The average life expectancy in the United States has been on the rise for many years. While adding more years to a person’s life is always an excellent goal, the quality of those years must also be a consideration. What are some ways to improve seniors’ well-being and quality of life today?
Many experts say keeping seniors active will improve their quality of life. However, elderly individuals also need a sense of purpose. When they have this purpose, they are less likely to struggle with cognitive decline and health issues, and they live longer. A more active senior with a sense of purpose will take better care of themselves and won’t struggle with stress as often when they learn new things. Their brain health improves. How can families help seniors have a sense of purpose?
Creating a Sense of Purpose
Once people reach adulthood, they have families to raise, jobs to keep, and other responsibilities. When a person retires, they wonder if they still have a sense of purpose. Do they have any value? Many people dismiss seniors because they can no longer offer what they did in the past. When elderly individuals see this, they adopt that attitude. People need to remember that seniors have a lot to share with others. Before they share, however, they must feel respected and valued.
Watch for Signs of Depression
Seniors are prone to depression because their children no longer need them. They are retired, so they don’t have a job to go to daily and may need to relocate. Many seniors struggle with chronic illness or pain. They are losing loved ones, and they may no longer be able to live independently. These are only a few of the challenges they face that can lead to depression.
Many people assume depression is just part of the natural aging process, but it is not. When family members see a loved one is persistently sad or feels helpless and hopeless, they need to seek help for this individual. Seniors often become irritable when they are depressed, and they may have a loss of interest in preferred activities. Sleep issues may arise in the senior population. Many struggle with aches and pains with no physical cause. If any of these signs are seen, the family should seek treatment for depression for the senior.
Seniors Need Work
People often define themselves by what they contribute to daily life. For example, parents take care of their children. When they retire, they may not have chores, making them feel useless. Ask them to cook a meal, take care of a pet, or fold laundry. Simple tasks can make them feel valued and helpful once again.
New Connections
Seniors often lose loved ones to death, and loneliness remains a problem for those over the age of 65. To avoid feeling isolated and alone, seniors need to make new connections regularly. Senior groups are of great help in preventing isolation and loneliness. Many seniors move to a community with their peers, so they always have somebody around.
Physical and mental activities also benefit seniors. The senior might volunteer as a foster grandparent or companion in a school or a hospital—the options are endless. When seniors remain active and involved in activities, they have a higher quality of life. Families must remember this and encourage this activity whenever possible.
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