The holidays are a time of giving, and few people have spent more years fulfilling loved ones’ wish lists than older adults. Children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren…so many have received that perfect gift chosen by someone who took great care to find exactly what they wanted.
But what to get these generous givers in return? “Mom has everything she needs; the last thing she wants is more stuff,” is a common – and justified – conundrum around the holidays. Indeed, many older adults are beginning to downsize and purge unneeded items at this stage of their lives. Life’s intangibles are becoming more important with each passing year.
Let’s look at a different kind of “wish list,” one that focuses on what you can’t buy at a store and what you can give to yourself, or a loved one, year after year.
As we age, safety and security become essential foundations, whether we’re completely independent or need a little help. With new physical and emotional vulnerabilities, feeling supported and cared for helps reduce stress and build confidence. A secure environment allows us to stay engaged in the activities we love and provides the peace of mind needed to live each day with dignity and assurance.
2. Social Connections
A recent poll from the American Psychiatric Association reported that a whopping one in three Americans feels lonely every week, a number that could be even higher for seniors who’ve lost friends and family. Companionship and a sense of belonging are vital sources of joy, resilience and overall well-being. Whether it’s sharing a conversation, a hearty laugh, going on an adventure or exploring a new hobby with others, these connections enrich daily life and combat loneliness and isolation.
3. Purpose and Meaning
The need for purpose in life never gets old. In fact, science shows that those with purposeful lives have better cognition, stronger immune systems, more robust heart health, lower stress levels and greater longevity. Beyond these considerable benefits, living a purposeful life into advanced age gives us direction, motivation and a reason to greet each day with intention, engagement and connection to the world around us.
4. Lifelong Learning“Back to school” is not just for the young. On the contrary, lifelong learning is vital at every age because it keeps our minds active, our curiosity alive and our sense of possibility wide open. Whether we’re picking up a new skill, exploring a hobby or simply seeking to understand the world more deeply, continuous learning helps us to stay engaged, interested and interesting!
5. Comfort and Joy
Picture this winter without a single leaky faucet, clogged gutter or squeaky hinge to worry about. Instead of scrubbing, fixing or hauling, you could be exploring new hobbies, traveling somewhere new or simply getting comfy with a good book. The older we get, the more home maintenance steals our time and energy, turning “free time” into just another to-do list. Imagine reclaiming those hours – and all the stress that comes with them – for the things that actually bring joy.
There’s no better gift than truly enriched living in a community founded upon the values and wishes we all have for ourselves and our loved ones. In a quality senior community like Collington, those ideals become a daily reality, where peace of mind is built into every space, friendships and connection flourish naturally, and opportunities for purpose, learning and joy are always within reach – in every season.
