocate for older adults. From their experiences, they innovate ideas and raise awareness of older adult issues. It is important to look at the developing needs of the different aging population and look to support, educate, and find services valuable to a life fully lived.
Anyone with an interest in helping find solutions to senior adult issues and join the Aging Advocates organization, please contact the group through Valerie Bloodgood, Karman Legacy Hospice, 405-377-8012.