Words of wisdom often provide guidance in our lives. As we grow older, it can become apparent just how true these sentiments can be.
There is one tenet that seems to prove itself over the years from firsthand experience – “the one constant in life is change.”
As the years pass, it’s easy to take note of life’s many changes. Some are welcome and bring good news but not all. Yet whether positive or negative, change is a part of life.
Regardless of age, you’ve already become well experienced in making adjustments. When you’re younger, it might be starting school or learning to make friends. Later on, it could be managing your independence, getting married or having children.
As you grow older and are faced with a few of the challenges that age can bring, you have the wisdom to know that even though you can’t stop change from happening, you can do the next best thing – rely on your skills to adapt.
Why change can be hard
Most of us like feeling secure and safe. Being in familiar surroundings or circumstances and thinking we know what likely waits ahead gives us a sense of security and confidence.
As humans, we tend to like structure. We are drawn to routines and patterns because they help us make sense of a world that can often appear chaotic. But when change happens, it can throw us off track. We may feel as if we’ve lost our footing and might realize just how vulnerable we may be.
Although change is inevitable, it also plays a significant role in our growth. Maybe it’s something we should strive to embrace instead of avoid. Taking the advice from Benjamin Franklin who was quoted as saying “when you are finished changing, you are finished,” we might want to look toward change as a gift of opportunity.
Learning to adapt
Consider these suggestions when facing changes in your life:
It is futile and frustrating to try and stop change from happening. It also isn’t effective to believe you can deny that it will occur or that you can somehow find a way to stop the passage of time. It’s much easier to accept that change is unavoidable and then move on from there.
Since change will occur, it’s a much better use of your time and talents to learn instead how to most effectively manage it as it comes into your life instead of trying to avoid it. Remind yourself that you’ve experienced similar situations in the past.
Although not all changes can be anticipated, many can. As you move through life, you can foresee your children growing up, leaving home and possibly having families of their own. You also can plan ahead for retirement and how you’ll want to spend this time. Look for other situations you could plan for.
A great benefit of age is developing an inner sense of self-assurance. With your wisdom and experience, you know that you can handle the changes that life may bring your way, even if they’re difficult. Having the confidence in your skills and abilities helps you know you can deal with what life may present.
It may help to remind yourself that change can also be an opportunity. Look ahead at the possibilities that a situation might allow. Is it something you can learn from? Is there a new skill that you could develop from it? Does it provide a chance for you to help someone else or expand your knowledge?
Be honest with yourself. It’s also not helpful to pretend that everything that happens in life is possibly painful or a learning experience. You may be showing a brave face to the world, but it’s ok and important to be honest with yourself about the emotions you’re feeling. Some change is hard.
If you find yourself having difficulty adjusting to all the changes in your life or if you feel you’ve had a few too many in too short of time, it may be a good idea to talk to someone. Sharing how you feel can lift your spirits and help you know you’re not alone. If you feel stuck, contact your doctor for advice or support.
How an independent living community could help
One change that can bring new adventures and a maintenance-free lifestyle, lots of activities and the opportunities to meet new people and make new friends is a move into an independent living community.
You’ll find the camaraderie of others who share similar experiences and life stories and understand the challenges and the discoveries that this age can bring.
When you include the benefits of a fitness center, classes, entertainment, a wide range of activities and delicious dining options, you may find this is exactly the change that you’ve been looking for.
Ingleside at Rock Creek Independent Living
We understand the challenges and pleasures of life’s changes and hope that you’ll find these suggestions helpful if you’re looking for ways to adapt.
If you are considering whether an independent living community could be the right change for you, we invite you to discover how beneficial Ingleside at Rock Creek Independent Living can be.
Along with being supported in your efforts to age well and live life to the fullest, you’ll appreciate the ease in keeping active, eating healthy, staying in good physical condition and creating strong social relationships.
You’ll also have the choice of a spacious one or two bedroom floor plan with a full sized kitchen, large windows that flood your living space with natural light, safety features and underground parking.
If you’re searching for the type of lifestyle you’ve always imagined, we hope you’ll consider the many benefits of Ingleside at Rock Creek Independent Living.
Please visit our website for more information. Call (202) 846-2651 if you have any questions or would like to schedule a personalized tour today.