Growth Mindset and Older Adults
What does it mean to be set in our ways? Is this inevitable as we age? Is there a certain point after which we simply can’t learn, grown, or change? Stanford professor and psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck studies, teaches and writes about people’s motivation and how we generate and guide our sense of self.
Dr. Dweck coined the terms “growth mindset” and “fixed mindset” to describe people’s underlying beliefs about how they evolve throughout their lifetimes. Dr. Dweck writes, “What are the consequences of thinking that your intelligence or personality is something you can develop, as opposed to something that is a fixed, deep-seated trait?”
Developing and growing throughout a lifetime seems a happy way to live. Conversely, imagining that heredity or luck serves us up an array of characteristics that we’re stuck to make the best of seems a problematic assumption to carry through life.
Especially during challenging times like the pandemic, a growth mindset can help people continue to grow and thrive. A growth mindset stands to serve older adults well. Here’s how.
The joy of growth
Have you noticed that there are people who can take a marvelous trip to a faraway place and come back complaining about their lack of access to familiar food or reliable Wi-Fi connection? At the same time, others can walk down the street to buy milk and come home with three interesting stories about their experience? It seems like some people are more awake, aware, and open to the new possibilities that life offers each day. It looks like some people are seeking to be consoled by the familiar while others are eager to welcome new experiences.
Dr. Dweck explains: “This growth mindset is based on the belief that your basic qualities are things you can cultivate through your efforts . . . The passion for stretching yourself and sticking to it, even (or especially) when it’s not going well, is the hallmark of the growth mindset. This is the mindset that allows people to thrive during some of the most challenging times in their lives.
Some characteristics of the growth mindset are the ability to seek out opportunities to grow, sometimes even in the most everyday experiences, by taking on new challenges and taking risks. It means thinking of our innate traits as just our starting point and developing ourselves using those basic materials.
We generate self-confidence and happiness when we connect, grow, and learn.
Visiting Angels West Cincinnati on a mission
Here at Visiting Angels West Cincinnati, we strive to help our older adult clients stay active and engaged. Our care services are personalized to each individual client. Visiting Angels West Cincinnati Caregiversassistour clients with their dailybasic needs so that they can continue to age where they are most comfortable. Our Caregivers assist with grocery shopping, running errands, helping with hygiene and bathing, doing laundry, and tidying up.
Visiting Angels West Cincinnati Caregivers also share joyful companionship with our clients. This may mean having a cup of tea together, working on a puzzle, or taking a walk. It could also mean giving a client a ride to the library, an exercise class, or a seniors’ event in the community.
We help our clients foster a growth mindset by enabling them to engage in healthy, happy lives. Our Caregivers take the pressure off by making life’s chores more manageable. That way, our clients can focus on the things that make life great, like growing their skills, connecting with friends, and meeting their physical fitness goals.
Many of our Visiting Angels West Cincinnati Caregivers also undergo special training to assist clients with special needs like dementiaincluding Alzheimer’s disease. A growth mindset is still possible, even when an older adult is struggling with these issues. The right support and companionship can make all the difference.
Social care
Embracing the opportunity to learn new skills is the hallmark of a growth mindset. Visiting Angels’ Social Care Program helps older adults learn to use social media fluidly and connect, shop, and interact safely online. The online world can seem daunting without the right guide. We work at a pace that makes our clients feel comfortable and confident. Our clients are proud when they can show off their tech skills to their children and grandchildren, with whom they can then enjoy a virtual relationship.
Get growing with the Visiting Angels West Cincinnati
A growth mindset makes those golden years feel warm and happy. Visiting Angels West Cincinnati is here to help your aging loved one have a happy and healthy experience. Call us at (513) 598-6770, or contact us online to learn more.