We do not always notice or appreciate the small things in life, even though they can have a huge impact. Thus, the adage “it’s the little things that count.” Making someone’s day doesn’t have to come from grand gestures or meticulous planning. Sometimes it’s the small, spontaneous acts that have the biggest effect. Today, National Random Acts of Kindness Day, recognizes how kindness is easy to spread, and can be an important practice we incorporate into our everyday lives. This kindness often creates a chain reaction, encouraging recipients to not only practice gratitude, but pay it forward and improve someone else’s day. Looking out for each other in and around our communities is a critical step in how we protect and maintain the health of those around us.
Doing good does you good. It’s proven that helping others can be good for our mental health. It reduces stress, improves our emotional well-being and even benefits our physical health. Research has shown that engaging in “informal helping” (or random acts of kindness) is associated with lower risk for chronic disease and decreased mortality. Being kind to others can literally help you live longer.
In addition to the health benefits, being kind just feels good. Practicing or receiving kindness reduces negative emotions like hostility, anger, bitterness, and resentment. It can also bring about meaning and connection. When you help others, both parties often feel more comfortable and a bond of trust is established, helping ease feelings of loneliness and social isolation.
Acts of Kindness for Seniors
Older adults (over 65 years) are at particular risk of social disconnectedness and loneliness because of limited mobility and chronic illness, which may decrease opportunities for social interaction. Whether aging-in-place or residing in a long-term care facility, seniors can benefit from small and big gestures that show them they are prioritized and valued.
Here are a few ideas of acts of kindness you can do for seniors:
- Bring fresh cut flowers- A colorful arrangement is enough to make anyone smile. Especially during the colder months, lively florals will bring a bit of light to help shake the winter blues.
- Be a pen pal- Whether it be electronically, or better yet – a personal handwritten note – keeping in contact with a senior loved one is one of the easiest ways you can devote compassion to someone.
- Paint together- Painting is fun, messy, and a great way for anyone to let their creativity run loose! For those who suffer from memory loss, it also can serve as a form of communication if they struggle to express themselves verbally.
- Bring the kids and host storytime- Seniors and little ones alike enjoy being read to, so hosting a storytelling session is a great way to engage generations. Hand select a few books about adventure, humor, or anything in between. Better yet, ask the senior to share their own personal stories. Listening is a simple kindness that goes a long way.
- Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea- A nice warm drink is just what some of us need during the colder months, or when we just need to unwind. Bringing coffee from a nearby cafe is a great gesture for someone who normally doesn’t treat themselves.
Acts of Kindness for People Living with Dementia
Kindness can go a long way for people with dementia who may often feel overlooked or misunderstood. As the disease progresses, dementia can change how someone understands others and expresses their thoughts and emotions. You may worry about saying the wrong thing or feel unsure when they forget your name or repeat the same question. But even as memory and language change, one thing doesn’t: the need to be seen, heard and valued.
Here are a few acts of kindness ideas you can do for people living with dementia:
- Smile and make eye contact- Sometimes, when people know someone has a diagnosis of dementia, they behave differently towards them – for example, they might avoid speaking to the person for fear that they’ll get it wrong. Instead, smile, make eye contact, keep conversations with them straightforward and listen.
- Enter their world- People with dementia deserve respect and a key part of this is telling the truth, generally speaking. However, as the disease progresses and their reality is altered, one should live in the moment rather than wasting time trying to correct or change their views. It will make for a more lively conversation and reduce stress and agitation.
- Reminisce- Discussing events and experiences from the past can evoke memories, stimulate mental activity and improve a person’s well-being. Reminiscence can often be supported by props such as video, music, pictures and objects that may have particular meaning for an individual.
- Play their favorite music- For people with dementia, music can help them express feelings and connect with past memories, which may be easier to recall. This might involve playing music that is significant, such as favorite songs, a piece of music from a wedding, or a lullaby the person used to sing to their children.
- Play with pets- Pets can be a great source of routine, purpose and reassurance, especially when you’re feeling low. It’s no surprise, then, that our furry friends can have an amazing knack for reducing anxiety, improving mood and encouraging communication and engagement.
Being adaptable and paying attention can go a long way when you’re considering acts of kindness. Regardless, the effort and intention to help others is ultimately what matters. Both parties will benefit from that moment of shared goodwill and connection. Today and everyday, be kind!
Sources: National Institutes of Health (NIH), Dementia UK, American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), The Kensington Falls Church
