The Greek philosopher Heraclitus of Ephesus is credited with saying, "The only constant in life is change.” Although we face changes frequently throughout our lives, that doesn’t make them easy to navigate — especially when we experience significant transitions later in life. Change can be difficult, but it can also open the door to positive opportunities and rewarding new experiences.
Navigating Common Life Transitions for Older Adults
The second half of life often comes with significant transitions. Adjusting to these changes in lifestyle and relationships can be challenging — both in terms of practical adjustments and emotional processing.
Some common life transitions that impact older adults include:
- Retirement: Retirement is a milestone many people look forward to, but it’s often bittersweet. Saying goodbye to a career that’s been a significant part of your life and your identity can be difficult.
- Health conditions: New or evolving health conditions can cause a shift in a person’s capabilities and lifestyle. Whether it’s a temporary circumstance or a long-term change, grappling with these shifts can be physically and emotionally challenging.
- Housing: Most older adults prefer to remain in their homes, but research shows that 29% of retirees have left those homes, or plan to, at some point. Downsizing, moving in with family members, or moving to a senior living community, for example, can all come with valuable advantages, but adjusting to a new space takes time.
- Loss: Losing a spouse, partner, or other loved one can necessitate not only saying goodbye to someone you love but also parting with life as you knew it. A person might need to change their living situation or adopt new routines as part of this adjustment to a new normal — all while struggling with loss.
- Relationships and roles: Some of the changes above can also lead to shifts in a person’s relationships and the role they play in others’ lives. For example, a person may become a caregiver to a spouse whose health is declining, or they may find themselves on the receiving end of care from an adult child.
Tips for Navigating Life Transitions
Transitions are bound to feel a bit uncomfortable. After all, most of us are comfortable in the familiar, and change is all about being confronted with the unfamiliar. So what can we do to navigate these transitions effectively? Try these tips to care for yourself during life transitions.
1. Give yourself grace.
Allow yourself to experience all the emotions that come with change, and don’t expect to adjust immediately. For example, even if you’re confident that moving out of your current home is the right choice, you can expect to shed some tears when you leave it.
2. Lean on others for support.
When you’re facing a life transition, your support network becomes crucial. Maintain strong social connections with friends, family, and community groups for the practical and emotional support you need when going through change.
When you need help, don’t hesitate to reach out to people who can lend a helping hand or a listening ear. In addition to friends and family, you can find help through a variety of senior living services. For example, at-home services team members can stop by regularly to check on you and assist you with medical needs or routine tasks.
3. Invest in your well-being.
When you’re overwhelmed with change, you can easily neglect your well-being. Be sure you’re engaging in activities that promote physical, mental, and emotional wellness. Prioritizing activities that promote relaxation, such as doing yoga or spending time in nature, can help you manage the stress of transition.
Investing in your well-being may involve adopting new routines, but it’s best to dedicate at least some focus to the pursuits that make you feel most like you. Beloved passions and pastimes can be grounding when circumstances around you are shifting, helping you hold onto your sense of identity and happiness.
4. Stay flexible and resilient.
Change tends to be more difficult when we cling to a rigid view of how our lives should look. When you feel uncomfortable with unfamiliar settings or routines, do your best to bend instead of breaking. Try to be open-minded about the future, and remain open to adapting your plans and expectations as circumstances change. Flexibility allows you to navigate unexpected challenges and embrace new opportunities that arise during transitions.
5. Maintain a positive outlook.
Some changes, such as the loss of a loved one, are truly heartbreaking. In these circumstances, give yourself plenty of time to grieve, and be sure to seek the support you need.
When you’re navigating life transitions that are a mixed bag of positive and negative, do your best to focus on the upside. Remember that transitions, while challenging, also offer opportunities for personal growth and new experiences. Take this opportunity to consider how you want your life to look going forward; maybe it’s time to rethink your priorities or set new goals.
6. Plan before changes occur.
Some changes catch us off guard, but in many instances, you can take steps now to prepare for possible future transitions and make them easier to navigate when the time comes. This may involve planning your finances, making arrangements for healthcare needs, or developing strategies for coping with potential challenges.
For example, clients enrolled in WellAhead — A WesleyLife Well-Being Experience can enjoy wellness benefits through their membership, and rest assured that if their needs change, they’ll receive priority placement at a WesleyLife Community for Healthy Living (at no additional cost).
Embrace Change. Find Hope and Happiness in Life’s Next Chapter
Change may be a natural part of life, but even in the best circumstances, it can cause discomfort. Thankfully, whatever life transitions you’re working through or anticipating, you can find hope in the possibilities of what your life can look like going forward.
For some older adults, senior living services provide the perfect solution to help them achieve the lifestyle they seek. Are you considering this option for you or your loved one? Take a moment to complete this quiz: Is it the right time for senior living?
