understands them.” Coupling her experience and educational training, Long believes that faith is a very important coping mechanism used daily for many individuals. Families, friends and caregivers can encourage religious people to lean on their faith by sharing scripture promises and other words of faith. Over the years Long has observed how older adults need spiritual encouragement through continued support and visits. Reverend Don Johnson is the associate pastor at the Central Chris-
tian Church in Enid and volunteers much of his time meeting the religious needs of residents at Greenbrier. He often sees people who are dealing with loss lean on their faith. “Through prayer and worship a person can turn away from the pressing situation, allow yourself to be calm, and then three things come from this. One is guidance on difficult decisions, the second thing is encouragement to put those decisions into action and the third is strength to complete those actions.” Reverend Johnson says not only do people
turn to God in times of need, but they can also turn to other members of their church and their faith leader for support. “I think when you have a relationship with God, with people in the congregation and with a faith leader the advice you get is advice you can trust.” Using humor to cope can provide some release for you when in a tense situation. “Humor helps us all unite in our humanness of dealing together with a little more light hearted attitude,” says Long. However she
Bert Sims, Gene Woelke & Rev Don Johnson praying together
cautions you to use humor only if the person in need uses it. Lastly there’s reminiscing. Reminiscing is when you express or talk about former events, recollections or accomplishments. “For instance, if it is the birthday or anniversary of a loved one who is no longer living or one of the ‘firsts’ after a significant other has passed; the reminiscing of that person is a coping mechanism that adds warmth, comfort and love,” says Long. Though Long says every person at every age must use coping mechanisms to deal with day to day life, she says as we grow older
Rev Don Johnson & Clo Rine saying the Lord’s Prayer
we often have more challenges and issues to cope with. As you age your body may have more issues for you to work through and loss sadly happens more frequently. She says that’s why it’s important you learn to identify the different types of coping mechanisms now and continually work to employ more positive methods. “You can learn to help yourself, you can help your children and you can even direct the older people in your family to have more positive ways of coping and dealing with situations. That in turn will help you and your loved ones learn to grow more gracefully through the years.”
Shanna Knight & Clo Rine - Enjoying a nice moment of Reminising.