Before January ends, I want to share one of my favorite New Year’s resolutions. Gratitude. As the new year brings balance and new beginnings, it is also the perfect time to reflect on the power of gratitude practice. For the elderly, in particular, gratitude has the potential to bring joy, positivity, and purpose to life. Research has found that expressing gratitude can improve health, well-being, and happiness while reducing stress and anxiety. Here are some simple steps that can help the elderly to begin a gratitude practice in the New Year.
- Start a gratitude list. Writing out the things you are grateful for is one of the easiest and most powerful ways to strengthen gratitude. Try carving out 10 minutes daily to write down everything you are thankful for, opportunities, and everyday moments.
- Take specific moments to appreciate beauty. Beauty can be found all around us, and it’s essential to take a moment every day to appreciate it. This could be enjoying the sunrise or sunset or taking a leisurely stroll and noticing the sights, sounds, and smells of nature.
- Listen to Music. Music can transport you to another time, place, or emotion. Sit quietly, listen to a piece of music you love, and be aware of how it makes you feel and appreciate it.
- Reflect on past experiences. Reflect on past experiences and the people who have helped you along the way. This will allow you to be mindful of how far you have come and be thankful for all the experiences in your life.
For those looking to improve their overall life satisfaction, gratitude practice is a simple yet powerful tool to gain a renewed sense of thankfulness and joy. A gratitude practice can potentially enhance the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of the elderly. Through this simple and powerful practice, older adults can develop an improved appreciation for their life circumstances, increasing their happiness and satisfaction.
