Aging with Grace: Thoughts on Gratitude for Seniors

The New Year is fast approaching! It seems like a great time to take a moment and consider who has made a difference in your life. Why not reach out and express your gratitude now?

Like wisdom, appreciation and gratitude can take years to acquire. Seniors are uniquely qualified to give the gift of gratitude to their friends and family. Many people are uncomfortable revealing and expressing their true feelings; many opportunities are missed to thank the important people in their lives.

Common roadblocks:

Everyone already knows how I feel. Our words and actions over the years do convey a great deal but much is still left unsaid. Most people will never know the depth of your gratitude.

I'd be uncomfortable. Nervousness is understandable but is manageable. Take time to reflect and plan what you will say. Jot down notes and refer to them during conversation. Proper planning can ease nerves.

I'm too busy. Expressing gratitude can be a profound and life changing event and can be accomplished in a simple letter, card, phone call or conversation. Your time investment can be as few as 15 minutes.

I don't know where they are. Social networking sites make it easier to track down long-lost friends and colleagues. The process of searching and reconnecting can be great fun. Seniors without internet access can recruit family members to do the searching.

Gratitude is important for healthy aging! Seniors who describe themselves as feeling grateful to others tend to have higher vitality and more optimism, suffer less stress and experience fewer episodes of clinical depression than the population as a whole. Out of excuses? Take the time to thank someone special today!

Easy Living Services, Inc. has supported families in their efforts to keep loved ones fulfilled at home since 1994. If you or a loved one can benefit from caregiver services, please give us a call to discuss your specific needs 770-442-8664 or visit us at: www.easylivingservices.com