Talking to Your Senior About Setting Goals

• Ask them if they have any goals, aspirations, or dreams that you don't know about. Simply showing interest in them and the things that they might want in life can be extremely encouraging and beneficial.
• Talk to them about the importance of setting goals and how it can help them to enjoy a higher quality of life as they age in place. It doesn't matter what type of goal that they are setting, establishing these goals and working toward them will stimulate their mind, boost their mental and emotional health, and help them to achieve a more fulfilling lifestyle.
• Reassure them that you are there for them and will help them to pursue their goals and whatever ways that you can. Find ways that you can work toward these goals together as a means of spending quality time together and showing your love and support to your parent. This is particularly important if your parent is pursuing a goal that may be challenging to them, such as losing weight or getting more active.
• Work together to identify ways that your parent can pursue their goal and to set deadlines that will keep them motivated and working towards this goal.