May 23, 2019 by
Think of a typical day in the life of a senior loved one. Hopefully it includes a number of positive and enriching activities: enjoying breakfast, engaging in a fun pastime or interest, visiting with a friend or family member, watching a favorite TV show. Yet there’s a difference between positivity and purpose; and the importance of a life rich with meaning and purpose is becoming more apparent, particularly in the life of older adults.
Viktor Frankl, world-renowned psychiatrist and survivor of the Holocaust, shares 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 those whose identity has been focused on a career and raising a family, and who now are in a season of retirement and fulfilled family commitments, it can be challenging to find new meaning and life purpose. At Home Independent Living makes it a priority to help seniors discover their passions and channel them into purposeful activities, such as:
- For a senior who loves children, tutoring, reading to, or mentoring kids at a local school is a great option. Others may care deeply about helping veterans, and assemble care packages of toiletries and snacks to send overseas. Or for animal lovers, bringing treats, blankets, and an affectionate heart to a pet shelter can be extremely fulfilling.
- It’s true: you’re never too old to learn something new. Check into the local community college, library, or senior center to find classes or online programs of interest to your loved one.
- Helping at home. Well-meaning family caregivers often take over household chores to free their senior loved ones from the tasks they’ve handled throughout their lifetime. However, this can have the adverse effect of leaving seniors feeling as though they’re no longer needed. Engage your senior loved one in activities and tasks around the home that are within his or her skill level and interest, such as helping with preparing meals, folding laundry, organizing nuts and bolts in a toolbox, etc.
- Documenting family history. Supplying the next generation with the rich family history and stories experienced firsthand is a treasure that only older adults can provide. Help your senior loved one document his or her lifetime legacy in a scrapbook, writing, or video recording, and then share with family and friends.
Call on At Home Independent Living for the personalized in-home assistance that helps seniors find fulfillment and purpose, while remaining safe and comfortable in the familiarity of home. We can provide transportation to engaging and meaningful activities, help plan and implement ideas to accomplish right at home, or simply take care of some of the everyday tasks around the home, such as cleaning and cooking, allowing family members to enjoy quality time together. You can contact us online or call us any time at (315) 579-HOME (4663) to learn why our services and compassionate caregivers make us the leading home care company in Syracuse, NY and the surrounding areas.