A recently published study found that older adults with a powerful feeling of purpose displayed stronger walking speeds and hand grips, which are two main determinants in how rapidly we’re aging.
The reason why? Purposeful individuals tend to be less reactive to stressors and more engaged, generally, in their daily lives, which can promote cognitive and physical health.
What Can You Do to Help Cultivate Purpose for the Older Adults You Love?
A feeling of purpose looks different for every person. An excellent starting point is by developing a list of what the person enjoys and what skills they have. Then think through ways these can be combined into a meaningful outlet. For instance, perhaps a retired carpenter who loves animals could volunteer at the local pet rescue shelter, building or repairing a storage shed. An individual who enjoys reading and kids could host a regular story time at the library.
Even setting and achieving small goals is tremendously helpful, or participating in simple acts of kindness: starting and maintaining an herb garden, baking cookies for the neighbors, taking a class, taking care of the grandchildren.
How Can Home Care Help?
One key way in-home care can help is by providing inspiration along with the means to cultivate and implement ideas for more purposeful living for seniors. Caregivers serve as companions for older adults. Our caregivers get to know our clients personally, learning about their likes, dislikes, and interests, providing the springboard to brainstorming ideas for meaningful activities together.
We also provide accompaniment and transportation anywhere an older adult wants to go, which makes it very easy to follow through and turn an idea into a reality.
Not only that, but it’s always more fun to try something new with a buddy by your side to cheer you on each step of the way. A caregiver from Chesapeake Caregivers is the perfect support for seniors to provide the encouragement needed, together with a complete range of care services to help alleviate any barriers to trying something new.
Content provided by:
JAMA Psychiatry Publication
Patrick Hill, Asst Professor of Psychology and brain studies at Washington University
