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Small acts can make a big difference in mental health!
Taking extra care to ensure your loved one still feels relevant, needed and valued can really enhance the relationship, increase receptiveness to your input and decrease other feelings of worthlessness that would lead to mental health difficulties.
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Call and ask for advice
Ask about something they are interested in or have knowledge about (even if you know the answer or can google it.)
Find creative ways to include aging adults in family, friend and community activities
Don’t limit someone because you perceive they are unable to do something and make sure you avoid ageism. Avoid thinking someone would not want to do something new or cannot participate in the activity. At times there may need to be adjustments made to participation if there are physical or cognitive challenges, but make sure to be creative! For example, maybe someone can’t play a sport (baseball, basketball, etc) and run, but the person could still enjoy coaching, tossing the ball, keeping score or enjoy just watching and being part of the group. People enjoy being invited. Don’t not invite someone just because they did not accept the invitation once and ask why they don’t want to come. The person may just be having trouble getting in and out of a car and there might be a simple solution!
Show appreciation
Tell the person that you appreciate their company or anything they may have taught you. Thank the person for things they may have even taught you a long time ago and encourage them to keep teaching others.
Encourage engagement in meaningful tasks
Encourage the person to participate in a leisure task they enjoy (building a model car, crocheting, playing cards, playing an instrument, etc.) Sometimes pairing a hobby with a person, group or outcome can promote follow through and engagement. Some examples are: building a model car with a grandchild, crocheting a baby blanket for someone expecting, having a regular group of people to play cards on a specific day or playing an instrument in a group or during a certain “open mic” or “open jam” session.
Participate in community events
Attend or volunteer at community events to foster a sense of belonging, but also connect with neighbors that can help each other in the future.
Volunteer
Don’t limit opportunities to only what is listed in the typical spots. If there is something of particular interest, contact the place or people directly and ask if there are volunteer opportunities. For example, if someone likes to sew, but perhaps there is not a sewing store anywhere close, they may be able to volunteer for a home economics class or be paired with a 4-H participant.
Part-time or full time work including consulting or starting a business
Some want to continue with full-time or part-time work and should reach out to their local work force centers. Others may want to be a consultant or start their own business for the creativity and flexibility it provides. The small business administration has excellent resources to get started. * Note it is important to consider how employment will affect one’s overall financial picture including how it may impact taxes, social security, Medicare, etc.
Encourage life-long learning
Encourage adult learning classes, online classes, classes at a local library, art classes, etc. Also absorbing information from various sources on the internet including Ted talks or other educational programs can keep the person interested and engaged in the world.
Explore all safe and viable options before losing a role
There are so many new technologies, tools and creative approaches that may allow someone to keep their role through modifications and adaptions. Many times an occupational therapist can assist with this if recommended by the doctor.
See Adaptive Equipment, Aging in Place Specialist, Home Modifications Resources.
See our Tips for Aging Adults Page for more ideas.
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Aging Uniquely Health and Legal Disclaimer:
By continuing with this site, you are agreeing that you acknowledge and understand this disclaimer in full and will not hold Aging Uniquely, parent companies or content creators liable for the information or use of information on this site because everyone ages uniquely and has unique needs. The content on Aging Uniquely sites is for general information purposes only and Aging Uniquely does not provide medical or health advice. It is not a substitute for medical or health professional advice and you should never ignore professional medical advice or delay seeking emergency care because of something you read on the Aging Uniquely website or social media platforms. If you are experiencing a medical emergency call 911 or seek emergency services. Aging Uniquely is not responsible for what may happen if you use their information in place of medical or professional advice. You are responsible for your own health and safety or how you apply this advice to adults/older adults you support. I highly recommend you consult the proper qualified medical or health profession before implementing any information from Aging Uniquely or other health related websites.