For every adult, a crucial role in holistic well-being is played by a sense of purpose. For those in their golden years, this is particularly important. As you age, your responsibilities and your place in society change. Primarily, you may have been a caregiver to grandchildren and/or children. Now, as you transition into retirement, you may veer further and further from those former activities. What does this mean? For many, finding a new purpose in life becomes paramount in their lives.
For those in their retirement years, challenges are posed by possible life regrets and/or health concerns developing. But if you have a loved one who is struggling with finding a new purpose in life – in their later years – there are a number of ways you can help find a sense of meaning and reconnect in an independent living situation.
Make Socialization a Priority
As people age, sometimes they become isolated. To help stave off loneliness, encourage them to video chat or talk on the phone with family members and friends on a regular basis. A sense of purpose can be reignited through lunches, participation groups, regular visits, and more with friends and others their age. Encourage them to join local clubs, book groups, exercise classes, etc. If need be, offer transportation so they don’t have to rely on taxis, Uber, the bus, etc.
Give Back to the Community
Throughout one’s life, it is important to feel needed. Where the community is concerned, those in their golden years still have much to contribute. If they can be generous with their resources, experience, and time, it will help them to find and maintain a purpose in their life. In a manner that suits their abilities and interests, encourage your aging loved one to discover a method through which to give back to their community. They may get involved with a local community school or charity, adopt a pet, babysit for family members, etc.
Routines Are Important
When days are unstructured, restlessness and boredom can creep in. Try setting up a routine with your loved one involving things like when to wake up, when to go to bed, certain hours devoted to fun, time to chat with friends and family, etc. When it makes sense to do so, break the routine, however. Think outside the box.
Keep Creativity Flowing
For aging adults, physical and emotional well-being can be very positively impacted by the arts. When raising children, they may not have had time for pastimes and hobbies. They were concentrating on a career, cleaning the house, fixing meals, etc. Now, however, by exploring the pastimes and hobbies they couldn’t find time for before, they may be able to find a new sense of purpose.
There is no better time to pick up pursuits that are creative and inspiring – from scrapbooking to puzzles and painting to pottery. Encourage your loved one to explore a new art form, sign up for an online course, write that novel they’ve always talked about, and more.
Find Your New Purpose in Life with Independent Living
In our Independent Living Community, you should have no problem enjoying a life with purpose. With numerous amenities, regularly scheduled social gatherings/events, physical and mental exercise opportunities, art activities, and so much more, life has never been better.
