The Benefits of Aging: Why Getting Older Is Wonderful!

A swift search on Google for the term “aging” brings up topics such as “coping with aging,” “what you can do about aging,” as well as “the cure to aging.” The pessimistic connotations to aging and senior health are, sadly, so embedded within our culture that it is estimated that by 2021, we’ll be purchasing over $300 billion in anti-aging goods.

Even though it’s easy to get caught up within the issues which might be realized in getting older – health problems, the death of loved ones and close friends, and cognitive issues – what’s getting lost in the shuffle are the wonderful benefits of aging. Consider, for example:

• A recent study by Stony Brook University identified that the elderly are much happier generally, with reportedly decreasing feelings of frustration and anxiety in later years.
• Socialization and conflict resolution skills are better in later years, as outlined by research carried out by the University of Michigan.
• In a game geared to stimulate and study regret, older adults outshone their younger counterparts in their ability to manage emotions.
• And according to Cornell sociologist Karl Pillemer who interviewed 1,200 seniors, the general opinion was that the past 5 or 10 years were indeed the happiest of their lives. “Many people said something along these lines: ‘I wish I’d learned to enjoy life on a daily basis and enjoy the moment when I was in my 30s instead of my 60s,’” Pillemer shares.

Not only that, but retired adults have the opportunity to discover and realize hobbies and skills minus the time constraints of younger, employed adults, which could lead to a revitalized zest for life, new social ties, and improved bonds with current family and friends.

Home Sweet Home In-Home Care helps identify the benefits of the aging process in a variety of ways. Rather than merely coming in and executing tasks that a senior can no longer accomplish, we emphasize the person’s unique strengths, empowering him or her to follow new passions with the support of a helpful caregiver.

Whether it’s studying a brand new skill or language, taking a vacation to a long-desired destination, determining to get physically healthier, or whatever a senior’s objective, we are available to offer inspiration, transportation and accompaniment, and a number of other services to help your loved one thrive at home and enjoy life to the fullest.

Help your senior loved one choose and achieve new aspirations! Get in touch with the home care professionals at Home Sweet Home In-Home Care by contacting us online or calling us at 269-849-9252 to schedule an in-home consultation and discover how we can best help your family. To learn more about our St. Joseph senior care services and all of the other areas that we serve in Michigan, please visit Home Sweet Home’s Service Area page.