5 Benefits of Writing for Older Adults

Jun 29, 2020 1:21:26 PM · 4

The benefits of writing for the mind are vast. You can ignore the importance of regularly jotting down diary or personal experiences, but it can be incredibly impactful. No one should stay glued to the phone or television screen without practicing some notes writing skills. Among other benefits, the act of writing makes it easier to remember content and improves the brain's stamina and ability to remain vigilant. In this blog, we will look at the various reasons why writing is recommended for older adults.

Writing Benefits for the Elderly

Members of the 55+ community are at the golden age where a lot of life plans are hopefully coming together. However, there is still a lot to think about and figure out. Regardless of age, putting it all on paper is essential to increase the holding capacity and organization of the mind. This must be practiced to form a habit of jotting down the necessary information. Here are a few reasons why it is so beneficial to make writing part of your daily routine:

Writing Can Increase Self-Esteem
The brain produces endorphins that act as a self-esteem booster—writing ideas and great memories down has been shown to lead to increased personal confidence. By writing down creative thoughts, achievements, or stories, many feel an increased sense of pride and personal appreciation. Such writing doesn't require a Ph.D. or a career as an author. There are crucial moments in everyone's lives, like winning a game or having a grandchild that makes the brain happy.

This important for the soul because it will boost self-esteem and confidence. Everyone should have a personal journal to remind them about the successes they've had, challenges they've overcome, and what is most important in their lives. In this way, you can imagine what learning to write can do to overall health.
Creation of a Disciplined Routine
As we age, it can be increasingly valuable to have discipline and a daily/weekly routine. Especially for those that have retired from work, it is vital to keep the mind active and engaged for all the years post-career. Keeping a personal journey is a valuable way to keep the mind active and build a daily habit or writing routine. It is surprising how writing can shape other aspects of their life as well. Whether communicating with friends/family, coming up with a new recipe, or managing investments, it all requires writing.

Discipline is earned when you learn to do something over a long time and build a healthy habit. No one wakes up and immediately becomes an expert at anything. You learn to be one! The same is true for all aspects of life, such as eating healthy or working out. It is remarkable how the art of writing is often undervalued in society, yet it has so many benefits. Regularly writing will help reveal a positive perspective on life, and writers will reap the rewards.
Writing Increases the Ability to Communicate and Think Effectively
If you or a member of your family is suffering from memory loss, writing becomes a must-do. Whether someone has frequently been writing for their whole life or not, it is never too late to start. To maintain and continue improving the abilities to communicate and evaluate, consider writing more. If someone forgets the words to express themselves, writing down ideas becomes critical. This will increase the thinking capacity and ability to recognize and remember ideas, emotions, and other thoughts.

Putting thoughts on paper will help to collect and visualize ideas and memories more effectively than speaking verbally. Forgetting words and wondering what they could have said is reduced by writing the ideas down. Pairing the act of writing with critical thinking helps to aid and increase reasoning for the elderly. It has been found that there is a strong correlation between writing and speaking. This means if you are good at writing, you are relatedly better at speaking. Additionally, you would have a better chance to recall something if you had written it before speaking.
Maintain a Good emotional quotient
Writing helps aid mental fitness for older adults because it contributes to enhanced emotional control. For elderly family members, it can sometimes be challenging to communicate and express themselves effectively. The ability to interact well with others will be improved. Having written it down, they have a better understanding of their emotions. This will increase the feeling of belonging and being able to relate to others. Writing is essential because they will be able to better exercise self-control. The overall effect will be a more conducive atmosphere.
It Acts a Stress Reliever
In addition to reminiscing on pleasant memories, writing acts as a medium to vent and even release negative feelings. No one should allow stress or frustration to consume them. It is not healthy for heart conditions, blood pressure, or overall well-being. Writing to relieve stress can help to lead a healthier life, not only mentally, but physically as well. Sometimes, especially for older adults, it is not easy to talk about problems. Maybe they don't want to be embarrassed, appear weak, or it's simply not easy to find the words. However, a paper will not have any judgment, writers can take time to find the words, and this can make it much easier to express oneself.

Writing is essential for boosting the ability to analyze a conflict. Writing will act as a way to confide to something that they won't worry about exposing them. Whatever the reason for stress, writing can help alleviate the feeling, put things into perspective, come to conclusions, and ultimately feel better.

The Bottom Line

There are seemingly endless benefits to writing, and it should be a common practice for everyone. Whether writing with a pen or a keyboard, the act of intentionally recording a thought is incredibly valuable. Writing can act as a mental exercise, which will be especially useful if made into a routine. It's a stimulation mechanism for the brain because it can have a better perspective on other people's emotions. It is essential that everyone 55+ practice writing as a way of life. You don't need a constructive topic, make it whatever you want!

Are you looking for a place to share your writing? Do you have experiences and advice to share with the world? Consider submitting your work to be published on the Cantissimo Senior Living blog! Learn more at https://www.cantissimoseniorliving.com/submit-a-blog-post

Not sure where to start? Check out our blog post, 10 Tips to Overcome Writer's Block!