The Legacy at Forest Ridge-Feeling Connected and Purposeful at Home image
Aging requires more attention and assistance. It is up to us to accept the fact our senior loved ones can no longer do things like they could in the past. It is also up to us to seek out proper care and assistance to help seniors live a life of dignity and purpose.
Neighborhoods change, neighbors move away, and we lose touch with friends. With time, we as human beings start to decline. It’s just a fact of life. But, how do we adapt? How do we not only adapt for physical and mental attributes, but also surroundings and lifestyle?
As seniors experience these changes, they often feel loneliness. It’s a tough reality to accept that a lot of the things they once knew as the norm are now changing, what seems like, all at the same time. Seniors who are isolated in their own homes start to experience a decline in happiness, which in turn leads to depression. This depression promotes a lack of motivation to be active and connect with others, which are vital keys to staying healthy and achieving joy. It is important that we take note of these trends before they start becoming the new standard for each day.
There are several challenges seniors face when it comes to committing to being active. Many seniors are unable to drive, so they rely on other means of transportation. Seniors may also not be well-informed of social opportunities. If you have a caregiver, whether it is yourself or an outside hire, seeking out these opportunities must become part of the job description. If not, a fulfilling and meaningful life more difficult to achieve, and depression will become the senior’s new reality.
Everyone, regardless of age or ability, has a purpose. However, before that purpose can be achieved, they must first become connected to their community, both inside the walls of wherever they call home, as well as the city they live in. Once they make these connections, they will want to become more active—physically, socially, mentally. Only when they become active participants in their community will they gain a higher sense of purpose.
Ask yourself—does my home offer my loved one the opportunity to live a connected, active, purposeful and safe life? How much alone time does my loved one experience? What can I do to help my loved one re-engage in a socially active lifestyle?
This article is brought to you by The Legacy at Forest Ridge.