Why Resilience Matters for Seniors
Resilience is the ability to recover from or adjust easily to difficulties or changes. It is an important trait for people of all ages, but especially for seniors. The elderly are more vulnerable to health problems, financial difficulties, and social isolation, so it is important for them to have the resilience to deal with these challenges.
In Marina Del Rey, professional homecare is a popular way of helping seniors stay psychologically healthy, stable, and resilient. Whether you’re getting some help in caring for your senior loved one or not, you’ll benefit from learning about how to help them build resilience and why it matters.
Why is resilience important in the elderly?
Resilience is an important quality for people of all ages, but it becomes especially important in later life. As we age, we become more vulnerable to cognitive decline and chronic illnesses, experience more losses, including the death of loved ones and are in general more stressed. At the same time, we may have less support from family and friends.
All of these factors can make it difficult to maintain a positive outlook on life. However, research has shown that resilient seniors are more likely to enjoy good physical and mental health, even in the face of adversity.
They are also better able to adapt to changes and cope with stress. In short, resilience is a key ingredient for a happy and fulfilling life in older age. Therefore, it is important to encourage elders to develop this essential quality.
How do the elderly develop resilience?
Research has shown that the elderly can develop resilience through a number of different pathways.
- Support network: One common pathway is through social support networks. In times of hardship, social support can provide a sense of belonging and connectedness, which can help to buffer against negative emotions.
- Positive reframing: Another pathway to resilience is through positive reframing, which is the process of reinterpreting a difficult situation in a more positive light. For example, an elderly person who has lost their spouse may reframe the situation as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery once they’ve grieved their loved one.
- Religious beliefs and spiritual practices: While they might not be for everyone, religious and spiritual practices can also promote resilience by providing a sense of meaning and purpose. This can be very helpful to religious seniors.
Where in Marina Del Rey and the surrounding area can I find reliable homecare?
At A Better Way in Home Care, we understand that finding the right care for you or your senior loved one can be a difficult and time-consuming process. That’s why we can refer caregivers who offer a wide range of services to meet your unique needs. Whether you’re looking for help with meals, company, support, medicine, or light housework, we can find a professional who will make sure your loved one is well taken care of.
Many caregivers also offer transportation services to get your loved one to and from appointments. The caregiver referred to your loved one can even accompany them to Marina Beach or another location of their choice so they can stretch out their back and legs. Call us today to learn more about how we can help you or your senior loved one.