Older adults often have difficulty finding new purpose in their lives. The concerns of middle age, such as raising a family and meeting career goals, aren’t applicable to the post-retirement years. Seniors who want to be happy and healthy as they age need to find some kind of motivation. Here are a few reasons older adults should maintain a sense of purpose.
Boost Emotional & Mental Health
Leading a purposeful life is crucial to emotional and mental health. When seniors feel useless, they’re more likely to become depressed, withdrawn, or anxious. On the other hand, older adults who see themselves as useful individuals are more likely to be content with their lives.
Depression and social withdrawal are just some of the many issues older adults are susceptible to. There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to address if their families opt for professional senior home care. You can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep your loved one safe and comfortable while aging in place.
Enhance Physical Health
Studies suggest purposeful seniors may be more physically healthy than those who lack motivation. Living a purposeful life doesn’t necessarily involve going to the gym four times a week. It could simply mean playing catch with the grandkids, gardening, or taking a walk around the block after dinner. Purposeful living also minimizes anxiety and stress and reduces the risk of developing serious health conditions like arthritis. By reducing anxiety levels, seniors can boost their overall physical health.
Maintain a Routine
For many seniors, the early days of retirement are a major adjustment. Without a job to go to five days a week, seniors may feel listless at times. Finding a sense of purpose can be a challenging task, and seniors may need to experiment with various ideas. If volunteering doesn’t work out for them, they can try a new hobby or learn a new skill. By continually learning new skills and exploring other activities that instill a sense of purpose, older adults can maintain active routines.
Set Small, Achievable, & Realistic Goals
Finding a sense of purpose doesn’t necessarily mean setting big, life-changing goals. While working toward a larger goal can be motivational, setting daily small goals can keep seniors on track as well.
Aging adults can keep journals to track their daily activities. They might decide to read for 30 minutes every day or spend 15 minutes lifting weights every Tuesday and Thursday. These small tasks can give purpose to each day and help seniors achieve larger goals. By setting and pursuing goals, older adults can stay focused, motivated, and organized.
Older adults often need encouragement or assistance to pursue healthy goals. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Align Home Care, a leading provider of homecare. Portland Align Home Care provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
Pursue Favorite Activities
While small goals can keep seniors on track, many older adults feel incomplete without larger goals. Seniors often derive a sense of purpose from religious organizations, volunteer programs, support groups, or creative outlets. Older adults who are willing to work toward goals can pursue their favorite activities along the way.
From setting long-term goals to managing daily chores, aging adults may need help with several tasks. Some seniors need occasional assistance at home, and oftentimes the family members who take care of them need time away to run errands, take a nap, go to work, or take a vacation. Portland respite care experts from Align Home Care are available on an as-needed basis, giving your family peace of mind that your loved one will remain safe and comfortable while you relax or focus on other important responsibilities. Trust Align Home Care to provide high-quality compassionate professional care for your loved one. If your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging, call one of our compassionate Care Managers today at (207) 835-3490.