Purpose doesn’t retire

I recently attended a briefing by one of the country’s largest health care delivery systems. The main message of the briefing was that “purpose doesn’t retire.” As we age we don’t expect to give up our ability to contribute. As I reflected on the message, it really reconfirmed my personal experiences with my parents and grandparents that the best gift I could give them is purpose and time.

No matter what age we are, we all want to feel useful. We also want the ability to enjoy spending time with those we love. Seniors are no different and it is important that we, as their loved ones, provide them both of these things. Whether their purpose is to serve in their community, volunteer for an organization they are passionate about or take on endeavors they dreamed about doing when they were younger, they must be given the opportunity to do these things. Maybe your aging loved one wants to write a book or become a photographer? They all have the right to pursue their passion and it’s up to us to help them do just that.

As our loved ones age and begin to be challenged with their activities of daily living, it does not diminish their desire to contribute. They want to contribute in ways that are important to them and continue to have interactions with family, friends and participate in activities and organizations that they value. They want to be independent and matter in the lives of those they love.

More importantly, as we age we want the gift of time. Time to spend with friends, family, and loved ones. Time to enjoy our passions. Time to stay connected. It is important for seniors to maintain an active role in the familial relationship and stay involved in social networks. It is important for us to give them the time to do so.

Organizations like Caring Hearts play a part in achieving purpose and time for loved ones. We support a stronger Health Care system that integrates acute care services and long-term care services to achieve the best home care outcome for the client and the family.

Our goal is simple: to allow our loved ones the opportunity to explore a purpose-driven life and support them by spending our time with them.

There really is no greater gift than that.