Sadly, the elderly are prone to sadness for reasons such as losing friends and loved ones, loneliness, isolation, change in living arrangements and a decline in their physical and mental health. Happiness and contentment can enhance an individual’s overall wellbeing, so finding out what makes them happy is a great way to redirect feelings of sadness
Happiness is a vital aspect of life that everyone is entitled to. By helping others experience happiness, especially the elderly, you are making the world a better place one person at a time. Whether it be family members or care home residents, fulfilling the medical needs of the elderly is a basic human right and is most of the time not enough to make an individual happy.
There are many different ways you can help bring on happiness in older adults, from joining in with their hobbies to diving into their family history, here are our top tips for making elderly people happy.
- Take them to visit friends and family. If you can’t, organize with someone who can. Friendships are always necessary at any age.
- Stop arguing with them. Let them feel like they are right. It gives them security.
- Let them live amidst their memories. Often, it’s all they have left, and it’s important to them.
- Let them talk, even if they repeat the same story a hundred times. Listen and treasure their words, which are pure wisdom.
- Make them feel like you need them, that they are useful to you and not a burden.
- Let them do most things, and only help them as needed.
- Play with them at what they most enjoy, and let them win (within reason).
- Listen to music from their era. Let them tell you a story that has to do with this or that song.
- Let them get mad and have their tantrums as if they were a child. But don’t treat them like a child — treat them like an adult who deserves all your respect and understanding.
- Motivate them to take care of their personal hygiene and upkeep. Encourage her to wear a little makeup, and motivate him to shave. What is their favorite lotion? Gift it to them.
- Talk to them in a serene tone of voice. Say thanks and tell them you love them. Tell them how much you value their life, time, and knowledge.
- Get into their world. Get into their stories, as if they were happening now.
- Look at their photos and let them tell you the story behind them. Let yourself be surprised at what you hear.
- Eating a nutritious diet is just as important as being physically active. Keeping meal times interesting for seniors is important to maintaining their well-being. Encourage seniors to catch up with a friend or family member over a meal to avoid feeling lonely – even if that means helping them set up a video chat
- Pray with them. Most older adults are quite good at it!
- Simply ask: “What can I do for you today to make you happy?”
Many of us have had the immense blessing of caring for an elderly parent. If you haven’t, try giving them some of your time.
