The senior years come with various challenges, some of which are health related and others that affect quality of life in several ways. But there are also some very good things about aging. If you’re providing some type of care for one of the 6 million or so Canadians who are 65 or older, take a moment to consider some of the benefits of aging you may want to remind your senior loved one of.
A Better Outlook on Life
According to a 2018 report by Statistics Canada, teenage boys and seniors are among the happiest people in Canada. Other studies also suggest older adults tend to have a better outlook on life than their millennial and middle-aged counterparts. Possible reasons for this positive attitude about life include:
• Having better management strategies
• Being able to handle negative circumstances better than younger adults
• Simply being more comfortable with themselves
Many of the benefits of aging are enjoyed most when seniors are able to live at home independently. Many older adults are choosing to age in place, and some need a helping hand to continue living at home safely and comfortably. Luckily, there is professional in-home care Surrey seniors can trust and rely on.
Interactions with Grandchildren
Older adults who are grandparents often get to enjoy the many benefits of interacting with children without the obligations that go with parenting. Regular engagement with grandchildren also allows seniors to be more social, which can minimize issues with loneliness and isolation that sometimes affect older adults.
For families living in Surrey, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
More Quality Time with Loved Ones
Retirement doesn’t automatically bring joy and happiness to seniors. However, if you encourage your loved one to make the most of the time he or she has available, he or she could certainly be happy about having more opportunities to spend quality time with family members and friends in ways that are productive and enjoyable.
Being Able to Take Things Off the Back Burner
Another potential benefit seniors get from having extra time is the ability to fully explore projects, goals, or ambitions they’ve been putting off because of other priorities like parenting and work. Some of the many possibilities include:
• Going on a long vacation
• Making home improvements
• Pursuing new hobbies and interests
Giving Back to Others
Volunteering allows older adults to feel needed and good about themselves at the same time. Places like schools, hospitals, churches, and libraries often warmly welcome senior volunteers. Getting involved with local charities or causes is another option.
A Chance to Nurture Adult Relationships
The fact that your parent is older gives you both the chance to get to know each other as adults. Taking this step when your loved one is still fairly independent can allow you to develop a mutually beneficial relationship—one that doesn’t just exist out of a sense of obligation.
Wisdom
Many seniors have the type of widespread knowledge that comes from life experience. This kind of wisdom can benefit anyone who interacts with your loved one, especially grandchildren who are teens or young adults. Plus, older adults often appreciate it when family members and friends come to them for advice and insights.
Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can help them obtain this goal. Families can trust home care service experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living a longer and healthier life. Reach out to us at Home Care Assistance if you need compassionate, professional in-home care for your loved one. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today at (778) 279-3634.