Modern civilization has made his fetish eternal youth. But the relentless nature: even the rich and famous, sooner or later give up on her mercy. However, in the "third age" as the politically correct is now called old age has its advantages - such as the ability to escape from the bustle of business, benefit from a rest, do another. The more so grown up and held the children are ready to assist in this.
How can we help our elderly parents to find a holiday like? Oddly enough, this task is not easy. And to solve it properly, you need a good understanding of what actually want old people and what opportunities there are to realize their desires.

What is "autumn of life»

Three centuries ago, came the age of 40 years. But what to say, in the middle of last century, the age of 50-60 years was considered hardly not bowed. But these days, "fifty dollars" - a period of very high intellectual and labor activity. Nevertheless, certain features associated with changes in physiology and psychology in the elderly is, and must be taken into account as in everyday communication, and when choosing the type of recreation.
The Russian gerontology (the science of aging) introduced the concept of functional age, which reflects the dynamics of physiological functions, defined benefit component, a way of life, past illnesses and injuries, amount of stress, physical, mental and intellectual activity. There is also a psychological age - a group of indicators that characterize the age dimension of the psyche, as well as biological - indicator of deterioration of the structure and functions of the body. And they almost never coincide ...
clear that for practical applications requires a different tool to better define the opportunities and needs of an elderly person. Convenient classification of the proposed well-known psychologist and gerontologist Karol Roschak. He formulated four strategies for adjusting to age-related changes that reflect both the physiology and personality of a particular person.

«constructive type»

; characterizes a mature personality, well integrated into society. They retain a great age to enjoy life, maintain a close and deep relationships with other people. These elderly patient, remain flexible psychologically real and positive are aware of themselves, their achievements, opportunities and prospects.

«Protection type»

Less than a constructive model of adaptation to old age. Such people are too emotionally restrained, straightforward in his actions and habits. Prefer self-sufficiency, as difficult to accept help from others. They avoid self-assessments, do not share their life or family problems, tend to refuse help. Defensive posture is evident even in the family, while they avoid open expressions of discontent.

«Aggressive-active type»

People of this type are suspicious and quite aggressive. They also tend to shift around on their own problems and to attribute them to blame for their failures. These old people are often not adequately assess the validity. Mistrust makes them close and avoid contact with other people. People of this type often fail to take age-related changes, with bitterness think that it is impossible to live as before. This is accompanied by hostility to the young, and often - to the world.

«type of passive aging»

In contrast to the previous one, this type of aggression is not directed outward, but for themselves. Such people are often very sensitive to their own lives. They are passive, sometimes, depressed, rarely take the initiative. These old people are generally pessimistic, those who perceive themselves hostage to the circumstances. At the same time they take their own age and are not inclined to complain.
To older people, no matter what type they are not treated, maintained an interest in life, close to constantly motivate them positively to preserve activity. The only way to really not only extend the life of the elderly, but make it quality. After all, breaking from the everyday environment, people are the "third age" break down stereotypes imposed on them as physiology, and environment and literally take on a second youth.
Nevertheless, it is obvious that each of these options psychological needs of their form of recreation. And for the selection of optimal variant is first look at how behaves loved one, and then to choose that offer specialists in recreation.

Where to go?

Today, as before, the rest can be organized, though rather arbitrarily, divided into two broad categories - active and passive. The first trip may include tourism and its variations. The second - health resort "relax", often associated with beach recreation.
Typically, trip tourism and its "brutal" type - hunting and fishing, partly related with quite a considerable physical effort, people choose fade. But man, in his youth accustomed to such a pastime, and at the age of trying to go camping, choosing, however, more simple itineraries.
Interesting that with age it is this contingent of begins to select and sightseeing cruise vacation: the habit of activity, including thinking, a unique combination of individualism and the ability to fit into the team are doing such retirees ideal client travel agencies specializing in the active-cognitive areas. In this case, the Russian elderly are radically different from their foreign peers.
«Our elderly tourists - said Olga Kilimnik, director of Russia's only national cruise tour operator Metropolis Cruise" - a very active, both physically and intellectually. In addition, these people are very educated and curious, ready for new impressions. They are easy to pour into the different age group, with mutual pleasure dealing with younger people. On the other hand, our "age" Tourists are usually not fluent in foreign languages, therefore, prefer the company of compatriots. There are certain features and catering for them - Russians, especially pensioners, hardly tolerate unfamiliar cuisine. Therefore, the national program of "Russian" tours we are always designed to reflect these realities ».
For example, in such national cruises provide a much more extensive excursion, be sure to have Russian-speaking physician (for the elderly is very important), all staff spoke in Russian. As a rule, themselves elderly tourists appreciate it very much.
This is not to say that the rest of this type is unavailable for the majority. "Today in Russia cruises depart representatives of quite different social strata, - says Olga Kilimnik. - It is not only a successful businessman. Successful and wealthy children are increasingly sending their parents into the sea journey ».
Speaking of sanatorium and resort vacations, we must remember that it is focused on a specific contingent, as a rule - people weakened physically. Quite a lot there and hypochondriacs, serious health problems do not have, but they are very concerned. Accordingly, the resorts are aimed at increasing comfort and almost sick way of life. Hard mode, spa treatments, diet, as a rule - at least trips and excursions. The duration of stay is usually higher than in other forms of recreation - at the expense of treatment programs. All these factors make the resort tourism very expensive pleasure. On the other hand, the rest time an elderly person not only gets close medical supervision, but also, literally, "stored" for long term health. "The effect of spa therapy - says a general practitioner, endocrinologist, Galina Komarova - quite noticeable and may take considerable time - from six months to a year, depending on the state of health and disease. Often, after the quality of your spa and spa treatments observed sustained improvement, remission in chronic patients, so if a person, especially the elderly, recommended a vacation, you should give him a preference ».

Everyone - my

Always remember that with the retirement of the aging human life abruptly changes qualitatively stereotype. At the same time, by age differences, adaptability to change the situation significantly reduced. That is why the main problem of the "third age" gerontologists believe social adaptation. Under it understands the one hand, an ongoing process of active adaptation to the conditions of human social environment, and on the other - the result of this process. As in most such events, there are two possible outcome: the adaptation of (the optimal balance of personality and environment) and maladjustment (violation of the usual equilibrium). relevant features of a particular person, can significantly facilitate the achievement of the "right" to adapt.
Activities, for example - the journey, can fill a life with an elderly man with new bright impressions, unusual situations and environments and even the vagaries of the road. This, incidentally, will be able to awaken emotions even shutting a "defensive" type - Adventures of surprise, shock, frighten, delight, fun - in short, once again forced to live and feel.
on the other hand, the "aggressive-active," the comfort and the "circle of like-minded", so not all types of outdoor activities he will do. "Constructive" happy to accept new experiences, but may overestimate their own strength, for example in a long hike. And for the "passive" important chance to get out of his "cocoon", so the change of impressions and uneven team can become a real key to the second youth.
On the other hand, "constructive" people are more likely, bored in the sanatorium - he needs both physical and intellectual burden. "Passive", and perhaps more will go in themselves. But "aggressive and active, in contrast, will be pleased to receive sympathetic attention to their problems, the more that the environment will be the same age and mindset. For "security" of the same type such rest will be an opportunity to weaken self-control, relying on the medical staff.
However, always need an individual approach: "As long-term observations, - says Olga Kilimnik - Cruises - especially national, "Russian", well perceived by all types of older people. As a rule, our ships about a quarter of the passengers - men aged, usually represented in some proportion of all psycho. Practice has shown that in the process of communication, they well find common ground between themselves and other passengers. Even aggressive-active elderly receive important for them - a grateful audience, and new topics for discussion and criticism ».
When selecting the type of recreation is with all heed the health status of older people. Before leaving, it is desirable to pass the medical examinations, it is useful and will exchange card, in which the doctor will extract from the case and give necessary recommendations. It is important not only for the spa treatment, but in other situations - in case of complaints to physicians will be easier to deal with the situation and assign the appropriate therapy.
Should take into account that travel to any location in the including those on vacation - it's always stressful, especially for older people, as if they were independent. Therefore, the older generation should be possible to protect against the negative sides of fees - Payment vouchers, visa, ticket purchase, the problems of delivery to the destination, etc. The more so these days it is easy to arrange. You have to understand that the less worries, the greater the benefits of recreation.

Expression "movement - that's life" sounds maybe corny, but it is very accurately reflects reality. The possibility of diversity of life, to escape from the usual whirlwind, break down stereotypes - a significant chance for an elderly person for many years to keep physically and mentally active. And rightly chosen holiday can become a real key to "eternal youth».


Press Service of the Metropolis Cruise »