Gratitude and Aging Well

When it comes to retirement, many of us are longing for the day to arrive where we can finally turn in our keys, clean out our desks, and hang up our uniforms for good. After working so diligently, retirement means rest, reflection, and returning to former hobbies that have been neglected throughout our career. Unfortunately, growing older is not always picture perfect. Seniors experience all sorts of unexpected change to their retirement plans, such as a decline in health, loss of friends and family and/or financial hardship. These issues give way to negative emotions, such as anxiety, loneliness, and depression. In a time of life where seniors anticipate they’ll feel carefree and relaxed, some are surprised that retirement isn’t at all what they expected. Instead of feeling joy, many seniors report feeling sad and alone.

There are ways to combat feelings of anxiety and depression, such as meditation and exercise. Another way to improve your mood is to practice gratitude. Numerous studies have linked the practice of gratitude to greater happiness, especially for seniors. Giving thanks improves sleep, reduces pain, enhances memory, enriches relationships, and can even promote better physical health. Gratitude transforms lives. Here are just a few ways to cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude. These activities do not require much preparation, and most can be completed in less than five minutes. Pick your favorite and start improving your health today.

Morning Coffee Gratitude

Start your day off right with a cup of coffee and a quiet moment of reflection. As you sip your coffee, count your blessings. Look around your home for inspiration. As you hold your coffee mug, feel gratitude for the warmth of the mug, the flavor of your coffee, the quietness of the morning, and the new day full of hope and possibility. By spending the first few minutes of your day in a state of gratitude, you can change the outlook of your entire day ahead.

Visualization

We all need reminders in order to manage our day-to-day lives. Do you have any reminders around your home that trigger gratitude? If not, consider purchasing a few visual cues to remind you to be grateful. As our nation celebrates Thanksgiving this month, there are a wealth of small signs about gratitude currently available in stores. Other visual cues include displaying pictures of friends and family or special events, hanging artwork from grandchildren in a visible area, or showcasing a special object that holds meaning to you.

Gratitude Journal

Start a gratitude journal to keep an account of your blessings. It can be as simple as a notebook where you list three things that happened today that made you grateful. As you practice this exercise regularly, you’ll start to see your day through a different lens. You’ll also start seeing blessings all around you and start appreciating life’s big and small blessings. The purpose of this exercise is to keep your mind attuned to what’s happening throughout your day and to find joy in each of those moments.

A Letter of Appreciation

Give the gift of appreciation by writing a letter to someone significant in your life. We live in an age where handwritten letters are few and far between. Write a letter to a dear friend or family member and express your gratitude for their life. Share how they’ve touched your life and give specific examples. Remind them that you care for them and that they are important to you. Your letter will be cherished for years to come. This is a great gift to give someone on their birthday, especially for seniors who may desire to write a letter to all of their children or grandchildren.

Pay It Forward

Finally, cultivate gratitude by paying it forward to others. Lead the way and be an inspiration to those around You can effect change amongst your own family and be an example to future generations. Pay it forward by buying the customer’s coffee order behind you in line. Pay it forward by letting someone go ahead of you in line at the grocery store. Pay it forward by donating to a local food bank or shelter. Pay it forward by being the first person to smile, to say hello, to welcome the new person, or to invite the neighbor over for dinner. Blessing someone first lets you experience the gift of giving, instead of it feeling reciprocal.

Speaking of gratitude, Visiting Angels Fort Worth would like to take a moment to thank those who readily share their reviews of our services. Because of your feedback, we can continue to provide the best in-home senior care. We strive to ensure that each of our clients receive the special treatment they deserve. We can do this because our care plans are customized to meet the individual needs of our clients. When you schedule a consultation with us, we meet with you to discuss your needs and routine. We then create a customized care plan that can be adapted as your needs change over time. We offer a variety of in-home senior care services that allow seniors to remain safely and independently in the comfort of their own home. To learn more about us and to schedule your free consultation, please contact our office today.