Purpose Driven Life

Research and lots of scholarly books on self-help and the aging process tell us that, at least in retirement, it just isn't so. Sure, we would probably all like to be comfortable, to be living where we really want and not have to worry about the mortgage/utilities/health care payments. But, what sets happy and well adjusted elders apart is not just the sort of "obvious" components of a life - wellness, independence, sense of fun, community - it is also a chance to grow, to give back and to feel a sense of purpose.

So, what can you do to find something to help give yourself purpose, or help a family member find a niche for themselves? Very often, people say, "I'm not very talented. What can I do?" Following is a list of suggestions that you may not have considered as an option:

Your faith It is no secret that in western Pennsylvania the population is not increasing, and religious institutions feel this pinch. They also have the squeeze with many more families having both parents working. So, they often can use help with mailings, phone answering, after school programs for kids, meals on wheels and making phone calls to the sick, bereaved or shut-in. It takes no special skills to be a friend to someone, and I don't know many church leaders who wouldn't be grateful for a call offering help.

Any Non-Profit Agency There are many non-profits (Chamber of Commerce, Rotaries, fire companies, United Ways to name a few) who would love someone to help coordinate a campaign, deliver information, answer phones, etc. And, you can get a chance to meet new people and develop new interests.

Help Others Donate a craft or skill that you enjoy doing. Do you sew? Like to tinker? How about embroidery or quilting? Think of hospitals, second hand shops, mission groups, food cupboards, day cares that would love and appreciate old fabrics made into pillows or stuffed animals, older electric appliances repaired, cars repaired, sweaters, hats or gloves knitted or crocheted, or a quilt to raffle.

Cooking or baking Every association I have ever been involved with had some kind of fund-raiser through bake sales, fish fries, pancake breakfasts, spaghetti dinners, etc. Offer to help in the planning, purchasing, preparation and serving or clean up.

Pick up a book Whether in a day care or a school or a hospital or nursing home, there are lots of people that would love to have someone read to them. It can get you to read new and different things, and bring great joy to the recipient.

Purpose doesn't have to be just giving back either. You can do something that you have never had the time to do before - garden, build a great train layout, learn another language, sculpt (there are so many forms of sculpture, it can be exciting to explore), paint, get a degree in something new (or for the first time) or take up dancing.

The "third age" can be a time of learning, exploring and giving back for the blessings life has brought you. Enjoy them! Ann Mutmansky is the Director of Marketing at Passavant Retirement Community in Zelienople, and can be reached at 724-452-1620 or amutmansky@lutheranseniorlife.org.