[For seniors] Turn negatives into positives: Ways to interact that inspire motivation

Reconsider how you’re currently engaging

Do you have anything you pay attention to when interacting with others? You might hear a variety of answers, but this is also a very important point when engaging with older adults.

One key aspect to value in communication with older adults is to be attentive to their feelings.

So what does it mean to be attentive? Everyone feels happy when they can sense that they are being cared for and that someone is thinking about them.

By changing the way we interact, we might find some useful hints.

attentive listening attitude

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Active listening means making an effort to understand the other person from their perspective while empathizing with them.

When speaking with older adults, address them slowly and listen slowly.

It’s important that we always adjust our communication to their pace.

Of course, don’t cut them off or deny what they’re saying—first, accept it.

Then carefully grasp and acknowledge their feelings.

By continuing to practice active listening, it becomes easier for them to talk not only about positive topics but also about negative ones.

Building trust

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Important points for building trust with older adults include being mindful of your language, eye-level, and physical distance.

For staff working in care facilities who interact with older adults every day, isn’t it easy to unintentionally get a little too close? Some people may slip into overly familiar language or start using nicknames.

Of course, everyone feels differently, so it’s essential to determine whether a person prefers more casual language or more clearly defined, formal speech.

Once trust is established, communication naturally becomes easier.

Becoming a good understanding partner for an older adult will also help you grasp their situation more accurately.

Improvement of physical function and pain relief

One thing we’d like to try is an approach that addresses physical factors.

If there is bodily pain, we’ll connect the person with appropriate treatment; if there doesn’t seem to be pain, we’ll incorporate simple rehabilitation exercises.

Some people might feel, “I could enjoy giving it a try!” if they do it together with facility staff or other users.

For those who prefer being alone, we can design activities they can focus on by themselves.

As pain decreases and physical abilities improve, it can build confidence and help restore motivation.

Change your environment, refresh yourself

If their motivation has declined and they’ve withdrawn into themselves, changing the environment to help them refresh their mood can be effective.

For example, open a window to let in fresh air or go out for a walk.

You might also consider playing their favorite music or preparing soothing items like candles or an aroma diffuser.

It would be helpful to know in advance what the older adult likes and enjoys.

Create opportunities for communication with others

Rather than being alone, one option is to take the plunge and encourage communication with other users.

When you’re feeling unmotivated or down, being by yourself can sometimes make you feel even worse.

If you can find someone to share your concerns with or enjoy activities together, your mood will naturally become more positive.

Of course, if the person is refusing, do not force it.

It may be good to invite them at their own pace and according to how they’re feeling that day.

Effective encouragement, counterproductive encouragement

Everyone has times when they lack motivation.

In such moments, simple encouragements like “Hang in there” or “You can do more” can sometimes backfire.

That’s because those phrases can be interpreted negatively, as in, “Am I not trying hard enough right now? Am I not doing well?” Reframing them into phrases like “Go at your own pace” or “Let’s take it slow without rushing” may help create a more positive mindset.

Also, if someone is refusing rehabilitation or bathing, it may help to express forward-looking goals, such as “When it gets warmer, it’d be nice to go for a walk with your grandchild,” or “Let’s aim to attend your grandchild’s wedding or graduation.”