Who's their target audience?

 

It irks me no end how powers-that-be in senior residences often seem to direct their comments toward those responsible for aging family or friends more than they do for the elderly. 

This comes up all the time as I do various internet searches.  Am still bugged by the person considering how Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs relates to the elderly.  Her target audience seems to be folks in Young & Middle Adulthood rather than the actually elderly.  

Here's what she writes about the 3rd Level - Social Needs: “Being connected socially is very important to all people, but for the elderly it becomes a key quality of life concern.  Due to health issues or lack of ability to get out, the aging often find their social opportunities shrinking and they spend more of their time alone.  The elderly need opportunities to become involved socially with family, friends and the community.  Attending functions at the local senior centers, volunteering or connecting through social media can help the elderly feel like a contributing member of society.”

Okay, I don't have her extensive training & clinical experience, but any significantly older person I know is going to tell you that the #1 reason their social opportunities are shrinking is because their longtime friends are dying or moving away to be closer to family.  No mention of that here.  

And the activities mentioned – going to senior centers, volunteering, even using social media – assumes a level of mobility & keen cognitive functioning that’s certainly not the norm with many of my older friends.  But it sure sounds good, is definitely reassuring to youngers genuinely concerned about the welfare of older family & friends.  

 

Speaking of social needs & the elderly - while you might feel great about the number of pictures you post online for Mom & Dad or whoever to see whenever he or she wants, they’d really prefer a photo they can put on the fridge.  Even better - artwork by your kids!