“Life doesn’t get easier or more forgiving; we get stronger and more resilient.” This quote from lifestyle expert Steve Maraboli is critical to remember at any age, but it has a particular resonance for seniors. Seniors are known for being wise and capable, but sometimes, your golden years can still present a difficult challenge. Do you know how to build resilience for those challenging moments ahead?
What Is Resilience, and Why Do Seniors Need It?
The American Psychological Association defines resilience as a person’s ability to adapt and recover in the face of extenuating circumstances. It’s hard to make it to your senior years without resilience, which is why researchers often find seniors to be more resilient than any other age group they study. The resilience you’ve developed on your way to your golden years is a tremendous natural resource, but there are also ways you can help it grow further for the times you need it. Learn how to build resilience, and you’ll be ready for anything!
Stay Active in Your Community
We all know that seniors love to give back, but did you know that volunteering can help seniors as much as it helps the communities they serve? Community service can help seniors find a motivating purpose after retirement and connect to a new support network of good people in their neighborhood. If you want to build resiliency through community service, find a cause you can regularly give your time to or a neighborhood project that could use a helping hand.
Make New Friends, But Keep the Old
Of course, volunteering isn’t the only way to build your social network as a senior. Having people who care about you and can help you through difficult times is vital to staying resilient, so be sure to put some time into maintaining your social networks. Seek regular gatherings with family and friends, and schedule time throughout the week to catch up with the people you care about. If in-person connections aren’t always possible, social media and video calls can help, too.
Develop Your Coping Skills
Having a solid support network can help you in difficult times, but having the skills you need to cope with challenges is also vital to maintaining resilience. Practices like meditation and deep breathing can help you process stress and avoid getting overwhelmed when things are hard. Using coping mechanisms like humor to process your difficulties can give you some distance and relief from frustrations. Reflecting on past challenges and the ways you handled them can also be empowering and remind you that you are a person who can achieve important things. If you aren’t sure how to develop the skills you need, a conversation with a therapist can help.
Cultivate a Positive Outlook
It may sound simplistic, but going out of your way to see the brighter side of things really can make your difficulties easier to navigate. Viewing life through a positive lens reinforces an optimistic outlook, which can help you thrive in difficult times. If positivity does not come naturally to you, consider keeping a gratitude journal where you regularly note the things for which you are grateful. The more you focus on the positives, the easier a positive outlook becomes.
_____
Now that you know how to build resilience, how can you make it an everyday practice?
Are you planning to retire in Greenville, South Carolina? Be sure to check out The Gables on Pelham, a continuing-care retirement community that welcomes seniors from all walks of life. We offer flexible and personalized care, including assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation. You’ll love our cozy accommodations, fun-filled events calendar, and welcoming community atmosphere. To learn more, please schedule a tour or call us at 864-713-1377.