Love Yourself: Finding Purpose in Aging
Life is full of milestones and turning points. As we get older, the things we value and that bring us joy change. What made you happy in your 20s may not make you as happy in your 60s. And the older you get, the more changes you experience. Spouses, family, and friends pass away. Your health or mobility may begin to deteriorate. You may become more depressed and less motivated. This can all take a toll on your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
It is important to continue finding purpose, no matter your age. Having something to look forward to and something to get you out of bed each day can keep you feeling energized. Keeping a positive attitude can help boost your mental health. Studies have shown that having a sense of purpose may even help you live longer.
You don’t have to go out and change the world. What brings you joy and meaning could be something small. It could be personal to you, and that is what matters. So what are some changes you can make to find a greater sense of purpose in your life as you age?
Find something to look forward to every day.You can plan ahead for the week, or take it day by day. Write down something you are excited about, whether that is seeing a family member, watching a favorite television show, or going for a walk in the park. Sometimes it may be something grander: a holiday, a wedding, or a birthday party. Pick something that makes you happy.
Get involved in the community.Go out and socialize and meet people. Join a book club, an exercise class, or a travel group. Find somewhere you can volunteer, whether it is the food bank, your church, an animal shelter, or the hospital. Giving back and helping others can be very rewarding and raise your spirits. It can give you a reason to get up in the morning knowing you are making a difference or spending time doing something you really enjoy.
Get a pet.If you are feeling lonely, a pet can be a wonderful companion and help you find a sense of purpose. They rely on you to care for them: feeding, walking, grooming, playing – it can keep you busy and give you something to look forward to. Adopting an older dog can be a wonderful choice because they tend to be calmer and already housebroken, plus you are giving them a loving home to live out the rest of their years.
Do what you love.Make it a point to spend more time doing things that you enjoy. Do you like quilting? Painting? Playing piano? Going to museums? Playing golf? Building things? Schedule time into your day for these activities as a pick-me-up. And the more you practice, the better you get, which can also motivate you to keep going.