Older Adults Need to Connect, Create, and Contribute
By Brandi Goodman
Older Americans Month, which arrives in May, encourages older adults to maintain their independence. It's important for seniors to continue connecting with others so they do not lose valuable connections that can keep them healthy and well. Creating something they enjoy and contributing their expertise to the world are also ways to maintain health. Here's how.
Connect
Connecting with family, friends, and others within the community helps to boost emotional well-being as well as physical health. If older adults spend time connecting with others, they are reducing their stress levels, boosting happiness, laughing, and increasing their sense of belonging and worth. With an increase in happiness and reduction in stress, the immune system can be boosted as well. Those who surround themselves with others tend to live longer.
Create
Engaging in activities you enjoy can boost your health and happiness. Create a piece of artwork, song, garden, or anything else you desire and see how your creation inspires you. You may find yourself relaxed and joyful as you spend time doing these things. Personal enrichment is very fulfilling and will boost immunity and well-being as well as connecting with others.
This category includes exercise as well. You may not be creating something for others to see, but you can create a better, more capable you. Engage in fun exercise that makes you want to do more of it. Take a walk through a forest of trees and examine their beauty. Try a game of tennis with a friend. You will be able to create happy memories and connect with others, ensuring a great contribution to your life and theirs.
Contribute
Making contributions to the world is a great way to feel worthy of living. Teaching is an excellent way to do that. Teach others some of the valuable lessons you've learned. Sit with younger minds and encourage them to connect, create, and contribute as well. By giving instructions, coaching others, or teaching, you are giving either your time, talent, or life experience to others for their benefit and yours.
Older adults sometimes start to feel like a burden or as though they have nothing left to live for. By contributing their knowledge, creating new things, and connecting with others, that sense of purpose will rise once again to the surface. These are also great ways to boost your health and enhance your well-being.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Roseville, Calif.