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. That being said, expressing gratitude is shown to improve mood in older adults and it’s an important reflection to take part in.
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. Also, a study performed in 2014, found that older adults who wrote down or identified three things they are grateful for each day, reported decreased stress and increased well being. (West, 2021)
How can older adults increase their gratitude in their daily routine?
- 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
(West, 2021)
- 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
(Stiles, 2018)
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!
Resources Utilized:
- West, K. (2021, November 19). Gratitude and aging. Eaton Senior Communities. Retrieved September 21, 2022, from https://www.eatonsenior.org/gratitude-and-aging/
- Stiles, S. (2018, April 26). The Many Gifts of Gratitude. Behavioral Health for Older Adults. Retrieved September 21, 2022, from https://www.ncoa.org/article/the-many-gifts-of-gratitude
