Living behind the curtain of numbers

Not long ago, the process of aging was revered: we spoke of wise elders and learned about life through
their tales. Nowadays, aging is seen ny many as a diminishing of importance, beauty and relevance
instead of a culmination of experience. Little do they know that older people have so much to face that it
becomes so hard for them to live their life to the fullest.

For Ruben and Virgilia Almario, an aged couple living in the simple town of Peñaranda, living behind a
curtain of numbers is at a different face, facing the misconceptions of aging.

Misconception of Aging

Fatigue

As we grow older, we lose strength and muscle mass. It is absolutely a perfect way to define fatigue and
probably the most common symptom of aging. Fatigue is often considered to be a symptom rather than a
condition and is different from general drowsiness, confusion and excessive sleepiness. Many elderly
patients use these symptoms interchangeably, making it difficult for their physicians to discern whether
what they are experiencing is truly fatigue and if intervention is needed. Older adults are more likely to
experience a reduction in certain hormone levels as well as suffer from chronic diseases which increases
the likelihood that they will experience fatigue.

"Mahirap mabuhay sa araw-araw lalo na at matanda na kami. Mahina na at di na namin kayang gawin
yung mga dati naming nagagawa. Pakiramdam ko ay palagi akong pagod." said Ruben.

Fatigue may affect the elderly on a number of levels. Physically, they may have issues completing normal
activities, need extended periods of rest, have an increased risk of falling and have difficulty coordinating
their movements. Mentally, symptoms may arise in the form of reduced alertness, decreased
concentration, and an increase in forgetfulness. Symptoms may also be experienced emotionally, with
fatigue patients feeling irritable and being quicker to anger, more depressed and more isolated.

Hardships to learn new things

Like the saying, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks," the aging human brain has a tough time learning
from new experiences. Many adults struggle to learn new things but not for lack of effort-the problem
may actually be that they're trying too hard. Studies show that when a person, especially those at the
range of 40-60 eventually starts to have a slow cognitive response to their way of learning. The wieght of
their will might just not fit their weight of ability anymore.

"Umuunlad na ang paraan mg pamumuhay ngayon. Ang mga kagamitan sa bahay ay bago na at minsan
ay kailangan pa namin magpatulong sa paggamit n mga ito." said Virgilia, 70.

As another saying goes, " If you don't get it at first, try harder at second." This saying is very applicable
but if you are at the prime years of your age. Maybe it is the eagerness that gives such weight to your
ability to sink down along with your chances of learning. Might as well include the enjoyment or the ease
in conducting something to learn.

Social-Isolation and Loneliness

Older people are especially vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation- and it can have a serious effect
on health. Hundreds and thousands of elderly people are lonely and cut off from society in this country
especially those over the age of 75. People can become socially isolated for a variety of reasons such as
getting older or weaker, no longer being the hub of their family, leaving the workplace, the death of
spouses and friends or through disablity or illness.

Whatever the cause, it's shockingly easy to be left feeling alone and vulnerable which can lead to
depression and a serious decline in physical health and wellbeing. Someone who's lonely probably also
finds it hard to reach out. There's a stigma surrounding loneliness and older people tend not to ask for
help because they have too much pride. Same case goes to every aged Filipino, they tend to be more on
the lonely side because they want their relatives to recognize them unspokenly.

"Malungkot lalo na kapag di namin nakakasama na matagal ang aming pamilya at kamag-anak. Pero
walang magagawa dahil may kanya-kanya na kaming buhay." said Ruben.

Reversing Misconceptions

Overcoming Fatigue
"Sa aming mga matatanda na, madalas kaming mapagod. Isa lang ang payo namin sa kanila, mas maging
malapit sila sa kalikasan." Said Ruben.

To keep our loved ones healthy and happy, it is crucial to find ways to help the elderly cope with fatigue
and being in nature is one of the best ways to do it.

The fast paced rhythm of the city can be overwhelming for seniors and it can cause anxiety and fatigue.
Being out in nature can help to reduce anxiety and stress levels. Studies have even shown that just looking
at pictures of nature scenes or plants can have a positive impact on wellbeing. Seniors may find it
beneficial to visit nearby nature parks to overcome fatigue and stress. "Pag may oras kami ni Vergie,
nagpupunta kami sa plaza para magpainit ng kaunti sa umaga. Alam mo yung ginagawa sa mga sanggol?
Ganun."-Ruben.

Being in nature can be an invigorating experience and it can also improve seniors' mood. Research showd
that spending time out in the fresh air and being out in nature can increase energy in 90% of people.
Instead of reaching for a cup of coffee or tea, older adults should spend out atleast 20 minutes outside in
nature each day to boost vitality levels.

Spending time in a beautiful park can have psychological health benefits among older adults. The smell of
freshly cut grass and fragrant flowers can make you feel calm and happier and improve your overall
mood. Seniors heading out to parks should bring water to stay hydrated and wear protective clothing to
shield themselves from harmful UV rays. Head out and enjoy the beauty of nature for more energy, a
healthy body and a happier you.

Learning New things

As we get older, we tend to believe the cliché, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks," because we've
seen many examples proving it to be somewhat accurate. There are people out there who don't know how
to use a smart phone, shop online or send e-mail. It is not because they don't havw access to the know-
how but rather they have come to believe that they are too old to learn.

Most older people have a hard time learning new things but it is not because of their age. It is because
they make the conscious decision to stop learning even though they may not realize it. Unfortunately,
many people choose the latter. It could be because they are tired of learning and "just want to relax" or
perhaps they feel that they've "graduated" and learned all they needed to know. Some even use the excuse
that they can't learn anymore because they are old. Once they make this choice, a habit forms and that
person's ability to learn, like any muscle unused, weakens.
It's not the same case as Mr. and Mrs. Almario's. Many say that old people can't learn because they stop
learning new things. That is why it is important to live a life of continuous learning. If you want to be
good at learning new things, then you must constantly learn new things. All the old people who are
vibrant and energetic are always striving to learn new things and it is because they continue to learn that
their brains stay sharp.

"Masarap sa pakiramdam na kahit kami ay matanda na, may mga bagay pa din kaming natututunan. Gaya
nalang ng teknolohiya. Yung facebook at skype. Nagagamit namin yun para makausap yung mga anak
namin at apo na nasa malayo." said Virgilia.

Overcoming Loneliness

Isolation and loneliness are serious problems for elder adults. They become less mobile, their friends and
relatives die, hearing loss and other physical limitations make it harder to communicate with others and
seniors are often reluctant to even try to make new friends. Young people, they say, are not interested, and
as for other older people, why bother? They will son die anyway.

In today's world, there is not only multitude of social activities available for older adults but also a variety
of senior living options. Volunteer opportunities, club memberships, senior centers and with family and
friends can provide human interactions and social connections that can support older adults through the
aginf process and any challenges that come along with it. Living in an assisted community can also
provide a great sense of family and belonging to residents.

After spending many years living alone, losing friends or family and feeling socially isolated in the later
years of life, the lifestyle in assisted living community can be a great solution for preventing loneliness
and depression. Assisted living communities provide vital opportunities for conversation, camaraderie,
and companionship, allowing many adults to enjoy their senior years as the most social years they have
had in a long time.

"Totoo na kapag matanda na, nakakalimutan na lalo na ng pamilya. Pero naiintindihan namin dahil busy
sila, pero di yun dahilan para maging malungkot kami at mapag-isa. Minsan dapat kami din ang gumawa
ng paraan para maiwasan ang kalungkutan." said Ruben.
Many people have the wrong impression of what it means to grow old. The older years of an individual's
life can actually be a very active time for many people, with new experiences and new connections. Many
other adults may feel like they are no longer useful, productive, or valauable on their later years of life but
"old age" can be full of meaning and purpose for those who choose to explore the possibilities. For Ruben
and Virgilia, there are many misconceptions about aging but it is up to the older adults themselves and the
people around them to be aware of it. Both the oldies and the youngsters should be sensitive to these
misconceptions and be sure to reinforce the potential of the elders life, regardless of their age and
limitations.