Prioritizing Mental Health for Seniors

By: Kayla Orange

When you think about healthy aging, what is the first thought that comes to mind? Perhaps exercising, stretching, eating healthy? All of these are great answers, and each plays a vital role in maintaining good health. However, it’s not just the physical aspect of health that you should be aware of. Taking care of your mental health is just as essential, especially as you age.

Unfortunately, many people consider the symptoms of common mental health disorders, such as dementia and depression, a normal part of the aging process. But, this is simply not true. In any age group, mental health issues are not normal and shouldn’t be overlooked. Seniors are indeed more vulnerable to sadness and depression. However, this is likely because they are going through significant life changes, like declining health or the death of friends and loved ones. Regardless of why it develops, mental illness can take away from a senior’s independence and negatively affect their quality of life.

The good news is, there are simple tasks you can incorporate today to combat feelings of anxiety or depression. Keep reading as we share five steps you can take to prioritize your mental health and lower your risk of mental health conditions.

Have a Positive Outlook

Okay, hear us out. We know it can be challenging to simply “think happy thoughts” when experiencing pain or isolation. But the fact remains that practicing specific thought patterns helps them become routine and allows you to create a more positive way of thinking. For example, regularly expressing gratitude and surrounding yourself with people who boost your mood are two easy ways to improve your overall mental health. Similarly, making exciting plans, keeping a good sense of humor, and reducing stress will all help you experience life more positively.

Surround Yourself with Family and Friends

Loneliness and isolation often have the most significant impact on a person’s mood. This is because humans are naturally social creatures and need social interaction to thrive and grow. As the years pass, it is common for seniors to see their children move away or become busy with a career and family of their own. However, it’s best to avoid isolation and get out with friends and family as much as possible. Go out for dinner, get your hair done – even just taking a trip to the grocery store can help you feel less isolated.

If mobility is an issue, technology can help you stay connected to the outside world. You can schedule regular phone calls with your grandchildren or send emails to catch up with friends. Smartphones also feature a wide variety of applications to suit any lifestyle, including face-to-face video apps, like Skype, text messaging, medication reminders, and mental health or mindfulness apps.

Stay Active

Many studies have found evidence linking physical health with mental health. Growing older may bring physical challenges, like declining strength and mobility, making it seem near impossible to stay fit. However, there are various exercises and activities that older adults can engage in to remain active. Try going for a daily walk with friends or joining a senior exercise class. Even if you have physical limitations, simple exercises, like daily stretching or chair exercises, can provide immense benefits for mental health. 

Get Enough Rest

Sleep is an essential factor in determining a person’s overall health. It’s recommended that adults get at least 6-7 hours of sleep each night. Getting good quality sleep is also crucial for healthy aging. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and Sleep Research Society, healthy sleep is defined as “adequate duration, good quality, appropriate timing and regularity, and the absence of sleep disturbances or disorders.”

Growing evidence suggests that sleep disturbances may accelerate the aging process and contribute to many chronic diseases and mental health issues. Yet, despite these dangerous health consequences, sleep problems are rarely diagnosed and treated, particularly in the elderly. For this reason, it is crucial that you let your doctor know if you are having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep throughout the night.

Start a New Hobby

Hobbies provide entertainment, relaxation, and in some cases, an excellent way for people to socialize. However, they can also benefit your mental health. This is especially true for seniors, as studies have shown that leisure activities positively impact senior cognitive and physical health. In addition, regularly challenging your brain to something new helps keep the mind engaged, which is vital for prolonging brain function and keeping depression at bay.

Some seniors had hobbies in the past but stopped pursuing them due to diminished physical abilities or financial constraints. If that’s the case for you, don’t worry. Many hobbies can be enjoyed despite physical limitations and for little to no money. For example, reading, writing, and word puzzles, like crosswords and Sudoku, are popular and fun games that don’t require much energy. Likewise, painting, drawing, and other creative activities help seniors explore their creativity and keep their minds engaged.

Looking for Home Care Services?

At Royal Care, we’re committed to educating our patients and finding new ways to help seniors maintain and improve their mental health. To learn more about our programs and services, visit our website or call us today at 718-851-3800.