You might be dealing with an angry elderly neighbor.An older family member seems to be out of sorts.Dealing with a cranky senior citizen can be difficult.There are several steps you can take to improve the situation and make your life easier.The senior citizen still has feelings just because you might communicate differently.
Step 1: Determine the situation.
Trying to figure out what the problem is is the first thing you should do when dealing with an elderly person.What is bothering them?Do they struggle to get groceries in the house during bad weather?They're probably cranky if that is the case.If you can't tell from a glance what the problem is, dig a little deeper.Communication is the best way to figure out what's going on with your neighbor or relative.
Step 2: Consider the external factors.
An extra set of attributes can affect elderly people's moods.People's bodies are changing as they age.It's possible that the elderly person is dealing with physical pain that you don't know about.It could affect their mood.Many older citizens are taking medication.Different prescriptions can affect a person's moods.Your elderly friend may be crabby because of medication, not an immediate issue.
Step 3: Ask questions
Asking questions is the best way to figure out why a person is upset.You can ask a series of open-ended questions, but you don't have to pry.If you open up a conversation, you might be able to figure out what's going on.Instead of saying "How are you?""How's your day going?" is a more open-ended version.Do you have an agenda for the day?You can use open-ended questions to get more information and allow your relative to vent their frustration.It's important to speak clearly.Hearing loss is a problem for older people.Maybe they just didn't hear you when you said hello.
Step 4: Carefully listen.
When talking to an elderly person, make sure you are listening.Don't pay much attention to the conversation.Make the older person feel appreciated.There are a number of ways you can show that you are engaged in the conversation.It's important to make eye contact.Ask questions throughout the conversation and paraphrase what the elderly person is saying.
Step 5: Don't take it personally.
It is likely that the elderly person is not your fault.Sometimes they take their anger out on you because you are the only one interacting with them.Don't take their negative vibes to heart.You will become more objective when you remember not to take it personally.You can step back from the situation and assess the problem.
Step 6: Change your perspective.
Issues in communication can be caused by generational gaps.There can be significant differences in opinions and views when the person is older.Try to see where they are coming from by shifting your perspective.Asking questions can help you change your perspective.You can get more information to understand the elderly person's point of view.
Step 7: Take a deep breath.
It can be difficult to deal with an angry person.It can feel like nothing you do is right.The best way to calm yourself down is to mentally reset.Practice breathing.Take measured exhales and take several long inhales.This will lower your stress level.
Step 8: Take a break
Sometimes taking a time-out can be useful.It is normal to feel like you need a mental break if you feel that the other person's cranky nature is affecting you.When you are mentally refreshed, taking a step back can help you calm down.
Step 9: The focus needs to be on the positives.
You should remember that you are talking to this person for a reason.There is something that you like about them.Maybe it is your aunt who is cranky.You used to have fun making Christmas cookies with her.It might be more difficult to think of a positive thing if the person is new.Try to find a positive detail.If the cranky person is your neighbor, focus on the fact that they don't have loud parties.
Step 10: Offer to help.
You can offer to help if you know what the problem is.Do not offer to help if you cannot or do not want to.Give a concrete and sincere offer of assistance.It's possible that your elderly mother is having difficulty taking care of her home.She might be interested in hiring a cleaning service or looking for an assisted care living situation.
Step 11: Be understanding.
Empathetic means putting yourself in the other person's shoes.Think about how you would feel in their situation if you knew why this person was cranky.Try to figure out what will make you feel better.Elderly people are often lonely and unfriendly.Offer your company, and suggest an activity the two of you can do together, such as playing a card game.
Step 12: Ask for help.
You might not be able to solve the other person's problem.The situation might be out of your hands if you don't know the elderly person.Asking for assistance is what you can do.Try to get in touch with close friends or relatives of the elderly person to see what they have to say.
Step 13: Provide resources.
Older people can go to senior centers in most cities.Churches and libraries offer programs for seniors.You could give your neighbor or relative some local resources to look up.This could help them lift their mood.
Step 14: Stay positive.
It can be difficult to deal with a cranky senior citizen.Staying positive is the most important thing you can do.Being kind and helpful is what you are doing.Even if you aren't appreciated, you are making a difference.There is a smile.Put a smile on your face when it is hard to remain positive.The simple act of smiling will make you feel better and help you maintain a good attitude.