Goal Setting for Seniors: Why It’s Still Important for Seniors to Set Goals
Goal-setting is commonly associated with young adults. It’s stressed as a way to help us build our careers and families. Oftentimes, goal-setting falls by the wayside as we age, but it shouldn’t.
Setting goals is still very important for older adults. While the goals we focus on may change as we age, they’re still important in guiding us to live our happiest, most fulfilled lives.
Some seniors may begin to feel like they have already accomplished their biggest goals and that there’s nothing left to work toward or look forward to. However, it’s critical that we understand the value of setting goals for seniors and facilitate them to do so.
Goal Setting for Seniors
There are many reason setting goals for seniors is beneficial. Two reasons are because they are motivating and improve physical activity. Let’s take a closer look.
Goals Are Motivating
When we set a goal, we have something specific to focus on. This helps us move forward and stay motivated. Many older adults struggle with feeling a lack of purpose and overwhelming boredom. After retirement, it can be hard to stay inspired to work toward something. That’s why goals are so important. When seniors set goals, they inspire themselves to accomplish new things. This keeps life fresh and exciting.
Without a job or kids to raise, it can be challenging to figure out ways to make meaningful days. Goals are one way that we make the most of our time and live life to the fullest. Our goals change as we age, but older adults can still use them to create a daily itinerary and hit monuments.
Goals Improve Physical Activity for Seniors
The NIH Senior Health, the newsletter by the National Institutes of Health, states that goal setting is the best method for improving physical activity in seniors. As we know, exercise is incredibly important for the mental and physical health of seniors, but only 35-44% of adults over 75 years old are physically active.
By setting short-term goals, seniors can make sure that they incorporate more physical activity into their daily lives. Seniors may face some challenges that are hindering their exercise, so it’s important for them to make goals to address those needs as well. Some examples include:
- By next week, I’ll get comfortable, supportive shoes for walking and exercising.
- I will research exercise classes in my area and ask my son to show me workouts online.
- I will walk one more minute than yesterday
- Next week, I will try a new form of exercise.
Help Seniors Set Goals
Goal setting is important at every stage of life because it gives us a sense of purpose and something to do. Traditionally, setting goals is not emphasized as much for seniors as it is for younger people, but it should be. You can help older loved ones live happier, healthier lives by facilitating goal setting.
CarePatrol can help your patients identify safe and quality care options that also provide engaging activities. Contact a local senior care advisor today. We can help you decide which best senior care option, whether it be independent living, assisted living, or another care option is best.