There are about 52 million people aged 65 or older in the United States, and that demographic is expected to nearly double by 2060. (Source: U.S. Census Bureau) This means that in less than 40 years, 20% of the population will be senior citizens – and in less than a decade, the number of seniors will likely surpass the number of minor children. Seniors are living longer, thanks to healthier lifestyles and medical innovation. Sadly, however, many elderly individuals feel that they no longer have a purpose – or a reason to get up in the morning. Helping your senior loved one rediscover the motivation to meet people, stay engaged, and take care of themselves is one of the best things you can do for them.
Here are four easy ways to give your favorite senior citizen a new sense of purpose in their daily lives. By doing so, you will be fulfilling some of the most basic needs a human being has, such as the need for independence, relevance, companionship, and emotional security.
- Suggest Manageable Goals: Young people and adults are often motivated daily to set and accomplish goals. But just because someone is older does not mean they can’t have plans either. Goal-oriented individuals have more sense of purpose and experience pride in their accomplishments. Help your senior develop a few manageable goals daily – whether fitness (walking twice around the neighborhood), pastimes (finishing an art project), or even just drinking more water daily. Offer encouragement with each milestone, and recognize them when the goal is complete. Being acknowledged for completing a task can make a senior’s day!
- Encourage Storytelling: While it may be hard for their grandchildren to fathom, Grandma and Grandpa were once young and vibrant. They have a lifetime of stories and adventures to talk about – if only someone were interested in listening. Giving your senior loved one an outlet to talk about their lives allows them to relive “glory days” and remember who they are, reaffirming their identity and place in the world. If your senior lives at an assisted living facility, surround them with photos, artifacts from travels, favorite music, and awards from the past – and encourage them to talk about each item. Helping them to write their memoirs is a great way to support cognitive and emotional health, boosting self-esteem. If you don’t want to write, video them telling their favorite stories. Your family will treasure the memory for years to come.
- Encourage Technology Use: More and more of the elderly population are familiar with using technology to connect with family and friends. Family and friends, for their part, are more likely to stay in touch when they can make a video call to Grandma. In addition to being beneficial for reducing loneliness and isolation, these frequent “check-ins” also allow family and friends to monitor the seniors’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being. While online connections are not as intimate and emotionally fulfilling, they significantly fill the void created between many seniors and their loved ones. In fact, studies prove that social networking sites once populated solely by young people are now increasingly used by older adults.
- Consider a Pet: If appropriate, seniors benefit significantly from caring for a pet such as a cat or small lap dog. Many elderly individuals spent their entire lives caring for children and grandchildren – so having a living creature rely on them can reawaken those feelings of being needed. Pets are also known to inspire a sense of well-being, lower stress, and blood pressure levels, and boost happiness. If your senior loved one is in an assisted living facility, check with the residence about their pet policy.
At A Banyan Residence, we are dedicated to the overall health, wellness, and quality of life of each of our residents. To learn more, schedule a tour of our Venice facility today.
