Caregiver Tips: Helping Seniors Rediscover Their Passions
Passion doesn’t go away with age. Sometimes it only gets stronger. Many members of our senior community discover they finally have the time to pursue something that’s always interested them. So, when an older loved one says they have a passion or interest, we should listen. It may be something they can still be involved in, with a little encouragement.
Research suggests that a strong passion for something can motivate people at any stage in life. It lends them a sense of purpose and has the power to improve their overall well-being – even through common activities like reading, being in nature, and cooking. So, how can you help the senior in your life rediscover their passion?
Ways To Rediscover Passion
Age often leads to physical limitations or changing priorities that make it difficult to enjoy the same activities a person once did. However, there is no age restriction on passion, and it’s never too late to help someone rediscover it.
Try A New Hobby
Encourage the seniors in your life to try something new or to revisit an activity they loved when they were younger. A hobby can be sewing, cooking, reading, writing, drawing, yoga, fishing, or just about any activity that they’ve wanted to try. As long as it isn’t something risky, consider offering to do it with them to make the experience more fun and engaging. It may be prudent to have a caregiver nearby to make sure their activity is safe, as well.
Remove the Pressure
It’s also okay to enjoy something for a time and lose interest in it. If an older family member tries something new for a few weeks and decides it’s not for them, they may still try something else. Finding new passions can be a part of getting older, but they may need someone to help them come up with ideas, get to the senior center, or order the materials they need to pursue it.
Set Goals
Goals are a great way to motivate individuals to better understand what they like. Encourage your aging loved one to write down two or three goals that they want to achieve in the next year. A goal can be any aspiration they’ve had in the back of their mind, such as spending more time outdoors, or learning a new mathematical skill.
Once they’ve thought of a few goals, help them write out three to five action steps to achieve them. For example, if they want to learn how to draw, an action step could be signing up for a drawing workshop or ordering drawing supplies online.
Post a Reminder
It can help to post the list where they will see it daily, like their refrigerator or kitchen counter. This makes it more likely a person will act on them, bringing them one step closer to finding their passion. And it’s also a reminder to you to help them get there.
Volunteer
Volunteering is achievable for people with physical limitations, making it a great way for seniors to give back to their communities and connect with others in their neighborhoods. Elderly people who volunteer often gain a sense of purpose by working with an organization they believe in. It’s a wonderful way for seniors to feel like they’re doing something that matters, especially for those who have retired from demanding careers and still crave that drive to work.
Offer to help your aging loved one find nearby volunteer opportunities that cater to their strengths, and consider volunteering with them. Nonprofit organizations accessible to seniors here in Flagstaff include the Garden Work Party, Community Stewards Program, or High Country Humane Society.
Connect With A Therapist
Sometimes, a loss of passion is more than a simple loss of interest. If the person in your life doesn’t seem interested in doing anything, there may be a more complicated underlying reason for it.
Encourage your loved one to talk to a therapist or counselor. Sometimes, speaking with a mental health professional can help older individuals work through emotional or mental obstacles that are keeping them from living the quality, passionate lives they deserve.
You can help your aging loved one set up an appointment with the Flagstaff Counseling Center or a local therapist.
Rediscovering Passions With Visiting Angels
Helping a loved one rediscover passion can be challenging, but the team at Visiting Angels is here to assist families in helping their aging loved ones live the quality of life they deserve. Our team can help clients search online for classes or volunteer opportunities. We can also provide local transportation, mobility assistance, and basic companionship so clients can stay engaged with hobbies and activities.
Contact our office to schedule a complimentary consultation, and learn more about our at-home care services and how we can help seniors rediscover their passion in life.