Think of a regular day in the life of a senior loved one. Hopefully it provides a couple of uplifting and enriching experiences: enjoying breakfast, engaging in a pleasant activity or interest, visiting with a friend or relative, watching a popular TV show. Nevertheless there is a difference between positivity and purpose. The need for a life rich with meaning and purpose is becoming more apparent, especially in the life of senior loved ones.
Viktor Frankl, world-renowned psychiatrist and survivor of the Holocaust, explains poignantly, “What matters is not the meaning in life in general, but rather the specific meaning of a person’s life at a given moment.”
For individuals whose identity has been focused entirely on a profession and raising a family, and who now have reached a season of retirement and fulfilled family responsibilities, it could be hard to find other meaning and purpose. At Amy’s Helping Hands, we make it a top priority to help identify activities for seniors designed to access their passions and funnel them into purposeful experiences, such as:
- Volunteering. For a senior who loves kids, tutoring, reading to, or mentoring kids at a neighborhood school is a wonderful option. Other people may care deeply about helping veterans, and put together care packages of personal care products and snack food items to send overseas. Or for animal lovers, delivering treats, blankets, and an affectionate heart to a pet shelter can be extremely fulfilling.
- Learning. It’s true: you’re never too old to understand something new. Check out the local community college, library, or senior center to find sessions or online programs of interest to your loved one.
- Helping at home. Well-meaning family caregivers oftentimes take over household tasks to free their senior loved ones from the responsibilities they’ve taken care of throughout their lifetime. Unfortunately, this could possibly have the negative effect of leaving older adults feeling like they’re no longer needed. Engage your senior loved one in work and responsibilities around the home which are within his / her level of skill and interest, for example, assisting with planning meals, folding laundry, sorting nuts and bolts in a toolbox, etc.
- Documenting family history. Providing the next generation with the unique family history and stories experienced firsthand is a treasure that only older adults can offer. Help your senior loved one record his or her lifetime legacy in a scrapbook, writing, or video recording, and then share with friends and family.
And, get in touch with Amy’s Helping Hands, the leaders in home care, for the personalized in-home assistance that will help older adults discover fulfillment and purpose, while remaining secure and comfortable in the familiarity of home. We're able to supply transportation to stimulating and meaningful activities, help plan and implement activities to accomplish right at home, or just take care of the daily tasks around the house, including cleaning and cooking, enabling friends and family to enjoy high quality time with one another. You can easily reach us any time at 519-915-4370 to learn more about our high-quality care.
