519.915.4370
519.915.4370
What inspires you to get up out of bed each morning? The answer is different for each one of us, of course, but there is one commonality: it could help you to live longer. Scientific studies are showing us that having a feeling of purpose is an integral aspect in longevity, something evidenced in Japan – the country with the highest life expectancy on earth.
Interestingly, there is no word for our definition of “retirement” in the Japanese language. Instead, there is a concentration on maintaining meaning and purpose beyond a person’s working years and defining themselves according to their current pastimes and passions.
So what are the steps to helping seniors – and ourselves – stay involved in what ignites interest and makes a difference in the world around us? Here are some inspiring suggestions to allow you to get started:
Cultivate a sense of compassion for other people. There’s no shortage of suffering in this world, and there’s something that all of us can do in some way to help lessen the struggles of someone else. Have a conversation with the older adults in your life about who or what touches their hearts in particular – mental health, homelessness, stray animals, single parents, veterans, etc. Turn that compassion into action by brainstorming ways to make an impact.
Focus on family. With so many families living at a distance from one another, and even further separated recently as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, make a plan to close the gaps and bring family members closer together. Plan an outdoor family reunion or holiday gathering. Commit to a phone call or video chat with a different family member each week to reconnect and get caught up on their lives. Focus on documenting your life story, and that of past generations, to share with children and grandchildren.
Redefine retirement. For an older adult who is already retired from one career, consider another. Is there an unfulfilled dream that might be explored, such as earning a degree in a different field of interest? Investigate volunteer or part-time job opportunities that offer the chance to learn something new while serving others.
Take time to play. Purpose and meaning can be found in lighthearted endeavors too! Hobbies, art, sports, music, travel, exploring nature, reading, and many other engaging and fun activities provide possibilities for self-expression and a far more enjoyable life. Betye Saar, a 93-year-old artist, explains, “…the creative part of me is forever young.”
At Amy’s Helping Hands, award-winning providers of in-home care in Windsor, Ontario and nearby areas, our caregiving team is full of innovative ideas to help a senior continue to take pleasure in a life filled with meaning and purpose. Give us a call any time at 519-915-4370 for additional tips and to get information on our personalized in-home care solutions.
Contact Us
5 Surprising Things That Make Alzheimer’s Worse Managing dementia can be a complex task that requires constantly changing your tactics. However, it is also important to recognize and address factors that can worsen Alzheimer’s disease. By learning and understanding these triggers and implementing effective management strategies, we can learn to support our loved ones better. When caring for a senior with the disease, you need to be aware of the following potential complications and contact their physician for recommendations where applicable. …
Read More
Enjoying Spring to the Fullest: How In-Home Senior Care Can Help Your Loved One Stay Active As the warmth of spring spreads across Windsor and Essex County, it's the perfect time for seniors to get out, enjoy the fresh air, and engage in activities that bring them joy. However, for many seniors, mobility issues or health concerns may hinder their ability to participate in outdoor activities independently. That's where in-home senior care from Amy's Helping Hands comes in. In this article, we'll explore how our personalized in-home care services can support your senior loved…
Read More
Understand Broken Heart Syndrome and How to Help Someone Who is Grieving Sometimes, the emotional pain of loss and grief can feel almost physically unbearable. Believe it or not, there is a medical term for this phenomenon “broken heart syndrome”. While temporary, the symptoms can be alarming. Let us understand this condition and how to support a loved one struggling with the weight of grief. What is Broken Heart Syndrome? Broken heart syndrome , also known as Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, is a temporary heart condition often triggered by severe emotional distress…
Read More
Hopping into Independence: Easter Signs Your Senior May Need In-Home Care Easter is a time of renewal and fresh starts. As we celebrate with loved ones, it's the perfect opportunity to check in and make sure our senior family members are thriving. If you're noticing some subtle changes, in-home care services, like those offered by Amy's Helping Hands, can be like a basket full of support to help them maintain their independence at home. Spotting the Signs: A Springtime Checklist Household Hints: Are chores around the house becoming neglected? Unwashed dishes,…
Read More
Palliative Care- letting your senior loved on pass at home Palliative care is a type of healthcare specifically designed for individuals and their families facing life-threatening illnesses that are in their advanced stages. This information helps to address common questions seniors have about palliative care, also known as hospice care. It helps to provide guidance on where seniors can access further information about available services. What is palliative care? Palliative care is to help enhance the quality of life for those who are critically or…
Read More
The Difficult Emotions Every Family Caregiver Battles – and How to Let Them Go If you are feeling a bit discouraged in your role as caregiver, take heart; you’re in good company. Providing care help for a loved one is perhaps the most complex role we can hold: highly rewarding on the one hand, while simultaneously frustrating and ever-evolving, frequently resulting in feelings of doubt about whether we are up to the challenge and providing the most effective care. It’s why a number of family caregivers struggle with some or all of these types of feelings: Guilt: It…
Read More
7 Tips to Better Manage Dementia and Incontinence Caring for a family member with dementia requires a combination of empathy and creativity to address challenging behaviors, especially in dealing with incontinence, an issue that is prevalent in Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. By implementing these proven strategies can effectively reduce the impact of incontinence and help prevent emotional distress for a family member with dementia. Choose your words carefully. When it comes to discussing incontinence products, try considering using…
Read More
Keeping Seniors Safe: How In-Home Care in Windsor Prevents Falls and Enhances Home Safety For seniors in Windsor, Ontario, maintaining a safe home environment is essential for their well-being and independence. However, as age-related challenges arise, so do concerns about falls and household obstacles. Amy's Helping Hands understands the importance of creating a safe space for seniors to thrive. In this article, we'll explore how our in-home senior care services can prevent falls and address household obstacles, providing peace of mind for both seniors and their families. Helping…
Read More