Some of my favorite shows are ones we call “open mic” where we, in the studio have a free-wheeling discussion about certain topics. We recorded these two a while back and I think that they’re as relevant now as then, maybe more so.
Orphan Boomers....Many people fall into the category of being Orphan Adults or Elder Orphans and may not be aware of the terms, the limitations, and pitfalls that those words represent even though they apply to them. The terms refer to people aging alone and unsupported, with no known family member or designated surrogate to act on their behalf. They may find that there's a conflict between what they want done and what the law permits. In 2016 University of Michigan Health and Retirement Study (HRS) indicated that 22% of people over age 65 currently are, or at risk to become, elder orphans. As the numbers of Baby Boomers age, this number will probably grow significantly.
HAVING THAT HARD TALK WITH YOUR FOLKS …... There are a lot of people who are children of elderly parents. This may become a reversal of roles. Instead of parents caring for their children their children now care for their folks. This can create a lot of family dynamics……… unresolved issues, like why did my brother do that to me or why did I ever do that to my brother?....... reality checks, like we should have started this conversation with Mom and Dad a long time ago or Who was it that said everything's taken care of… we’ve got plenty of money?
Getting ready for what may come is a whole lot better than.…...what do we do now? It's entirely natural to think of your parents as strong and protective of you rather than frail, elderly and in need of care and protection themselves.
Needless to say, when these things happen there's a lot of stress, emotionally and physically that will require everyone acting and working like the adults that they are and very possibly viewing things through a whole different set of lenses. Hopefully this will be food for thought and permit resolution or resolution of would-be problems before they happen.
Orphan Boomers- What?? Sure Boomers without family connections. Folks without immediate family support may have an extended family network of non-relatives. That’s great until something happens. Believe it or not, not everyone plans well for their future.
Refusal? Denial?.... Ever try talking with your parents about issues of their age, their forgetfulness or best yet giving up driving? If so, you probably have seen both refusal and denial first hand. If not, you need to listen to our “open mike session”
Introduction to "OPEN MIC" 00:44
Orphan boomers part 2 ORPHAN BOOMERS 02:48
Open Mike about Homecare-Refusal, Denial, Understanding 11:11
