At MorningStar Senior Living, we know that purposeful living is vital for a happy and fulfilling life. Our commitment to this truth drives us to understand the passions and experiences of our residents, and to help them live into their unique gifts and skills.
Meaningful Engagement vs. Purposeful Engagement
Moriah Bernhardt, VP of Life Enrichment, speaks to the distinction between meaningful versus purposeful ways to engage with the world.
“Meaningful living is more about being, and how we feel about an experience, someone or something. Whereas Purpose is what I would call an action word. It’s centered more about how we act toward something. Purpose implies goals, movement and direction. When it comes to adopting an active, gratifying lifestyle, we need to nurture both.”
Fostering Purposeful Living
It’s no surprise to see growing evidence that having a continuing sense of purpose is linked to better health and well-being in older adults.
In our younger years, self-fulfillment and self-esteem often come from our work, so what happens when we retire from formal jobs? How does one find purpose and fulfillment without the structure of a workday?
Moriah reflects on this challenge: “Some are eager to pursue their lifelong dreams, learn new skills, and spend quality time with the ones they cherish most. Others may struggle to again find purpose in their activities and relationships.
“At MorningStar Senior Living, we focus on engagement opportunities beyond keeping people busy. It’s about feeling productive, connected and valued; it’s about continuing to be an invested member of society. Which speaks directly to the second pillar of the MorningStar mission: ‘To value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals.’
“Instead of only asking what you enjoyed doing in the past, we ask our residents what they would like to become. How would you like to share your gifts with us? Then we work together to put those gifts into motion.”
Rachel Gartrell, Life Enrichment Coordinator at MorningStar at Jordan, describes our approach with new residents: “What’s invaluable is the To Know Me is To Love Me questionnaire residents complete when they enter our community. It gives incredible insight as to the people they were and are, what matters to them most, the things that light their spirit. Part of that understanding also comes from our initial conversations and engagement when they first move in. My goal is to find at least one thing I know each person will enjoy and make it a regular posting on our calendar.”
Purpose in Action: Resident and Team Member Stories
Purposeful living is central to MorningStar’s wellness philosophy and programming. This approach benefits not only residents but team members, who are more likely to stay in a job if they find it purposeful and meaningful.
Al, a beloved resident of MorningStar at Mountain Shadows illustrates the power of purposeful living. A proud veteran who loved serving his country, Al now finds joy in serving fellow residents at a monthly Al’s Cooking Show. “When I see them smiling and eating the recipes I come up with, it is priceless. Money can’t buy that!”
Blaine Santa Monica, Director of Hospitality at MorningStar at Holly Park, stresses the importance of purposeful interactions: “I like to talk with our team and residents daily and ask, ‘How are you doing?’ When it comes to younger team members, I’ll ask what they want to do with their lives and encourage them in future ambitions. I ask residents, ‘What’s on the agenda today?’ That gets them thinking about classes and activities they want to participate in. Some will want to lead an activity based on their passion, like Faye, who plays Bridge.”
Purposeful Living in Memory Care
In MorningStar’s Memory Care neighborhoods we focus on creating an environment where residents feel helpful and have a sense of control over their routines. This might involve them in with routine domestic activities around the community like taking out the trash, setting the dining tables, cooking and baking with our assistance, or tending the garden.
Tapping the Passion Within
At MorningStar Senior Living, we strive to tap each resident’s sense of purpose.
As Moriah explains: “We aren’t the ones to create a sense of purpose for the residents. Rather, we get to know each person, understand what is meaningful and purposeful in their individual hearts and minds. Then help them connect those priorities with opportunities in the community.”
Understanding and supporting resident passions and interests is how we create a vibrant and fulfilling community at MorningStar Senior Living.
Interested in learning more about how MorningStar team members and residents impact the world for good? From volunteering with local nonprofits, to raising funds for the poor and most vulnerable around the world, MorningStar Senior Living is full of servant-hearts looking for ways to shine our light and make a difference in lives near and far. Curious? Learn how you or your loved one can be a part of it today.
