Soul Treats

19/11/2023

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF OLD PEOPLE

I hope you will understand old people like us when we actuate the way we do. According to Mr. Google, “The elderly have a basic need to remain connected to family members, friends, and like-minded seniors. This is psychologically beneficial because such connections can minimize issues with depression and loneliness and boost emotional stability.”

We, seniors are grumpy.
At least some of us if not all. In tagalog, "Kami ay masungit, iritable, matampuhin, atbp." There are several reasons why: one is because the physiological changes that our bodies go through affect our temperaments, emotions and behaviours. The chemical changes in our bodily systems make us feel like our bodies are becoming heavier to move around easily and comfortably. We become irritable and bumpy in some ways, we resent over slightly perverse things. As far as I am concerned, I am consciously trying hard not to be so. Angela W. Lee, Professor of Professional Practice at Columbia Business School, identifies the root causes of resistance to change in the article, 'Why Change Is Hard': "Our brains are wired for laziness. Our brain's capacity is limited. Our brains don't like change." (Sep 21, 2021).

We are assuming.
In most cases, we almost always think and expect that we are necessarily part of every plan and ex*****on, as we really are or should be. We always expect to belong and be included in family and group plans, systems and routines.

We are grouchy (makulit). It is a psycho-social part of growing old, to be assertive. We are more inclined to insist and be persistent, no matter what. If we don't get what we think we need, we resent. Unless we reflect and rationalize deeply about that attitude and try ourselves to balance every situational need, we would always be into petty quarrels the people around us.

We are forgetful.
Forgetfulness, most of the time is part of ageing. As mentioned earlier, changes take place in almost all parts of our body, the brain included. As a result it noticeably takes the ageing person more time to learn new things as easily as they did during their younger years. When we need the essential things we ordinarily used in our daily chores, we spend much time trying to look for them because we don't remember where we kept them.

We are sensitive.
This is due to internal biological changes associated with the ageing body, present state of health and genetic predisposition. Our emotions are largely affected by these factors.

We are lonely.
This happens specially among retired people. Psychologists and Sociologists call it "social isolation" where loneliness commonly comes in. Family, friends and other acquaintances we got associated with, including people who are not necessarily close to us but who inevitably interacted with us start to unintentionally dissociate themselves from us as we do the same to them.

We have mood swings.
When we experience these behavioral disturbance, it does not mean we are getting insane. Remember, we also went through the age-appropriate behaviours when we were adolescents. We also experienced bodily and physiological changes that affected our psychological being. We also had mood swings then. Since we are, again going through these things we naturally welcome these appropriate behaviours back. "If your senior loved one is experiencing mood swings or having trouble interacting with people, they could be experiencing some of the health effects of social isolation. In other cases, your senior loved one simply may be frustrated or irritated with themselves, as they feel that they are 'out of practice' or no longer used to interacting with people. Fortunately, there are many ways you can help make things easier for your aging loved one. If they’re having difficulties with groups, try to focus on spending time with them one on one. Your senior loved one may also benefit from getting to share meals and go on outings with a patient, empathetic, and skilled senior companion." (Quoted from a psychology manual)

I mentioned "changes" that an elderly person is experiencing during his entry into his twilight zone a lot of times. That entry, in itself is already a big change in his life, me included. It's good that I have come to know these things, if not really studied it comprehensively. At least, it is and will be a good head start for me in trying to balance how to look at it from two points of views, that of the younger adult and us, the ageing ones.

“Show respect for old people and honour them. Reverently obey me; I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:32 GNBDK

18/11/2023

16/11/2023

12/11/2023

OBEDIENCE AFTER ALL

The manager of a big publishing house instructed one of its sales employees to go to a town down south to talk to the Principal of the local High School and convince her to procure copies of a newly published science book. That Principal was known for her strictness and rudeness, a reason for the employee to be reluctant in adhering to her boss. She expressly, but politely refused to abide by her boss's orders for the mentioned reasons.

All the while, the lady employee, afraid that she might possibly be charged of insubordination, and without informing her manager, proceeded to the said school early in the next morning to talk to the Principal. To her surprise, even without prior appointment, the school boss turned out to be very cordial and accommodating. She was far from what she was known for, her rudeness.

To shorten the story, she successfully closed her transaction with her prospect. She immediately reported back to office for work. Meanwhile, because she came late, the Manager inquired from the personnel officer if there was a locator slip filed in her office by the said employee. Naturally, she found none. When the lady employee knocked and entered the manager's office, she greeted her boss with a radiant smile and a joyous ambience and reported to her the good news. The manager couldn't get angrier when she heard that the Principal ordered a number copies of the book for the school library and for sale or rent to students who can afford.

As a result, the sales employee was awarded a certificate of commendation and aside from her commission was granted a bonus for her accomplishment. She did not allow fear of the Principal's rudeness and unapproachability to defeat her. She prayed for the Holy Spirit to be with her in persuading her client. Once again, prayer was proven to be the most effective tool or weapon to overcome fear or apprehensions and to obtain achievements.

“Now, what do you think? There was once a man who had two sons. He went to the elder one and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ ‘I don't want to,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. ‘Yes, sir,’ he answered, but he did not go. Matthew 21:28‭-‬30 GNBDK.

05/11/2023

MY GOODNESS, IT'S NESS

When I'm full of joy that is happiness.
When I always smile, I call it gladness.
When there's always peace, then that is calmness.
When nothing is lacking I call that fullness.

If there's no secret, it is openness.
Look at your beauty, I see loveliness.
When you want profit, go into business.
When you care for me, then that is kindness.

When nothing is hard, then it is softness.
When God's in your life, call it Holiness.
When you are healthy, you deal with wellness.
When you're fond of me, I know it's fondness.

When you are a Queen, I say, "Your Highness!"
When I stand unmoved, It is called firmness.
Preen to be tidy, that's also neatness.
When you can't pierce through, it may be thickness.

When everything's calm, that is stillness.
The King's respected, due to his greatness.
You send me love notes I call it sweetness.
When you are ardent, that is eagerness.

When you can't see, that's a state of blindness,
With pessimism, it is hopelessness.
When you pout you're in the midst of sadness,
When you're aghast, it could be nervousness.

When you're out of mind, it could be madness.
When you can't hear me, then, that is deafness.
You've been bedridden, because of illness,
You want to go home due to homesickness.

You're suspicious for my unfaithfulness.
You're scolded for your own stubbornness,
People dislike you for your viciousness.
We all shout at you due to your deafness.

Honesto's my name, for short, I'm called "Ness".
Add it to some words, its meaning shall change.
Sometimes it means "worst", sometimes it means best.
The root word implies what Ness, my name says.