Finding Joy in the Everyday

Senior Tips  |  April 14, 2023

Finding joy in the everyday is an important topic. You may be wondering why we would even need to mention this. Sadly, it is because when most of us think about adult and senior care, we tend to think about the obvious challenges – the ones we can see. Our minds conjure images of injury, illness, aging, and obstacles to daily activities of living. Seldom do we think about social and recreational activities and the obstacles to those. As such, when we at Comfort Keepers devise a care plan, we look at client care holistically. We encourage our clients to include activities that stimulate the senses, evoke fond memories, and instill feeling of joy. Because, after all, there is a fine distinction between existing and living! Without further delay, let’s talk about some things our caregivers and their clients do to find joy every day.

Outings

Outings are great for the body and mind. It could be as simple as a walk around the block. Or it can be as complex as a trip to the casino for dinner and a show. Whatever this looks like, we encourage it wholeheartedly. As such, we pick on the picnic quite a bit, because it is an activity that has so many physiological benefits. Firstly, it involves going for a walk. Secondly, it has us breathing fresh air. Thirdly, we get some much-needed vitamin D. Lastly, it involves spending time in nature, taking in the therapeutic sights and sounds. And, if that isn’t enough, it’s an opportunity to socialize over a meal! So, make this into a ritual, scheduling in an outing multiple times a week.

Arts and Crafts

Arts and crafts are a way of transforming chaos into order–of creating something out of nothing. Whether this is rendered through writing, composing, drawing, painting, sculpting, knitting, crocheting, photographing, or some other form, this hobby is just as exciting to engage in as it is to collect and display.

Games

Toys are for adults and children alike. Whomever told us otherwise did not know any better. Games provide an opportunity for us to exercise our mind and body while receiving a daily dose of joy. Examples of indoor games include board games (Scrabble, chess), card games (Poker, Blackjack), and tabletop games (billiards, ping pong). Outdoor games include lawn bowling, mini putt, and horseshoe. These games are interactive, and can be played with neighbours, friends, and family. However, for those times when some alone time is desired, try a jigsaw puzzle, throwing darts, or an indoor putting green.

Gardening

Unless you find yourself in the center of a John Le Carre novel, being a constant gardener is a great investment of your time. It keeps the mind and body in harmony. Also, it keeps us exposed to sunlight and fresh air. It surrounds us with beauty. It can also bestow upon us some delicious eats. Best of all, it just takes a few seeds, a couple of tools, and some trial and error to start experiencing the benefits of this down-to-earth ritual.

Collecting

Collecting is one of the oldest and most thoroughly enjoyable pastimes ever conceived. In fact, you can collect just about anything. These can range from seashells or feathers to postal stamps or coins, books or trading cards to bottle caps or fridge magnets. The possibilities are endless. In the end, if you don’t collect something, you’re probably missing out on a stimulating pastime for which the reward is as much in the act of collecting as it is in the enjoyment of the ever-expanding collection.

Reading

Very few hobbies can affect us the way reading can. We could be sitting in the quiet of our homes, and yet find that our minds are transported worlds away by the mere sight of the printed word. The best part is that nowadays, thanks to thrift stores and used bookshops, books are readily available and very affordable; so, we can enjoy building our collection as much as we enjoy reading it!

As discussed, finding joy in the everyday does not have to be complicated or costly. Arguably, some of the best things in life are simple and free/inexpensive. Some activities are interactive and involve the participation of neighbours or good friends. Other activities are merely proactive and you can fly solo on these whenever the mood strikes. All it takes is for us to decide on the activity, commit to the schedule, and then succeed. So, go forth already and start finding joy in the everyday!

Comfort Keepers Helps

Comfort Keepers senior care of Hamilton, Kitchener, and Waterloo has been helping seniors lead healthy, active, and enjoyable lifestyles for over two decades in North America. We understand the challenges of the golden years, we know what our seniors are capable of achieving, and we offer companionship and care that helps empower seniors to sustain their autonomy, maintain good health, and enjoy their time in retirement.

Our trained caregivers can make your day-to-day life easier and help you make the most of your time, rendering it a relaxing and enjoyable experience. At Comfort Keepers Kitchener and Waterloo senior care, we can help you achieve your tasks so that you can focus on the things that matter. We help our clients find joy by elevating the human spirit.
Call us today for more information on how we can serve your needs.

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