Senior Living

Life Adjustments

Dear Readers,
If you know of a senior citizen who appears depressed about the normal process of aging, please cut this column out and give it to them.

1. Don’t minimize the importance of your influence. Remember, people that love you crave positive affirmations from you.
2. Ask for what you need. As you get older it will be likely that you will need assistance from others. Let people know what they can do to make your life easier.
3. You have heard of baby books. Have you ever thought about compiling an elder book? It’s important that you leave a legacy. Write out your story so that your loved ones will know about your life. These days, everyone has a video camera. Ask a friend or family member to videotape you. Talk about your family heritage. If you lived through the Depression or World War II, talk about it. Share the many current events in your life that meant something to you. This can be a wonderful gift to give your friends and loved ones.
4. Leave words of wisdom. Think about three pieces of advice that you could leave to others. Maybe it’s about marriage or finances or positive well-being. I bet you have a coined phrase that you have used in your past. My 82-year-old aunt always says, “Love you, always have, always will.” My grandmother always told me, “Let nothing disturb the harmony of your thoughts.” She taught me to not sweat the small stuff. She was way ahead of her time.
5. Ask to be included. Whenever possible, ask to be included in family and friends’ activities. Many seniors fear imposing upon others. Instead consider yourself a blessing!
6. Start your own rituals. Have loved ones over for something simple, at least once a week. This may require that you stretch out of your comfort zone but it is worth the investment.
7. The number one thing you can do for good mental energy is to find projects to stimulate your mind. Don’t underestimate the power of crossword puzzles. Libraries cost nothing, so spend one morning a week visiting your local library. Read a devotional daily, because it keeps you positive and having a thought for the day can make a difference in your life.
8. People love to be around positive people. Leave love notes or send them to your faraway relatives. Write to people you care about and remind them of why they’re special. You might just say, “Dear Lydia, I was thinking about you today and wanted you to know that I thought back to the time that we played hopscotch together at Elaine’s house. You have always been very special to me.”
9. Be honest about your feelings. Seniors report that they don’t want to burden people with their feelings. Consequently, they internalize them, which create anxiety. It’s important to externalize your feelings by sharing them.
10. Be a volunteer. Your contribution can be invaluable. Think about a close facility and ask them if there is a way to volunteer.
11. Create an affirmation and repeat it every day. “I am a very wise person and I have much to contribute in this world.” Affirmations keep you positive about your self-worth. Just like a car needs fuel, you need to emotionally and mentally fuel your mind and your soul.
12. Find the balance between accepting the natural process of age and defying it!
It’s up to you to make your life as special as you are.

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