As Thanksgiving approaches, we’re reminded to take time to be thankful for all that we have. Not only does being thankful bring us together, it also has health benefits, too!

Seniors especially benefit from a practice of gratitude on Thanksgiving Day and throughout the year. Just like physical exercise helps seniors build strength and maintain independence, practicing gratitude can help seniors physically and mentally.

Benefits of Gratitude

For seniors, or anyone who may be experiencing changes in health or other transitions, practicing gratitude can have a strong positive impact.
Expressing gratitude has been shown to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve sleep, overall mood, and immune system function.

Whether it’s gratitude for the big things in life like health, family, and friends, or gratitude for a small delight like a good cup of coffee or a sunny day, the effect is the same.

And better yet, the more you practice gratitude, the easier it gets! Like any exercise, exercising your “gratitude muscles” makes them stronger and better. Find just one small thing to be grateful for and let the good feelings spread.

Gratitude Practice

There are many ways to practice gratitude, on Thanksgiving and throughout the year. As you give thanks for health, family, and friends, consider a daily practice of gratitude, too.

• Remind yourself to be grateful. Whether it’s a note on your bathroom mirror or in your car, sometimes we all need a little reminder!
• Share one thing you are grateful for daily at the dinner table.
• Start a daily gratitude journal.
• Make someone’s day: tell the people in your life that you are grateful for them!

Thank you!

This Thanksgiving and every day, we are grateful to our community of residents, their families, and our staff for enriching our lives. From our family to yours, we wish you a very happy Thanksgiving.

Sunnyside Manor, located in Wall NJ, is the area’s premier senior living community. It features three distinctive neighborhoods: Independence ‘Plus’ Assisted Living, Recollections Memory Care and Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation.