Life after retirement or major life changes can sometimes feel like standing at a crossroads, where the comforting routine of yesterday gives way to the uncertainty of tomorrow. This transition often casts a shadow of aimlessness and leaves us yearning for a renewed sense of purpose. It’s a feeling many of us can relate to, especially when it comes to our parents, who have navigated life’s twists and turns with grace. But here’s the twist -they often come up with a question…. now what?
All of a sudden, they find themselves with ample time and old age can be a lonely time in a person’s life. Some people lose their significant other; others have family or friends that move away and some develop health issues that prevent them from leaving the house. And you know what happens next? Living without a purpose is enough of a reason for many elderly people to isolate themselves from any social interaction and often go into depression.
But wait, before you reach for those worry beads, here’s a glimmer of hope that’s “you” and a sprinkle of support from the expert squad at Samvedna Care. Think of them as reliable partners who are all about providing exceptional elderly care for seniors while ensuring mental well-being takes center stage. And remember, when dealing with challenges like dementia, it is crucial to consider reliable elder home care services, tailored elderly care, and regular mental health assessments. These kinds of support ensure seniors not only get practical help but also enjoy a caring environment.
Keeping in mind the importance of finding a purpose in the lives of the elderly, explore the steps that pave the way for elderly parents to live meaningful and active silver innings.
Below are steps to be followed to help your elderly parents to find a purpose in their old age:
1. Don’t conform to stereotypes
If they enjoy something, let them get out and do it. If health problems interfere, find ways to work around them and still motivate them to get into the things that matter to them.
2. Follow 5 principles of health
In elderly care, prioritize mental health assessments and encourage your parents to embrace the 5 Principles of health: Eat healthy, quit unhealthy habits, practice positive thinking, stay active and take up meditation. Write down somewhere in the room where they can have a look every day and practice regularly.
3. Aim to be active every day or at least for some hours of the day
Don’t let their mind to wander aimlessly. Suggest that they go walking, jogging, do yoga, listen to music, read books, do puzzles, play games, meet or call friends…the list is endless. They have all the time to spend it in their way with no deadlines to meet and they don’t have to wait for a Sunday to play their favorite sport.
4. Cultivate happiness
In old age, it is necessary to make an effort to cultivate inner happiness through daily exercises that can maintain both physical health and inner peace. Help them to make a choice to stay happy rather than giving in to socially condoned decline.
5. Say 5 good things about yourself everyday
Make them write an affirmation list of good things about themselves. Write it, read it and believe it in. This will maintain a high self-esteem and is related to major share of happiness and satisfaction.
6. Call family and friends
Help them use the gift of technology. Stay in touch with them through Skype or other networking sites. Surprise them by a video call. Keep sending the latest photos of their grandchildren if they are staying far.
7. Learn a new technology or a new language
Learning has no age limit and is a lifelong endeavor. Many researches have proved that learning helps in generating new brain cells. Seniors can join an activity centre where seniors are offered interesting classes.
8. Pass on your knowledge to the gen-next
Stories are a good medium to pass on the wisdom and experiences and seniors has a reservoir of them to share.
9. Read Books
Reading is one of the best trainers for maintaining a positive mind and keeping away negative thoughts, and also for answering many of their questions.
10. Practice yoga or mediation
A calm mind is a positive mind, and using yoga and meditation to self calm whenever senior feels doubt or unhappiness is a good practice. If yoga doesn’t work for them they can try chanting or other spiritual exercises. These things are most effective when practiced on a daily basis.
11. Keep a pet
In elder care, considering a pet for the senior can be beneficial. The love, comfort and connection with a pet is as important to them in old age as it is at any age. Choose a pet that is easy to care for and can be handled without much worry.
12. Have a hobby
Life has a purpose when we make choices about the things that we want to do and then do them. A hobby is an excellent way to remain fulfilled and interested in what is happening around. Motivate your elderly parents to stay involved in an enjoyable, affordable and fun activity as hobbies provide a sense of joy, accomplishment and fulfilment.
13. Be social
Seniors can find their friends on the Internet or they can have chitchat while going for their morning or evening walks. Don’t let them get isolated as social engagement can boost their mood and combat feelings of loneliness. If due to any limitations, the elderly are not able to connect with friends, consider the assistance of reputable elder homecare services, like Samvedna Care to provide personalised care, companionship and support tailored to your parents’ needs.
14. Motivate them everyday
In the later stages of life, seniors may face challenges in staying motivated due to the difficulty of embracing change. However, with the support of organizations like Samvedna Care and proper mental health assessments, you can find ways to uplift their spirits and help them adapt to these changes. Penning down a motivational phrase daily, reminding them of their worth can empower them to lead a positive life.
15. Have a bucket list of wishes and go for it
Let them make a bucket list of wishes and support them to live those wishes. It can be as simple as going for a movie with the grandchildren or any activity that sparks hope. Fostering these connections and a sense of purpose through elder care services is an absolutely nurturing gesture for our beloved parents.
Finding purpose in life is a vital aspect of healthy aging and it is our responsibility to help our parents navigate this journey with compassion and understanding. By implementing these 15 ways, including support of elder homecare services and mental health assessments, we can empower our parents to embrace their later years with joy and fulfillment.
Samvedna Care, G-7 Oriental Villas, Sushant Lok III, Sector 57, Gurgaon
Samvedna Care, C-13 Anand Niketan, New Delhi
+91 74280 97301
