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sures periodically. People work more effectively. feel more relaxed and can deal with pressures better when they take periodic, regular breaks or “get aways." Good nutrition will help combat the bad effects ofstress. Ironically, for most people sound eating habits are the first part of life to suffer during stressful periods. Well balanced, regu- lar meals are necessary for the body to maintain its defenses to resist disease and illness and to give extra energy when needed. it is a common reaction for people to increase coffee drinking and smoking when they feel stressed. However, caffeine and nicotine only exaggerate the bad effects of stress. One must monitor or eliminate smok- ing and drinking of beverages with caf- feine for effective stress management. Good mental health is an important buffer for distress and a basic part of stress management. Studies have re- peatedly shown that attitudes play a very important role in the experience of stress. Persons who are more likely to view changes as a challenge or op- portunity, rather than a threat, are less likely to suffer distress. Good mental health involves positive attitudes about yourself and life. Realistic self-accepâ€" tance is a lifelong process that requires constant attention. Try to learn to ac- cept. yourself for who you are with all your strengths and weaknesses. Trusted friends and loved ones are a necessary resource for good mental health. Every- one needs someone with whom they can share their feelings. Telling some- one else what’s bothering you can play a vital role in combating distress. Stresses in Midâ€"Life and Later Years Awareness of common or predict- able changes at each stage of life can help people to cope Willi the normal happenings and adjustments in life. Studies have shown that sudden life changes. such as moving. marriage, di» vorce, death ofaspousc. oreven change in a Work schedule can cause distress and ill health. Some changes are com» mon to people and families at mid-life and in later years. Tire average life expectancy islonger now than ever before in history. More women life longer than men. So wom- en commonly face special changes and adjustments during mid-life and their later years. Empty Nest Stage One of the most striking features of modern family life in the later years is 10 the longer period of time that parents expect to live after their children leave home. The “empty nest" situation is a period of major adjustment for many mothers. Men commonly don’t experi- ence major changes in their roles or daily schedules until a few years later at retirement. When children leave home and a husband is still largely in volved in his Occupation. many women are challenged to readjust their daily routines and to find new interests and activities. There are some common changes within a marriage when children leave home. Couples’ conversations tend to focus less on children‘s activities and more on their own activities and inter- ests. Companionship often gains a re- newed emphasis for older couples. Carolyn Lent: Retirement Stage The husband’s retirement is often identified as a particularly stressful pe- riod for many women. The daily honse- hold routine usually undergoes major changes to adapt to a newly retired husband. Household tasks are changed as husbands have more time to spend in the house and become more involved in household tasks. Studies have shown that many wives become increasingly disillusioned with the husband’s retire- ment. One explanation is that retire ment often fails to fulfill the woman’s hope for more time to pursue herinter- ests. Retirement commonly means learning to adjust to a fixed or reduced income. For many people retirement planning only involves financial plan- ning. Early retirement planning for couples. including the development of interests and activities suitable to later years, is helpful in coping with the stresses of retirement. Adjusting to re- tirement involves having something to retire to rather than front. Widowhood Widowhood is a part oflife for many women in their later years. Women generally live longer titan men and often are younger than their husbands. After age 65, only abouthalf of women are living with their husbands. Willow. hood touches most older families and demands new and dramatic Changes in the lives of survivors. Clearly widow. hood means 103s, reorganization and learning. People wishing to help the newly widowed adjust might finn help from the Suggestions based on a lady of widows and their adjustments. Help. ful companions or friends of w: in“.S sympathetically listen to the wt .W's grief and relieve loneliness by sl illng activities. Help with immediate c is is helpful but help that encouragi Lie. pendency is not. Major decision: such as investments or a change in rear nee are best postponed for a year OI on possible, until a widow‘s outloo ind life style adjust to the change. in]. dren were found to be a what “3. source in a widow’s adjustment. Coping with Mid-Life and Later \. its Basically, midâ€"life and later y its a period of redirection. Many r tile commonly take time from the ra m of life and rethink their goals, as and meaning oflife. Time and am lL‘S begin to take on a new meaning. i “0‘ rience and wisdom become mm at» portant than sheer physical strt 1h. Life and knowledge become l at with more experience. Freedom rm responsibilities and demands of r. up children offer new opportunitic or personal growth and developme at their own interests. Some Suggestions The following points may help u develop the “shock absorbers" to 4c the bumps in the road of life tha re common at mid-life and later year I Learn to adjust gracefully tt .1 creasing strength and health. vJ' ture‘s plan never intended tha lC later years of life would haw m same energies as youth. Manager :il of time and energies become in important source of coping it less energies. - Plan early for retirement. Con.- 4 your lifestyle, interests and fine: ll management. Many must lean '0 live on a reduced income. Cons 1 developing hobbies and skills ' 11 will help fill time. Also cons 'r some hobbies and skills that may useful to supplement income. H '6 something to retire to rather tl in from. - Be prepared to accept the death -| loved ones. It is a normal part " life in the later years.