It is November and that means Thanksgiving is right around the corner.  For many of us, it can be one of our favorite holidays.  And for all of us, it is a perfect time to pause and reflect on the power of thankfulness.  Friends Life Care is especially grateful for all the members they have served through the years — over 6,000 aging adults!

As we get further along in life, we may find that gratitude is more than a seasonal sentiment. It is a lifelong companion, a source of resilience, and a bridge between cherished memories and hopeful tomorrows.

Do you consider it a privilege to get older?  Is aging in place part of the mix for you?

Gratitude has been shown to improve emotional well-being, strengthen relationships, and even enhance physical health. But beyond the science, it is the simple act of appreciating life’s blessings—past and present—that brings warmth to our hearts and meaning to our days.

Looking Back with Thankfulness

If you are a senior or baby boomer and have celebrated 60, 70 or more Thanksgivings, gratitude often begins with nostalgia. As an aging adult, you can think back to things like:

• Preparing then enjoying big dinners around the table, filled with laughter and a feast of plenty. Do you have a favorite dish?  Was there some dish you were always asked to bring because it was your special recipe with a secret ingredient?
• Mishaps that became family tales to tell and retell, like the time the dog helped himself to a turkey leg and ran off with all the cousins in hot pursuit, or the time the pies collided in the car on a rough turn giving new meaning to “mixed berry”.
• After dinner card or board games, singalongs or toasts that strengthen our relationships with family friends and even shape who we are.

These memories are treasures for everyone and especially for older adults. They remind us of the richness of our experiences and the people who walked beside us.  And they are all something to be grateful for.

Finding Joy in the Present

Once you move from the past to the present, consider the positives in life.  Older adults should find that there is so much to be thankful for. Things like the comfort of your favorite chair and full control of the TV remote control. Or perhaps you enjoy the beauty of nature’s changing seasons around your home with the leaves ablaze and squirrels hard at work stocking up for the winter—even if it means raiding the bird feeder.

And of course, there is the wisdom gained by aging adults through life’s ups and downs and the connection with friends, family, and community you have.  They may be just a phone call, email, or letter away. Or you may see them more often on a walk or while heading out to run errands.  It is ok to pause and feel the gratitude…and maybe even share it with others.

So, gratitude helps us savor these moments, no matter how small. It turns ordinary days into meaningful ones. And it can be about things like vibrant aging, peace of mind and financial security.

Building a Gratitude Practice for the Future

Gratitude is not just a feeling; it is a practice. And it is never too late to start or deepen one. Here are some simple tips to help people of all ages and especially older adults to cultivate gratitude now and into the future:

• Keep a Gratitude Journal
  Write down three things you are thankful for each day. They can be big or small, what matters is consistency.  Add a doodle or paste in a photo to personalize it more.
• Create a Gratitude Jar
  Drop in notes of appreciation throughout the month. You may want to set a goal of doing this every Sunday. If others participate, you can go in a circle reading the notes aloud on Thanksgiving Day.
• Send Thank-You Notes
  Revive the art of handwritten notes. Or if that is not your cup of tea, then use social media or email.  What is most important is that you can express thanks to others. It is a gift to them—and to yourself. It is gift to yourself because it reminds you of goodness in your life.
• Volunteer, Donate or Otherwise Give Back or Pay Forward
  Helping others fosters gratitude and purpose. Whether it is mentoring, knitting for charity, or making calls to check in on neighbors, every act counts.  You may have heard of people in the fast-food line at a coffee shop paying for the person’s order behind them – how would giving or receiving this make you feel?

Gratitude is a thread that weaves through every stage of life for aging adults. This Thanksgiving, let’s honor the past, embrace the present, and look forward to a future filled with appreciation and joy. Whether you are reminiscing over old photo albums, at home by a fire, or enjoying a meal or dessert with loved ones, may your heart be full and your spirit lifted.

Here are some quotes about gratitude that reflect what it can mean for each and every one of us.

Oprah Winfrey

“What you focus on expands, and when you focus on the goodness in your life, you create more of it.”
Oprah’s insight reminds us that gratitude is a magnet for positivity and abundance. From someone who needs no further introduction.

Melody Beattie

“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”

This quote beautifully captures the timeless nature of gratitude—how it connects our memories, our present, and our hopes for the future. From thought leader in self-help literature and the author of many bestselling books, Melody Beattie.

Robert Holden

“The real gift of gratitude is that the more grateful you are, the more present you become.”

This quote speaks to the reciprocity that gratitude fosters—helping us live more fully in each moment. From British author and psychologist known for founding The Happiness Project, Robert Holden.

What are you most thankful for this season?  Share it with us in the comments section below this post.

 

Source: Images from Canva.com