b'ELITEHEALTH GUIDE|Maggie Sprenger, a former business ownerconversation, or an occasional lunch together.Grocery stores that deliver for a nominal and continuous mother in a small Chicago-areaNo one else can understand with the samefeeand reasonable-cost transportation ser-city, has expressed that teens are, all receptiveintensity as a good friend! vices to doctors/needed other (or a kind some-to love and care. Maggie raised several teensHobbies, Entertainment, Nothing- to-Do- one who can occasionally assist).in addition to her three sons. When askedTime: This is essential, and it can be as simpleSenior center groups, available in many about the teen circumstances that resulted inas viewing a favorite TV show, time in a warmcities, offer activities that are entertaining, Maggies care, sometimes for two daysoth- bath, or play time with your dog. stimulating, and provide socialization oppor-ers, for years, she referred to possible familySupport Groups and Support People: It maytunities. They have professionally-trained staff stress, parental drug-abuse, parental emotionalseem that adult support groups tend to beto observe and identify need for medical or problems, financial difficulties, and in at leastfocused on a particular concern, such as seri- psychological assistance. A nutritious lunch one instance, family eviction from their home.ous mental illness, ADHD, or autoimmuneis served. Some senior centers also offer trans-One teen expressed a need for, a place to stay.disorders. Local churches often have one orportation to-and-from the centers for partici-Maggie was happy to help, adding that she wasmore staff (clergy or counselors) available forpating older adults.strict (no drugs allowed) and enjoyed giving theshort-term counseling and referrals.teens a place to, be valued and loved. Professional Help: Please seek medicalOLDER ADULTS, ADULTS, TEENAGERS, Maggie has continued this caring relation- help with the experience of severe physicalAND CHILDREN CAN ALL CONTRIBUTE TO ship with one teen, now a stable adult living inand emotional symptoms. Do not try to han- STRESS MANAGEMENTanother state, for years. dle this alone. Reach out for therapy and/orMany of us have read or TV-viewed older needed medications. The continuing years canadults who on a regular basis send short let-ADULTS AND STRESSORS: MANY LIFEbe rewarding, enriching, and memorable! ters/postcards to lift the spirits of service peo-ROLES ple in other countriesand alleviate isolation, Adults are challenged with varying respon- OLDER ADULTS: UNIQUE, EXPERIENCEDhome-sickness, and loneliness. There is a TV sibilities: career and job choices; marriage orPEOPLE AND CIRCUMSTANCES celebrity who often reads letters from fans with relationship concerns; child/children or petOlder adults are individuals who have loved,basic needs for help with education and trans-care; job stressors (such as frequent overtime);raised families, worked, experienced years ofportationand makes kindness donations. purchase of a home or rental selection; andtreasured and difficult memoriesand haveOr, the teenager who started a breast cancer care for their own parents. survived. telephone support line for other kids with the Many, variable life roles/tasks can contrib- They are not generally demented. Theyexperience of a mom with cancer. And, a ten ute to depression and anxiety; chronic illnessmight have arthritis; this can happen withyear old, who started a cancer charity with her (often, autoimmune disorders); chronic sleepdaily, physical activity at almost any age. And,birthday money after losing her dad to the ill-disorders; decreased memory/concentration;severe arthritis can limit ones ability to moveness. Because others had helped her with her and decreased self-care (lack of healthy foods/ and participate in activities. loss and grief, she wants to give/to help.possible drug abuse/irregular rest). Older adults can be lonely, as many friends,Yes, this is a world apparently consumed relatives, and children have moved or passedwith universal and individual trauma, fears, ADULT STRESS MANAGEMENTaway. They can be frightened; it can be veryand uncertainties resulting in almost inca-SUGGESTIONS INCLUDE: scary to buy sufficient groceries and paypacitating stress from circumstances.Time management: Look at the many tasks inexpenses on a very limited income. And withIs it not possible for us, by small gifts of self, one day; decide what really needs completionadvancing age, illnesses are more common.to make this a better world?nand what can wait until tomorrow or later inThe experience of pain and needed treat-ones week. mentsand trips to doctors/to treatments REFERENCESMeditation, mindfulness, and spiritual/reli- can feel overwhelming. 1. Brandman University. Irvine, California. gious engagement: All provide time to reflect,Stress management for older adults canSchool of Education. Webinar. Erica to relax, to recognize ones optionsand theinclude: Leahy. October 11, 2019.Relationship experience of hopefulness for the future. Physician-care from doctors who trulyBuildingSupport Mechanisms for At Exercise: In any form, movement increasesunderstand older adults, both physically andRisk, Unmotivated Students.good brain chemicals, to include select neu- emotionally. 2. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater rotransmitters (the same substances for whichNeighbors and friends who care and take aCleveland. 2019. bbbscle.org.one may take antidepressants)! few moments daily to listen, talk, or contact3. Interview: Maggie Sprenger. Crystal Lake, Friends: Anyone who has worked full-timeneeded help. Illinois. October 20, 2019. This author and has raised a child or children recognizesMeals-on-Wheels, or other support ser- expresses appreciation to Maggie for the value of a friend. This can include com- vices, for vulnerable periods when one cannother sharing, caring, and the love she has munication with e-mails, a frequent telephoneprepare food. expressed to many others.18 ELITEHEALTH GUIDE|2019| www.elitecme.com'