Purposeful Living and Healthy Aging

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Purpose and Longevity Link

Who wants to wake up every morning with nothing to do and no place to go? When adults reach retirement age and beyond, having a sense of purpose is a necessary component to enable them to lead happy, healthy lives. In fact, studies show that being responsible for something outside of oneself has proven to have a positive effect on one’s health, both physical and mental.

At Home Care Assistance of Jefferson County, we have a holistic approach to senior home care that not only focuses on a senior’s physical needs, but on his or her social and emotional needs, and feelings of independence and purpose. We know that when a senior is no longer is expected at the office, or the children have grown up and moved away, it is important for him or her to find something else to instill that necessary sense of purpose in daily life.

So how can you encourage a senior loved one to engage in purposeful living? First, there are volunteer programs that allow seniors to share the knowledge they have gained over the years, to mentor youngsters who may be missing a significant role model in their life, or simply to be a companion to someone whose health may be failing. Having an animal to care for has been shown repeatedly to aid senior adults in feeling purposeful and giving them a strong sense of responsibility. Even something as simple as starting an exercise program can give one a reason to get out of bed in the morning and feel more purposeful during the day.

Studies have also shown that there is a definite relationship between feeling as though one’s life has meaning and a lower incidence of Alzheimer’s disease, heart problems and stroke. However, the health benefits go beyond these. Feeling as though one’s life has meaning leads to increased optimism, which leads to increased serotonin levels, which has proven health benefits.

When seniors know that they are needed for a purpose outside of themselves, it leads them to better physical and mental health and greater enjoyment of their golden years, so that those years can be lived with the highest possible quality for the longest possible time.

To learn more about how you can help instill a sense of purpose into your aging loved one’s life, reach out to Home Care Assistance of Jefferson County today. Sometimes, all your loved one may need is a friendly companion or a helping hand to boost mood and overall spirit. Call us today at 303-987-5992 to learn more about Jefferson County hourly care services or live-in care assistance, and schedule a complimentary, no-obligation consultation.

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