Seniors can sometimes feel left behind in a world that feels fast-paced, overwhelming, and incredibly self-focused. The simple power of kindness is a beacon of hope and connection for anyone who might feel lonely or isolated. Random acts of kindness are not just small gestures. They create meaningful change not only in the person who receives your kindness, but throughout the world. These small gestures ripple through our communities, leaving a lasting impact on both the giver and receiver.
Random Acts of Kindness (RAKs) is a global movement that encourages connection with others, focusing outside yourself, and service. The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation began in 1995 with the goal of making kindness the norm, rather than the exception. But this foundation certainly did not invent random acts of kindness themselves. Hopefully, kindness has existed as long as humanity, though perhaps less so in our digital world. Doing random acts of kindness is a great way that seniors can use service to enrich their lives, and as an added bonus, it actually improves mood and decreases feelings of loneliness (source).
The Power of Little Actions
Sometimes when we think of service, dramatic and time-consuming volunteer opportunities come to mind. You might think of crews cleaning up after forest fires, soldiers defending the defenseless, and doctors serving patients in rural villages. However, for most of us, these ways to serve seem out of reach. We may not have the time, money, training, expertise, or physical ability to serve in these ways. Thankfully, service doesn’t have to be big. It doesn’t have to be expensive, involve international travel, or put your life in danger. In fact, you can serve someone else right now, at this very moment, through a random act of kindness.
Consider how a small thing can change your day, and even your life. Perhaps you’ve been at a drive-through coffee shop and found that the person in front of you has already paid for your order. How did this make you feel? Did you think about later in the day, and tell others the story? Have you ever considered doing the same for someone else? Small actions lead to big changes, not just in your life, but the lives of everyone around you. That one small gesture made an impact not just on you, but on the giver, on the employee who witnessed this service, and on everyone who heard your story. Small gestures truly make a big impact through the ripples they create.
Benefits of Random Acts of Kindness
When you think of the benefits random acts of kindness will have, you likely think of the receiver. Of course, the recipient of your kindness will experience positive benefits of your service. However, benefits go far beyond the person served. You, as the giver, will reap immense benefits from small opportunities to show kindness. Some of these benefits include strengthened connections with others, decreased feelings of loneliness, and better mood (source). There are many reasons for these benefits, but one main one is the release of oxytocin, the “love chemical” that people feel when they connect with others. Oxytocin can reduce blood pressure, decrease stress, and even possibly decrease inflammation within your body.
Numerous studies have shown that one of the best ways to improve your mood and decrease your stress is to practice kindness (source), both to yourself and others. As you can see, being kind is not just good for those you are kind to. It’s good for your mind and even your body, too.
Receiving Kindness
Have you noticed how often you are the recipient of kindness in your life, as well as the giver? Sometimes, depression and low mood can make it difficult to see the “good parts” of life, which may include the random acts of kindness thrown your way. Try to be on the lookout for when you experience random acts of kindness, too. Perhaps your son, daughter, or other relative gives you a call or sends you a text to let you know they’re thinking about you. Maybe a stranger helps you pick up something you’ve dropped, or holds the elevator for you, or gives you their seat on a bus or subway. Small acts of kindness are all around you–you just have to look for them.
When you receive these acts of kindness, you can give your good mood and the resulting benefits an extra boost by practicing gratitude. Notice the things others do for you, and tell them thank you. If there’s someone in your life who has made a positive impact on you, send them a letter, email, or text letting them know. Combining an attitude of gratitude with random acts of kindness is a great way to become a happier, healthier person.
Suggested Random Acts of Kindness for Seniors
Many seniors already practice kindness throughout their lives, but we could all benefit from serving a little more. Here are some ideas of random acts of kindness that most seniors can easily incorporate into their day. Please note, this list is by no means exhaustive. Use your own special skills and talents to find ways to brighten the lives of those around you!
- Whenever you’re out getting a treat, drink, or coffee, pick up an extra one for someone you know who could use one.
- Donate canned goods to a local food drive.
- Just listen. If someone starts talking to you–even if it isn’t someone you know–take a moment to just listen to them.
- Leave a gas gift card at a gas pump.
- Give a sincere compliment whenever you can.
- Leave quarters at the laundromat.
- Put post-it notes with inspirational messages wherever you go.
- Leave a note on someone’s car commending their parking job.
- Add a positive comment to a blog you read.
- Leave a positive review online about a local business or restaurant.
- If you eat out, leave the biggest tip you can afford.
- Tape coins around a playground for local children to find.
- Send a handwritten card or note to a friend or family member, letting them know what you love about them.
- Bake cookies or another type of baked good for your neighbors.
- Donate clothing items you aren’t using to a thrift store.
- Donate winter clothing like coats, hats, and gloves to a local shelter.
- Pick up trash wherever you go.
- Volunteer virtually (see this blog post about volunteer options for seniors).
- When you hear that critical or negative voice inside your head, think of 3 things you like about yourself. You are deserving of kindness, too!
As you can see, there are so many ways to be kind. It doesn’t have to be big, take a lot of time, or cost any money. Be on the lookout for ways you can be kind, and the more you look, the more you’ll find.
Small Gestures Make a Big Impact!
The small, random acts of kindness you do throughout your day have a larger impact than you can see. As well as improving your life and the lives of those you help and serve, your kindness will create a ripple effect throughout your home and community. You’ll inspire others to choose kindness like you did, and bit by bit, you can make the world a better place.
If you’re in need of a little extra kindness, some of the kindest people in the world work at senior living communities. These dedicated staff members can help you live your best life. Considering senior living? Tour a community near you today.
