What is it that gets you out of bed each morning? If you’re part of the sandwich generation, caring for both younger and older loved ones, your list is likely quite long! As the nest empties, however, it becomes important to redefine our identity and discover new ways to bring meaning to each day.
The effects of continuing to live purposefully for a lifetime are even more far-reaching than we once thought. A recent study released in JAMA Psychiatry revealed that older adults with a strong sense of purpose displayed stronger walking speeds and hand grips, which are two key determinants in how rapidly we’re aging.
The reason? Patrick Hill, assistant professor of psychological and brain studies at Washington University, explains, “Purposeful individuals tend to be less reactive to stressors and more engaged, generally, in their daily lives, which can promote cognitive and physical health.”
How Can You Help Cultivate Purpose for the Seniors You Love?
A sense of purpose, of course, looks different for each individual. A good place to begin is by creating a list of what the person enjoys and what skills they have. Then brainstorm ways these can be combined to become meaningful activities for seniors. For instance, perhaps a retired carpenter who loves animals could volunteer at the local pet rescue shelter, building or repairing a storage shed. Someone who enjoys reading and children could host a weekly story time at the library.
Even setting and achieving small goals is incredibly beneficial, as well as engaging in simple acts of kindness: baking cookies for the neighbors, starting and maintaining an herb garden, taking a class, or caring for the grandkids.
How Can Home Care Help Create Meaningful Activities for Seniors?
One key way in-home care can help is by providing the motivation and the means to cultivate and implement ideas for a more purposeful life. Our caregivers serve as companions for the seniors we serve. We get to know each individual personally, learning about their likes, dislikes, and interests, providing the springboard to brainstorm ideas for meaningful activities for seniors.
We also provide transportation and accompaniment anywhere a person would like to go, making it easy to follow through and make an idea a reality.
Not only that, but it’s always more fun to try something new with a buddy by your side to cheer you on every step of the way. A caregiver from Independence-4-Seniors Home Care is the perfect support for seniors to offer the encouragement needed, along with a full range of care services to help overcome any barriers to trying something new.
For additional ideas and hands-on assistance with implementing them, contact Independence-4-Seniors Home Care at (630) 323-4665. We’re always here to help!