How Can Older Adults Practice Gratitude
As we approach Thanksgiving, it is a wonderful time of year to reflect on all the things we are thankful for. Did you know that the practice of giving thanks has demonstrated benefits including improved mood and well-being, particularly for older adults?
With all the distractions in the world today, and stress that can come with aging, it can be challenging to practice gratitude for older adults.
In a study completed in 2020, researchers found that older adults, who reflected on and savored their life experiences, increased their feeling of gratitude that in turn improved their life satisfaction, positive attitude towards aging, increased self-esteem, and increased hope.
Other studies have been done on aging and the benefits of gratitude and have found the following results:
Those who Write down or identify three things they are grateful for each day, reported decreased stress and increased well being. (West, 2021)
Gratitude training programs for older adults improved positive affect, life satisfaction, happiness, and resilience (Salces-Cubero, et al. 2018).
Researchers found that older adults who wrote down a ‘three good things’ list daily reported improved well-being and reduced stress (Killen & Macaskill, 2014).
How can older adults increase their gratitude in their daily routine?
Take time to learn about the practice of gratitude by reading articles online, watching TEDtalks or finding local classes in your area.
Attempt to try not complain about anything, at least one day a week
Practice random acts of kindness
Tell someone you love how much you appreciate them
Volunteer
Give a stranger a genuine compliment
Express gratitude to staff and service people.
Ask yourself each morning, “What am I thankful for?”
Keep a journal with what you are grateful for
Send thank you cards to friends, family, and acquaintances
Practicing gratitude daily will help make it a normal routine! Making gratitude a normal occurrence, will help increase an older adult's quality of life and decrease stress!
Source: Medicare Home Therapy: https://www.medicarehometherapy.com/articles/how-can-older-adults-practice-gratitude
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