By Denise Hyde
Membership Engagement Guide
The Eden Alternative
Topic: Meaning/Education
The Eden Alternative is facilitating an Online Learning Collaborative, Meaning: Essential to Health and Well-Being Online Learning Collaborative starting May 7th. Learn more.
The Eden Alternative identified seven Domains of Well-Being® and Meaning is one of those domains.
Eden Alternative Principle Six states:
- Meaningless activity corrodes the human spirit.
- Meaning is unique to each of us and is essential to health and well-being.
To go further, The Eden Alternative white paper entitled Revolutionizing the Experience of Home by Bringing Well-Being to Life, says this about the domain of meaning:
“Creating meaning takes a lifetime of effort. Meaning thrives and grows in moments of time. It is more than fulfilling a life’s wish. It is woven into our emotions, our feelings, and our need to be needed. Each individual experiences meaning in different ways.
Meaning sometimes arises out of life events; trying to rationalize trials and successes. Often meaning comes from the very act of searching for it. Food and shelter can be withheld, but meaning is something others cannot deny us. Regardless of our life situation, as humans we are always seeking meaning.
The research about meaning (and the impact on health) is out there.
In 2019, UC San Diego Today, posted a summary of recent research on meaning and purpose and overall health.
They studied over 1000 people ranging between the ages of 21 and over 100 years old and shared the information they learned from their interviews. Medical News Today also has a summary of research about what creates meaning and how it impacts health and well-being.
The reality is that the research is out there.
Meaning is important in our lives and when we have it, our health and well-being are stronger.
What about meaning and purpose in the workplace?
This Harvard Business Review report says “yes,” meaning and purpose make a difference with employee retention. Meaningful work improves job satisfaction, lowers turnover, stress, and burnout.
And as Dr. Bill Thomas says in his book In the Arms of Elders:
“Meaning is the food and water that nourishes the human spirit. It strengthens us.”
Final Thoughts, And Invitation To Join The Online Learning Collaborative.
To use this information in your community, plan to join the Meaning: Essential to Health & Well-Being Collaborative that starts May 7, 2025.
Bring along a team member or two as well. Through the online learning sessions, you will explore ways to enhance meaning in your life as well as the lives of others!
About The Eden Alternative
Our Mission: To improve the well-being of Elders and their care partners by transforming the communities in which they live and work.
The Eden Alternative offers educational opportunities, consultation and a proven approach to honoring Elderhood – with resources for Elders and care partners to elevate well-being.
About Denise Hyde
Denise Hyde has been involved with The Eden Alternative® since 1997 and part of the home office team since 2009. As Membership Engagement Guide, Denise guides and supports organizations with implementation, creates resources, develops educational tools and materials, and supports networking opportunities between individuals and organizations.
