Help senior loved ones find their purpose with these tips from our senior care experts.What exactly is it that gets you out of bed every day? If you are part of the sandwich generation, providing care for both younger and older loved ones, your list is probably quite extensive! As the nest empties, however, it becomes vital to redefine our identity and discover new ways to bring meaning to every day.
The impact of continuing to live purposefully for a lifetime are even more far-reaching than we once thought. A recent research study published in JAMA Psychiatry revealed that individuals with a strong feeling of purpose demonstrated stronger walking speeds and hand grips, which are two key determinants in how quickly we’re aging.
The reason why? 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 Senior Loved Ones Find Their Purpose?
A feeling of purpose, of course, manifests differently for each and every individual. A good starting point is by creating a list of what the person enjoys and what skills they have. Then brainstorm ways these can be connected into a purposeful outlet. 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 kids could host a regular story time at the library.
Even setting and achieving small goals is incredibly beneficial, or participating in simple acts of kindness: starting and maintaining an herb garden, baking cookies for the neighbors, taking a class, or taking care of the grandchildren.
How Can Home Care Help Senior Loved Ones Find Their Purpose?
One key way in-home care can help is by providing the inspiration as well as the means to cultivate and implement ideas for a more purposeful life. Our caregivers serve as companions for the older adults we serve. We get to know every individual personally, learning about their likes, dislikes, and interests, providing the springboard to brainstorming ideas for meaningful activities together.
We also provide accompaniment and transportation anywhere a person would want to go, which makes it simple to follow through and transform an idea into a reality.
Not just that, but it’s always more fun to attempt something new with a buddy by your side to cheer you on every step of the way. A caregiver from Home Sweet Home In-Home Care is the ideal support for older adults to offer the encouragement needed, along with a comprehensive variety of care services to help alleviate any barriers to trying something new.
For further ideas and hands-on help with implementing them, contact Home Sweet Home In-Home Care at (866) 229-2505. We’re always here to help!