“Adjustment problem” meaning
“Adjustment problem” simply means not being able to accept the changes. Changes in something is a normal phenomenon. It can be in our status, in our body, in our inner or outer situation, or is something else. This is quite normal to have a slight hesitation, a little bit of fear to accept the change or changes. But when it becomes so much that the normal pace of life starts affecting the nature and health of the person, then it becomes a problem of accord or a problem of adjustment.
Many people overcome the same or similar problem or situation successfully, while some others do not. This failure results in the family and social life of the individual as well as physical and mental health. Even some people take extreme steps like suicide. Some people do this even on small problems like loss in business, job loss, failure in examination, breakdown of close relationships etc. It shows not the problem but the lack of adjustment, the attitude to cope with it.
Individuals who are broken even by these small problems are not really ready for this problem, and when problems come they are unable to accept it and surrender.
People sometimes get a little misunderstanding about the word “adjustment”. Generally “adjustment” misunderstood with some other similar words to it; for example, compromise, surrender, tolerant, etc. However, it is not like that. “Adjustment” is a positive term, you have to add something to cope up with a new thing or new situation for adjustment and not to compromise or surrender.
“Adjustment problem” in aging people
This can happen at all ages. But most commonly in old age. The reason is that at this time there are many changes in life, physical, mental, emotional, financial and social, etc. which are negative. There are two levels of adjustment problems in this stage.
At the first level, they are not able to treat their family members and people of society properly. There is tension in the family. Sometimes their behavior becomes so problematic that they do not want to live with their children and spouses. The result is that other members also start making distance from them.
Many times their problem increases so much that it takes the form of the disease. Which is called adjustment disorder.
Types of adjustment problems in the elderly
These types do not belong to any particular problem but are not able to adjust to the shortcomings in their life. The specific problems or drawbacks or changes of this time are as follows:
Health related changes
Diabetes, blood pressure, heart disease, etc. long term diseases, various types of chronic pain, such as joint pain, general weakness, and reduced eyes and ears capacity, tooth problems, etc. as well as enlarge prostate gland, etc. age-related Problems also begin to occur.
Due to health related problem or deficiencies movement and participation of social activities also reduced.
Many restrictions on their food are also imposed due to health reasons.
These changes leads to frustration and irritation of elderly people.
He compares himself to the body of his youth. He compares himself to people of his age and sometimes even to his children. This tendency of him further increases his frustration. Other people also start getting upset with his habits.
2. The feeling of not being useful
Parents spend their entire age trying to get the child to stand on their own feet. But when the time comes when children stand on their feet. He starts his responsibilities. The list of his friends and relatives starts growing. Now they are unable to make time for parents. They start working without asking them (parents).
They (parents) are no more useful for jobs or business. In such a situation, they start feeling their uselessness. They also remember some mistakes in their lives. They feel that their family members no longer respect them as much as they used to. (Although this is not true) Many elders are unable to accept this situation. They still want to remain the head of their household.
Financial changes
People who are in jobs. They have a sense of security from an economic point of view. When they retire. Then his previous lifestyle clouded him, which he had lived for years. His friends’ congregation gets away. Along with this emotional problem comes financial insecurity. Even if the pension is received, it is less than the salary. not only this the pension is not found in many jobs.
For those who are in a business or self-employment, though there is no mandatory age of retirement. But once they are physically weak, they also have to reduce economic activities.
Being financially weak or dependent on others is also a common change that many people are unable to accept.
Emotional changes
As one’s age increases, his people start leaving the world. First parents, then siblings, friends, and colleagues, etc. Even life partners leave. Their memories are with him. He compares that time with his present lonely life. Unknowingly, emptiness and depression come in them.
The helplessness and death of other elderly people create fear among the elderly.
Result of adjustment problem
1. Negative emotions like anxiety, depression, hopelessness etc.
2. Seeing the happiness of other people gets irritated instead of being happy;
3. Either always keep telling their problems or get disconnected from family and society. They do not want to interact with people.
4. In such a situation sometimes they became rigid even on trifle issues and insists to get his say. They do not want to change their daily habits and work etc. Even if other family members have problems due to this they are not ready to make any change in their habits.
5. Some elderly people either eat too much or too little due to this mental status. Problems like not eating, insisting on eating food of their choice, etc. are also there.
6. Sleep irregularities are the root cause of many physical and mental problems. Some elderly people do not sleep at bedtime but keep dozing later. Some are awake again and again in their sleep.
Solution of adjustment problem
For above said various reasons, they not only have problems themselves but also their family members.
The following can be helpful to increase the capacity to cope up with negative problems associated with the elderly:
1.Set at least one goal of your life and keep yourself busy;
2. Never leave your mind empty. Try to learn something new. Solve brain puzzles like sudoku. If possible, learn a new language, etc. Like the body, the mind also needs exercise.
3. Like infancy, adolescence, puberty old age also comes naturally in the course of life. Accept it without a feeling of compulsion or negativity. Try not to look unnecessarily young and energetic, nor to grow old;
4. Understand your health and accordingly take care of food, exercise, medicines, regular health check-ups, etc. on time, so that you can remain healthy. Increase seasonal fruits and vegetables instead of oil and spices in the diet.
Be especially careful that you do not fall anywhere.
5. Do not have sleep irregularities. Get timely and adequate sleep.
6.Keep on meeting people. Listen to and understand people’s thoughts, feelings, and problems. Neither narrate your problems much nor think about it yourself.
If you live with such attitude only than you will enjoy the last phase like other phases of life.