Between 1900 and 2021, the average U.S. life expectancy increased by nearly 40 years. That statistic addresses quantity, but what about the quality of those extra years? When a senior’s children have grown and moved away, and the senior has retired, what happens next? How we as family members and friends perceive and value our senior loved ones—and how they perceive and value themselves—has a major impact on their physical and emotional health. So, what can we do to help seniors and our older loved ones have an improved quality of life?
Finding Purpose in Life Benefits Overall Health
Studies have shown that seniors with a sense of purpose are less susceptible to cognitive impairment, heart attacks and strokes, and may even live longer. Why? Because they are more likely to take better care of themselves through physical activity and are less susceptible to overwhelming stress. And physical activity has been shown to slow or even improve physical incapacity.
In short, many of the problems associated with aging can increase without drive and inspiration to live a meaningful life, and the result can be an unnecessary surrender to the effects of aging.
How do you help your aging loved ones find a sense of purpose for an improved quality of life?
1. Create a Sense of Purpose
Regardless of a person’s age, a sense of purpose, of belonging, and of being valued are needed. Senior adults can feel dismissed as no longer having as much to offer as they did when they were younger, and unfortunately, many adopt this attitude as their reality. Truthfully, however, many seniors have plenty to give in terms of knowledge, experience, and creativity—the challenge is how to make them feel as if their opinions and wisdom are valued enough to share.
2. Recognize and Treat Signs of Depression
Seniors are particularly susceptible to depression. It can be caused by the loss of their child-caring role, loss of daily career duties through retirement, chronic illness or pain, death of a spouse or close friends, loss of independence, medications, diseases or cognitive impairment.
Depression is a serious, debilitating disorder that is not a natural part of aging. Family and friends should encourage and help a senior loved one to seek out treatment if they show signs of being depressed. There are many types of depression, but some common symptoms include:
- Persistent sadness
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Irritability
- Loss of interest
- Fatigue
- Difficulty sleeping and concentrating
- Aches and pains without a physical cause
At a vulnerable stage in their life, depression may threaten their physical and emotional health. However, they and those who love them can make life fulfilling again.
3. Find Usefulness in Daily Tasks
If you want to help your senior loved one have an improved quality of life, put them to work! They have probably spent their entire life defining themselves by what they accomplish and contribute to society, their family and their career. It doesn’t have to be anything more than helping cook a meal, babysitting a grandchild, taking care of a pet, tending a garden, folding laundry, or helping with some shopping. If they can do it, don’t assume it’s better to do it for them.
4. Make Connections
Loneliness (a major cause of depression) is often associated with aging, and you do not have to be over the age of 65 to feel its effects. In a recent 2023 study, one in three adults aged 50–80 reported feeling isolated from others.
Of course, regularly connecting with family and friends is always helpful, but seniors should also seek out opportunities to engage with people in their community. Something as simple as greeting a friendly neighbor can put us in a better mood.
Loneliness can spiral in on itself as seniors continue to further isolate themselves in response. Encourage them to make contact with the world outside their home. Suggest they join a community group or take classes in something that interests them.
5. Stay in Physical Motion
The connection between emotional and physical health is well established. Even mild exercise not only builds and maintains physical abilities but also creates pride, confidence and an increased sense of independence, all of which are vital to having an improved quality of life.
6. Stay in Mental Motion
Family and friends can play a role in helping their senior loved ones stay mentally sharp for as long as possible.
Seniors can create goals like learning a new skill, finding a new hobby, or taking a trip to a new place. They should think about the interests and activities that used to provide them with a sense of purpose or those they always wanted to try and explore them further.
Family and friends can help their loved one have an improved quality of life by calling upon the knowledge and experience their senior gathered over a lifetime. Ask their opinion. Encourage them to talk about what they have been through. A person doesn’t go through 60-plus years without learning a lot of valuable information and gaining unique perspectives.
7. Look for Opportunities for Senior Service
There are a number of opportunities for seniors to help those in their community. Some can be found on United Way’s website, including the following:
- Chess Club volunteers play chess with students across different grade levels to help them learn and improve their skills.
- Preschool reading volunteers read books once a week to preschool classes.
- Some volunteer by writing “Kindness Cards” for those going through treatment for various illnesses.
How Can You Help Seniors Have an Improved Quality of Life?
- Help seniors feel respected and heard. Encourage them to share their knowledge and experiences with you.
- Take a moment to empathize with your loved one and know the signs of depression.
- Acknowledge and appreciate the value your elders offer, even for tasks that seem small.
- Continue to invest in your relationship with your loved one so they feel loved and important.
- Join your loved one in physical activity to give them additional motivation to stay healthy and strong.
- Learn a new hobby or task together to keep your cognitive skills sharp and create new memories.
Find more senior Health & Wellness tips on Bethesda’s blog.
