BY DANICE AKIYOSHI, N.D.
Dear Danice:
Dr. Danice Akiyoshi
My mom is becoming very embarrassing. She is 82 years old. She just blurts out whatever is on her mind. She says she is old now, and finds no reason to waste time on censoring her comments. She told her doctor that he was the biggest disgrace she’d seen all year, because he didn’t do anything for her except push more pills at her. She said his mother would be disappointed in him if she knew how lazy he was. It was very uncomfortable. Then she told the girl at the market that she used no logic when she bagged the groceries. My mom often has valid opinions, but she seems so impatient now, even mean and rude. Do you have any ideas for me?
Barb
Dear Barb:
It seems your mom is not willing to waste time on soft conversations. This is not all that uncommon as people get older. Plus, some medications can make people grouchy. I wanted to say ‘speak with her doctor,’ but that seems to be off the table at the moment since she is agitated with her doctor. If I were in your shoes, I would provide my mom with some personal pampering to see if that will take the edge off. Try manicures, pedicures, massages, and the like. Take her for an ice cream or a movie. Maybe a drive to the old neighborhood where she was happiest would be nice. Visit her friends. If you balance the daily grind with some pleasant activities, maybe she will relax and lighten up. Human touch, laughter, hugs, and visits down (good) memory lane, can work wonders for improving a person’s mood.
Danice Akiyoshi, N.D.
Danice Akiyoshi is a Naturopathic Doctor and the head of Candid Coaching Service. She offers personal coaching services relating to all types of issues and concerns. This is a letter she received from an anonymous reader. To send a question to Danice, email her at straighttalk@candidcoachingservices.com. You can also visit her website at http://www.candidcoachingservices.com.
