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What gives you a sense of meaning and purpose? Chances are that your answer involves some sort of activity that connects you with other people and/or a cause that is important to you. The need for purpose is a universal human one. Dr. Chandler wrote a very nice post about this topic some years ago that you can access here. Read more about the specific health benefits of having a purpose here.
With the changes in memory and other thinking abilities, people with MCI can find some hobbies and activities become challenging to continue. When this happens, it is vitally important to find replacement activities that can be enjoyed and provide a sense of purpose regardless of memory difficulties. Failure to engage in a new purpose-filled endeavor can lead to isolation, which is associated with worse outcomes in MCI and dementia.
How does one find a new hobby or group? Fortunately, there are usually a multitude of options that are MCI-friendly in your community. Consider talking to a leader at your local senior center (find yours here) or through any faith-based organizations you belong to. Local libraries are also a wonderful source of offerings for older adults. If you're a lover of physical exercise, check out your local department of parks and recreation for senior-focused offerings.
It's important to note that you may need to try a few different activities to find a good fit, with people you feel a connection to, so keep an open mind, and be patient!
Chime in by commenting below: what have you or your loved one found to satisfy the need for purpose while also living with MCI?
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I don't know whether it would be classified as MCI, but I found that after my husband died, I experienced an existential vacumn= loss of purpose. Difficulty concentrating, couldn't remember how to get to places in town, forgot people's names, finishing things, wanting to be alone, all thoughts of the future were bleak. Reading & volunteering has helped somewhat. I don't want to socialize but being with other people has helped......maybe because it takes you out of yourself for a bit.
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7 ReactionsThis is concerning this article on difficulty with concentration. I am a retired nurse and I have been around folks that have lost a family member. It seems very difficult to get back to normal - people feel kind of at a loss, (Which of course, they are.) I feel you are going in the proper direction in your volunteering for folks and with reading. I am 68 years old, and I forget people's name, their faces, and a bunch of other things. I attribute this to not being 21 anymore. Lol. My sympathy for your loss. It will get better.
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1 Reactionkayra, I feel the same way exactly as you do. I lost my wife last August and still suffer from these effects and feelings. I am trying to figure out where I can volunteer to do something that will maybe get my mind off my loss somewhat. Constant sadness and loneliness is terrible. Good luck to you 🙂
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2 Reactions@oldgoat I was very moved by what you posted. One organization I recommend Meals on Wheels. My husband and I love delivering a hot meal to seniors who are homebound. We feel so good when we are finished and we know the seniors are happy!
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8 Reactionsbecs, Thanks for the idea. My sister and her husband in New York do that volunteer for Meals on Wheels and they said, just like you, that they always felt real good when they did so. I, like kayra, feel as though I have lost my purpose in life so I will look into that. Thank you for putting that before me!
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3 ReactionsYes; Meals on Wheels is face to face help so you have immediate feedback. Our Meals on Wheels is from our county Senior Center, another place to go to consider their programs
and meet other visitors.
Are you a reader? K
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1 Reactionkinda 🙂
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1 ReactionI have recently gone to the warm pool for water therapy due to having severe osteoarthritis in my knees. Over 6 years ago, I had my first warm pool therapy sessions; there was camaraderie and support with other pool users in socializing and in learning new exercises...while wearing our bathing suits! 🙂
During covid, the warm pool closed for a year, so I started working out at the local YMCA pool. With pool therapy, you work at your own pace so to stretch and get stronger. There is no diving nor racing for the fastest time or workout.
I have found my sense of purpose here with other seniors, teenagers and adults that are starting over to get strong again. I have improved with 6 sessions of physical therapy, but I plan to make the warm pool part of my weekly purpose for life.
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5 Reactionskinda??
What does that mean?
Tell me your interests & maybe I can recommend some
authors...... it is what I do 🙂
( one of my commitments is doing book discussions at libraries ) K
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1 Reaction@eskydeb Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! I’m glad you joined us and with such a positive message, too! And I’m glad that you found a new purpose in life!
I’ll see who has a warm water pool!