engleski

Preparing life for healthy longevity

Psychiatry, more than any other field of medicine, needs to view a person as a whole, recognizing and accepting every patient’s individuality. A personalized approach is very important when working with patients of older age for multiple reasons: these patients 61 Ageing of Biological Systems Main Topic A 2020 ; godište 142 ; supplement 1 ; 29–63 LIJEČ VJESN come to us with a lifetime of trauma, they not only have medical but also social issues, they are isolated and less functional, aside from psychological disorders, they also have somatic comorbidities and are generally more sensitive to pharmacotherapy. They are a particularly vulnerable group of patients in every way. This is why with these patients psychopharmaceuticals are prescribed very cautiously and various support therapy techniques are used, which includes stimulating patients towards a meaningful life. The importance of seeking meaning in life and positive attitudes towards life has been talked about since ancient times ; Aristotle speaks of eudaimonia and resilience is a popular term today. For the past ten years research has been conducted on the impact that finding meaning in life has on a person’s overall health and in reducing the risk of certain diseases, including dementia, stroke and heart attack, by increasing cognitive reserve and reducing the infection response. Frankl, the founder of logotherapy, states that a person’s basic need is to search for purpose and that he/she is willing to suffer if that suffering has a purpose, that purpose in life (and in the moment) is individual and must be sought out daily on an individual level. Logotherapy, as a method of psychotherapy, encourages patients to look for strengths within them and then direct themselves towards meaningful action, which is the most satisfying when directed at others. An individual approach is emphasized ; together with the patient, his/ her strengths, talents and aspirations from youth are sought out and encouraged, focusing on identifying positive moments. By designing daily activities, especially those that restore the patient’s sense of being needed by others, that they should not give up because of those around them (family members), a brighter perspective is created, symptoms of anxiety and depression are eliminated and dementia is slowed through cognitive skills training. This approach achieves the preventative and curative effect that is necessary in order to increase the quality of life of the elderly and to increase lifespan.

longevity ; health ; logotherapy

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