‘Joy Boosters: 120 Ways to Encourage Older Adults’ by Missy Buchanan (Photos)

Missy Buchanan, well known author, speaker and advocate for seniors, inspires readers with “120 ways to encourage older adults,” the subtitle of Joy Boosters set for release February 1st. Her book of creative ideas, similar to a pocket guide, is simple, easy-to-use and written to encourage joy in the lives of older adults and their loved ones.

With the greying of our nation, many are concerned with parents and grandparents who exhibit physical limitations and losses that compromise abilities once taken for granted. Such as the ability to walk without considering distance, stand without assistance or cook meals without help. When such capabilities are compromised decisions need to be made that result in difficult adjustments, sometimes loneliness and “barren and dry” lives.

Missy’s creative ideas inspire joy and laughter while they equip “families, churches, and caregivers” to meet seniors needs, whether at home alone, in a nursing home or hospital bed. Ideas such as how to encourage smiles in a frail, wheelchair bound individual or someone who must move to an assisted living facility or how to encourage spouse’s whose partners need to move into “memory care facilities.”

Aging as Personal Journey with Missy BuchananAging as Personal Journey with Missy Buchanan

Divided into twelve segments the book is chock-full of topics, ideas and conversation starters that teach how to “connect through questions and conversations…encourage from a distance…find laughter…celebrate holidays…blend families…” and so much more.

For example, she suggests open ended questions such as:

• “What was your first paid job?”
• “What is your proudest achievement?”
• “For what are you most thankful?”

Some chapters include insets of “tips.” For example if churches plan to visit, contact the facility and determine the best time so visits don’t conflict with “medical appointments” or planned social events. If a family outing is planned, consider physical limitations and needs, such as where restrooms are located along the route and if handicap parking is available. Perhaps the best tip is simply to treat older adults with the dignity and respect their years have earned—never treat them like children.

The book is practical, simple and small enough to carry in pocket, purse or briefcase, the pages filled with basic common sense ideas that spark creativity, laughter and fun. It’s like George Bernard Shaw wrote, “We don't stop playing because we grow old. We grow old because we stop playing."

Missy’s book equips anyone who cares for an older adult to engage with sensitivity and keep “oldsters” young at heart with simple, creative ideas that encourage spirituality and growth.

‘Joy Boosters: 120 Ways to Encourage Older Adults’ by Missy Buchanan, Upper Room Books, 2013, 63 Pages, 978-0835811927, $12.00

To connect with Missy Buchanan:Website // www.missybuchanan.com Facebook // www.facebook.com/agingandfaith Twitter // www.twitter.com/MissyBuchanan

Back Cover Copy:

Know an elderly person who needs a little encouragement?

Missy Buchanan, an older adult advocate and a former creativity educator, offers you a bounty of ideas for lifting the spirits of older adults. This practical book is chock-full of simple, creative ways to boost senior’s joy.

JOY BOOSTERS is perfect for families and friends of older adults, caregivers, senior residence facilities, and churches wanting to minister effectively to older adults. Don't miss an opportunity to make someone's day … or week.

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