The empty nest years or the retirement age period can bring about feelings of loneliness and isolation. This is because you may feel that advancing in age means that there are less opportunities for you to feel useful in society. It can be a very challenging time when you finally retire and you begin to realize that you want to seek a fresh and new meaning to life. However, there are always endless possibilities when one is ready to embrace this change with open hearts and minds. Below are several ways to find your purpose as you age.
Helping Other People
There is a saying that goes, “If you cannot help yourself, help someone else”. In the daily grind of monotonous living, sometimes we believe that our lives are meaningless. In fact, there is much joy in daily life if one devotes time for compassionate, generous and thoughtful acts such as volunteerism and community work. By joining a volunteer program in local schools and institutions, you can build connections with other people who are also looking to socialize.
Learning New Skills and Picking Up Hobbies
Is there a hobby that you have always wanted to learn but never had the time to fully get into? It could be anything from urban farming, photography, painting and even something like bird-watching. By cultivating a new hobby, you will learn new skills that will invigorate your sense of purpose on life and keep you motivated.
Keeping Healthy and Staying Strong
This third method may not seem like a definte way to find purpose in life but it is nonetheless very important. There are numerous studies that reveal the many benefits of a healthy diet and regular exercise. For once, to keep your energy levels up and your mind focused, you can try safe exercises such as walking, jogging, water aerobics and dancing. When you feel good after a good workout or even after session of ballroom dancing, both your mind and body are rejuvenated. It is through healthy actitivities such as these that you will gain a sense of independence and develop more confidence in your abilitiy to live your life to the fullest.
Leaving Behind a Meaningful Legacy
At the end of the day, our purpose in life can be determined by what we leave behind for our loved ones. By reflecting on what you want to be remembered for and how the world will be because of your contributions, you may just find your purpose. Do you want to leave a world wherein children are surrounded with kindness and support? You can spend more time with your grandkids and teach them these attributes. Do you love to cook and bake? Why not write a family recipe book and teach family members how to create that amazing lasagna and perfect chocolate chip cookies you are famous for? By building a legacy, you have also created several purposes in life as you age.
At Rittenhouse Village at Muhlenberg, all the team members are fully trained and passionate about providing a safe and healthy environment so you can enjoy every moment of your retirement years while living a happy, meaningful and productive life.
