FUEL FOR FULFILLMENT
How Purposeful Living Prolongs Life’s Journey
Many older adults work hard for decades to reach retirement. Crossing that threshold can spark exhilaration and also a sense of unease and uncertainty about what they will do next. That transition is a perfect time to cultivate a renewed sense of purpose. Seniors who fill the gap with activities and goals that have personal meaning have a strong chance of enjoying better health and a significantly longer life. Those predictions may seem exaggerated, but numerous peer-reviewed studies show that seniors who report a greater sense of purpose tend to have fewer functional disabilities, better memory and cognitive processing skills, and lower rates of depression, according to an 18-year study of 1,475 older adults published in 2015 in the journal Developmental Psychology. They also have a substantial increase in life expectancy.
Researchers measure participants’ sense of purpose by asking if they feel good about what they hope to do in the future, have a sense of direction in life, and are enjoying making and carrying out plans for the future. In all, purpose-driven seniors seemed to have a sense of flourishing. Much of the garden-variety retirement advice given to seniors focuses on finding activities to keep them busy, such as taking a class or doing puzzles. Developing a sense of purpose requires deeper effort and engagement. It involves embracing an activity or project you have chosen yourself and pursuing it with persistence. Many seniors find meaning in family activities, such as caring for grandchildren or hosting get- togethers. Beyond that, seniors who appreciate family ties may enjoy volunteering at hospitals
to support patients and their families. Those who love working with children may appreciate volunteering in the classroom or as a tutor for their local school district. Animal lovers may enjoy walking dogs or providing companionship for cats at an animal shelter. The Humane Society of the United States links volunteers with networks of rescue teams. Mentoring young people through such organizations as Volunteers of America or Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America can provide a sense of purpose. Other seniors enjoy volunteering in a community garden. Identifying an activity that matches your interests and motivates you may take some time. But the rewards are likely to be worth the effort!
QUINOA VEGGIE BOWL
This recipe is packed with protein-rich quinoa and a colorful array of vegetables. It’s ideal for a healthy lunch or a quick dinner!
INGREDIENTS:
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 cup diced mushrooms
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1 red bell pepper, diced
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1 tsp dried oregano
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1 yellow bell pepper, diced
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 cup diced zucchini
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2 cups cooked quinoa
SOLUTION ON PAGE 2
DIRECTIONS:
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
WHAT DID THE OCEAN SAY TO THE BEACH? NOTHING, IT JUST WAVED.
2. Add bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add oregano, salt, and pepper and stir to combine.
4. Add the cooked quinoa and mix thoroughly.
5. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, then serve.
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