April 6, 2001, Newsletter Issue #12: Enjoying Life`s Little Things

Tip of the Week

As We Age, We Learn to Appreciate the Little Things in Life


If your elderly loved one resides in a nursing home, you might not be able to visit as frequently as you would like. Adjusting to life in a nursing home can be a devastating experience. It certainly was for my dad. Most new residents of nursing homes are subject to a bit of sadness after moving in…suddenly moving away from a familiar home, without privacy and a feeling of independence is quite an adjustment.

Approximately 42% or nursing home residents experience some form of frustration, anxiety, or depression.

One way to help change the mood is to do something special. Invite family and friends to visit more, and when you visit, take a special gift with you…just to brighten a smile.

Offer to take your loved one to church on Easter Sunday, or out to eat…do something different and fun.

Before my dad died, even when he was a bit defiant, I struggled with ways to entertain him. I tried to make him feel special by taking silly books, crossword puzzles, newspapers, and other items to occupy his mind. I encouraged him to visit with others…it was not an easy task, but I learned by observing how he missed the little things in life, and I decided if he did not feel like stepping out to enjoy the little things, it was time for me to bring those precious little things to him.

I cut fresh flowers from my garden and left them with him. I bought stuffed animals for him and his roommate. On Easter Sunday, I took him a pretty Easter bunny and basket, giving one to him, and one to his roommate. A few days later, he and his roommate asked me not to bring any more stuffed animals, because the room was full of them. Each time Dad looked at them, he smiled.

Those little things always made him smile.

After all,regardless who we are…what we do…and where we go in life…family, love and the support of our family and friends are all contained in a priceless little package we refer to the little things in life.

Enjoy the little things.

About LifeTips

Now one of the top on-line publishers in the world, LifeTips offers tips to millions of monthly visitors. Our mission mission is to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Expert writers earn dough for what they know. And exclusive sponsors in each niche topic help us make-it-all happen.