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What does it mean to age with purpose? And how do we do that in a world that seems to value youth, vibrancy and popularity? Purposeful aging can mean different things depending on your life stage and outlook. By the textbook definition it can mean enhancing seniors’ mental and physical wellbeing by fulfilling their intrinsic desire to give back to their community. But it also inherently means seeing our elders as an asset to community rather than perpetuating the stigma of invisibility and societal burden. If living with purpose at any age means feeling like a valued member of society, then it also means we can combat ageism and negative stereotypes of growing old.Living a life of intention means living a life that is long and fulfilling. “Seniors can and should be an active part of their community”, says Susan Nimnuan, Vice President of BrightStar Care in Ft. Myers/Naples. “It not only helps them live a better life but helps their community they will leave behind one day”. And that, Nimnuan claims, is the key to purpose.
So how can your loved one find purpose? They can answer the question: “What kinds of gifts to the world do I want to leave behind?” Thinking about their personal journey as building their legacy encourages participation in the world around them. Volunteering or taking up a social cause inevitably makes a mark on society that can have a lasting impact on one individual or even the world. Staying active socially makes a mark on those closest to your loved one by enabling them to also live happier, fulfilled lives. Nurturing the spiritual self is yet another valuable way to find purpose in the later years as it can offer insights and comfort in the future.
Whether purpose comes from inside or externally is not important. What is important, Nimnuan adds, is that “seniors see themselves as a valuable part of society.” For the local Ft. Myers/Naples area, visit the website of Volunteer Match, an organization that helps locals find volunteer opportunities that best match their needs and skills.