Resilience Can Ease the Aging Journey
It comes to reason that as we age, we develop a greater sense of resilience. Most of us who are older have experienced some ups and downs in life and have to navigate the way through them.
However, aging can still bring unexpected challenges, such as greater physical decline, sudden loss of partners or loved ones, rising health costs, and dwindling social circles. These unexpected hardships can throw us off mentally, even those with the thickest of skins.
Kavod Senior Life was able to provide some education and encouragement on this topic at its 13th annual Positive Aging Conference and Resource Fair on June 14. The keynote speaker, Dr. Samantha Farro (professor with CU Anschutz) and Abby’s Impact Resiliency Instructor and Program Coordinator Paula Stephens with Jewish Family Service (JFS) presented as subject matter experts.
Stephens specifically led two breakout workshops on “Wellness and Resilience for Changing Times: Everyday Ways to Stay Steady,” which explored practical, everyday approaches to building resilience and supporting emotional well-being through the challenges of life. Participants also examined how even small choices can help calm the body, ease stress, and foster a greater sense of balance.
“We had rich conversations about how their stress looks different today than it did 30 years ago because at that time, maybe they were busy raising a family or starting a career, and now they’re navigating grief and loss, relationships, and health concerns,” said Stephens. She spoke about little things that can be done to stay grounded and well in life, including getting better rest, finding moments of humor, and spending time outdoors.
One participant shared their satisfaction with the session, sprinkled with – as advised in the session – some lightheartedness. “Thank you for giving us things that are practical and easy to apply,” they said. “You [Stephens] didn’t share anything that we didn’t already know, but sometimes we forget and need reminders, and I’m glad for a wellness topic that didn’t include diet and exercise.”
Kavod’s Positive Aging event continues to help community members stay engaged, informed and connected on subjects like resiliency and many others.
“Conferences like Kavod’s help connect community members, caregivers, volunteers, and professionals with tools and information that promote healthy, successful aging,” shared JFS Director of Aging Care & Connections, Rachel Rotach. “We are pleased to be part of this important work.”
JFS and 15 other organizations collaborated on the event, along with sponsors and resource fair participants.
Click on Kavod on the Road and Kavod on the Road conference to learn more about what Kavod is doing to promote positive aging in the general community. For those who live in the Denver area, please join us!
Source text: https://www.jewishfamilyservice.org/blog/building-resilience-in-older-adults