By: Brittany Austin, National Director of Health and Wellness, Functional Pathways
As we move into the season of gratitude, it’s the perfect time to explore how cultivating thankfulness can enhance the well-being of older adults. Research shows that thankfulness isn’t just a warm feeling—it can play a meaningful role in aging well.
Why Thankfulness Matters
- A large study of older women found that those in the highest third of gratitude scores had ~9% lower risk of all-cause mortality over the four-year follow-up, even after accounting for health, lifestyle, and social factors.
- Gratitude is strongly linked to better mental health, with gratitude interventions leading to fewer symptoms of anxiety (~8%) and depression (~7%) and higher life satisfaction (~7%) among all age groups, including seniors.
Practical Tips for Encouraging Thankfulness
There are a number of ways we can encourage the practice of thankfulness among our patients and residents.
- Journaling - encourage your residents to write down 2-3 things each day (or a few times a week) that they are thankful for. Keeping a simple "thankful list" helps shift focus toward positive moments and builds a habit of recognition.
- Conversations - During group gatherings, invite sharing of something each person is thankful for that week. Reflection and verbalizing thanks help strengthen social bonds and foster meaningful interaction.
- Reminisce - Encourage older adults to reflect on positive memories—past achievements, relationships, meaningful experiences—and express gratitude for them.
- For staff and caregivers, be sure to keep the practice simple and flexible. Adapt the practice for cognitive or physical limitations. For example, if writing is difficult, use voice memos or photo-based prompts. Most importantly, emphasize small wins and celebrate progress.
As we step into the season of thankfulness, remember that fostering gratitude in later life is not just a feel-good moment—it’s a practice with real benefits. By turning our attention toward what is rather than what isn’t, older adults—and those who serve them—can deepen connection, build resilience and enhance the richness of each day.