Journaling is an activity that requires minimal equipment and can be done almost anywhere. Whether your senior loved one writes daily or makes weekly entries, keeping a journal can offer powerful benefits for his or her emotional wellbeing. Here are just a few of those benefits, brought to you by the senior care experts at Oakville Home Care Assistance.
Defining Sense of Purpose
For many seniors, leaving a legacy becomes an important life goal. Seniors often worry their lifetime full of experiences and knowledge may be forgotten. However, with a journal your loved one can know he or she is leaving a rich resource that includes daily thoughts as well as past experiences.
Letting Go of Past Hurts
Seniors often go through periods of self-reflection during the aging process, and it can be easy for a person to focus on negative past experiences. In a journal, your loved one can release these painful feelings in a place that feels safe. As your loved one writes about experiences with loss, fear, and pain, he or she can clear the mind for more positive thinking.
Enhancing Memories
The golden years can fly by, and seniors always want to remember the good times they shared with their families and friends. Journaling provides a way for your loved one to recall every last detail from the adorable outfit his or her grandchild wore at a family dinner to the wise words heard at a play. Later, your loved one can revisit these memories for an instant mood lifter.
Renewing Spirituality
Religious verses and quotes can be great things for seniors to add to their journals because they provide an opportunity to gain further insight on life. Additionally, your loved one can renew his or her spirit by focusing on the reasons why a specific message was included. Whenever your loved one needs a quick pick-me-up, all he or she has to do is find a page that brings a smile to his or her face.
Keeping a journal also offers many cognitive benefits. For instance, if your loved one needs dementia or Alzheimer’s care in Oakville, writing can be helpful in staving off cognitive decline. Whether your loved one needs cognitive stimulation, emotional support, or help with daily tasks, the compassionate caregivers at Home Care Assistance can help. For more information on our elderly care services, call one of our friendly Care Managers at (905) 337-1200 to schedule a no-obligation consultation.