How can you build resilience in older adults?

Chances are, as we get older we have experienced challenges and hardship at some point in our lives. When we face difficulties later in life, we need to remind ourselves that we have lived through struggles before and have the capacity to do it again. This is how resilience is created.

Executives enhance resilience by embracing flexibility. From a cognitive perspective, this involves reframing challenges as opportunities and harnessing curiosity and exploration to discover new approaches to solve both existing and emerging problems effectively. Examining situations from diverse viewpoints enables them to unveil innovative solutions. Utilizing mindfulness techniques proves invaluable in calming the nervous system, fostering a sense of security, and establishing a stable foundation, facilitating the exploration of new and unfamiliar territory. With this mindset, executives can consider alternative perspectives, adapt to shifting circumstances, and make effective decisions in the rapidly evolving business landscape.

At this time of age, I consider a full holistic approach, where each person can dip, in a ' test and learning ' mindset, within their will and/or capacity. I would consider this list to pick and choose from : Lifelong Learning: Encourage continuous learning through hobbies or online courses. Physical Activity: Engage in exercises like tai chi or walking to boost physical and mental strength. Tech Integration: Equip older adults with technology to stay connected. Mindfulness: Practice meditation to manage aging anxieties and boost emotional resilience. Mentoring: Foster intergenerational relationships through mentoring and reverse mentoring. Promoting a combination of these strategies can holistically bolster resilience in older adults.

One book that has guided me for 30 years is How to Read a Book by Mortimer Adler. It builds curiosity and conversations between reader and author. Sister book and slimmer is Gabriel Zaid in So Many Books. Ditto reasons. For reflecting on achievements, no better books than Recalibrate for Life 2.0 by Susan Spaulding and How to Make a Habit of Success by Bernard Haldane.

By little exercice, little move, little talk, little drawing... Action and move is making resilience... Older people have a lot of resources by their experience and knowledge... The job is to make on active mode.

Having a growth mindset is crucial for a satisfying life. It’s not about being positive all the time, but rather taking a forward-looking approach to move ahead. It can be especially helpful as we age when fears about aging can easily challenge looking ahead. However, change is a constant that we’ve dealt with many times. Remembering that we can choose how we react and decide to make the effort to adapt and continue to try is always helpful, even if it’s difficult. Taking a break at times from pushing ourselves can also be beneficial. Sometimes we need to clear our minds to let the light in.

Growth mindset is also about looking for possibilities instead of excuses. In addition, mindfulness, empathy and gratitude to every person who we come across in our life will help us build the resilience.

Prioritise your social connections to boost your resilience. Make an effort to stay connected with family and friends through regular check-ins, shared activities, and meaningful conversations. Join groups or clubs aligned with your interests, as they provide excellent opportunities to meet like-minded individuals. Volunteering for a cause you're passionate about not only expands your social network but also brings a sense of fulfillment. Remember, reaching out for professional help when needed is a sign of strength, and it can further support your emotional well-being and resilience.

I've made it a daily practice to express my gratitude for the little things in life. Whether it's a beautiful sunrise, a friendly chat with a colleague, or a warm cup of tea, I find joy in acknowledging these moments. This simple act of gratitude has not only brightened my outlook but has also helped me navigate challenges with a more positive perspective. I'm thankful for the power of gratitude and optimism in fostering resilience and enhancing the quality of life.

Know when you need time out - each of us is different with some being affected more by sleep deficit , others by over-reaction to situations etc. Watch for your warning signs and either take some time off, or if you cannot do that actively plan some time out during the day e.g. a walk at lunchtime/early morning/evening , space in the day for you even 30 mins where you can breathe & think etc

Sometimes its also about re-discovering the pastimes you used to enjoy doing and giving yourself permission to spend time on you.

Many times an older family member will be paralyzed with indecision. I’ve heard it best said, “the confused mind says, no”. Dr. Suess may have called this “The Waiting Place.” When I am helping older adults move out of this headspace it helps to have them focus on just one thing they desire to accomplish. Hosting a holiday party, selling their photography of the Olympic Mountain Range, or making a dress have been three examples older clients chose to opened the door to a new life after change. It’s arguably just as hard to envision growing up the last 5 years of adulthood as it is the first 5 years so if you or a loved one get stuck…just start with throwing one rock in the pond and see where the ripples lead.

As I age, I more readily accept the belief that our human nature and hearts may never have been intended to take on the entire weight of the world. No matter your faith perspective on the human creation story, moderation is a time tested way to hedge against over-stimulation, stress and even exhaustion. It provides space for the mental conditioning your body needs to thrive. Additionally, rest cycles seem just as important to emotional resilience as they are to muscular development. Taking time to reflect, heal and rebuild after significant traumas like war, divorce and professional roadblocks built a larger emotional capacity to match my will to thrive and serve at my highest capacity. Sometimes less is more.

Focus on what matters. The more we grow old, the better we can judge whether every day events or changes in our life are worthy our attention or not. We are able to see the big picture and to regulate our reactions because we know better what matters most and what will still be important in a week or a year from now. We are more aware of our values and hence we are able to move away from "battles" that we don't want to fight, because they don't serve what we find meaningful and significant. This broad perspective and awareness is an incredible resilience skill that comes with age and can bring so much inner peace in our lives once we realise it.

At the end of the day, we have to take ownership and responsibility of our own life, our thoughts and actions. Practicing Mindfulness, Empathy and Gratitude on a daily basis would be the key to build resilience!