Have you ever started your day and said, “It’s definitely going to be one of those days!” Perhaps your alarm didn’t go off, the hot water heater stopped working, and the dog chewed up one of your most loved shoes overnight. Now envision if every single day were “one of those days!” For a person living with chronic pain or disease (and that is much of the elderly population), day-to-day struggles and challenges may be a given.
Nonetheless there are numerous steps that the elderly can take to uncover and maintain a life of joy, even in the face of chronic pain or illness. For instance:
Pursue passions. Discovering purpose and meaning in each and every day is vital – and possible. Many seniors find satisfaction in aiding and encouraging other people. Others thrive on being lifelong learners. For some it may mean writing about earlier times for the next generation to read. Brainstorm ideas until you arrive at one that sparks passion, and then make it a reality.
Practice a positive attitude. One good way to achieve an even more positive perspective on life is by journaling. Encourage your older loved ones to begin every day by developing a summary of everything they’re grateful for that morning, even the relatively mundane: the smell of fresh coffee brewing, a pet curled up in a sunbeam, a planned lunch date with a friend. At the conclusion of each week, sit together and read back through the prior entries for a quick and practical pick-me-up.
Refrain from negativity. Adding in a measure of positivity as discussed above can naturally lead to less negativity, but there are further strategies which can be taken as well. For instance, provide for breaks from tasks that create irritation, permitting needed time to de-stress. Place the emphasis on dealing with tasks which can be executed successfully, and find an alternative solution for those that are too challenging, such as delegating those tasks to another relative or friend, or employing the services of an expert.
Leave the house. Sustaining as active a lifestyle as possible outside the home is often very refreshing for seniors. Help your elderly loved ones go out for hair appointments, shopping adventures, visits with friends, and other fun outings, as much as they are comfortable. Even simply stepping outside and relaxing on the front porch when weather allows can substantially boost someone’s frame of mind and outlook.
At Independence-4-Seniors Home Care, it’s our objective to help older adults achieve the best possible quality of life without exception. Our thoroughly trained and experienced Hinsdale senior care team provides pleasant companionship, stimulating activities, transportation, and so much more. Contact us online or call (630) 323-4665 and learn the difference our in-home care services can make for your senior loved one!