As we navigate through life, we often find ourselves resisting change. This inclination tends to intensify among older adults. It’s easy to say that someone is just “set in their ways”, but the truth is, it is not simply stubbornness.
Adjusting to new ideas or methods can be hard. It can require us to learn something new, or at the least, take us out of our comfort zones. We worry that we won’t be able to adapt and that we’ll make mistakes, and making mistakes can cause frustration and embarrassment.
Familiarity brings comfort in a world where so many things are out of our control. Routines provide a feeling of control and safety. Habits are not just a preference; they’re connected to our sense of well-being.
As older adults, you have experienced countless transitions and seen many historical and cultural shifts. This can lead you to value tradition and stability, want to protect what you know and love, and avoid change.
Social factors can also influence resistance. Seniors often have friends and family who feel similarly about change. Being around like-minded people can make it harder to embrace new ideas.
It is natural to worry that change will be disruptive and have negative outcomes, but accepting change can open doors to new experiences, connections, and joys. Encouraging a mindset of flexibility, curiosity, and lifelong learning can make a big difference.
The Center is here to help you embrace change and offer understanding and support. For example, we know the increased use of technology in our world can be scary. You didn't grow up with smartphones or the internet. Checking in to a doctor’s office or for lab work did not used to require using technology like it often does now. And switching to a smartphone can feel like learning a new language! These changes enable things to run efficiently, and a new phone can help you stay in touch with loved ones and more. To help you become comfortable with technology, The Center can connect you to a patient and knowledgeable volunteer tech coach, and this month we’ll hold an informative smartphone info session hosted by Golden Tech Carers. We hope you’ll take advantage of these programs and will look to The Center to help you navigate many of the changes life brings.
We realize that changes at The Center can sometimes be cause for frustration. Temporary changes, like moving the lunch and activity signup book or billiards table, canceling an exercise class, or the big room closing early, are all annoyances. Over the years, many big changes have taken place too - relocation of supplies, changes to staff, and then there was an entire year the building closed for a pandemic, and all the changes that came with reopening! This month, a change is being made to the RSVP process for Community Lunch. This will take some getting used to for all of us! Like most changes, as time goes on, the easier it becomes, and eventually we’ll forget that it used to be done differently!
Changes that we encounter at The Center, especially due to adjustments needed for increased attendance, can be challenging for staff and volunteers to adapt to as well, and sometimes updates are needed to help operations run smoothly. Participants continue to offer support and appreciation for what we do, and we want you to know how much we appreciate your kind words.
Let’s make an effort to embrace change together and the new experiences and connections it can bring.
