Estimated reading time: 5-7 minutes. Over the past few years, topics surrounding mental health have been destigmatized, leading to more individuals focusing on ways they can support their well-being. For seniors, maintaining a healthy mindset is vital to navigating the challenges associated with aging. By actively focusing on their emotional and mental health, older adults can see positive changes in their everyday lives. This blog will explore the significance of prioritizing mental health later in life and provide practical strategies for older adults to thrive.
Why Should Seniors Prioritize Their Mental Health?
People of all ages should prioritize their mental health, but as one age it becomes especially crucial. Older adults often find themselves alone, impacting how they think, feel, and interact with others. For seniors, focusing on mental health contributes to:
- Improved Quality of Life: A positive mindset and outlook on life contribute to greater enjoyment of daily activities and feelings of fulfillment.
- Physical Health Benefits: There is a strong correlation between mental health and physical health. Focusing on improving physical health is linked to positively impacting mental health.
- Strong Social Connections: Good mental health encourages social interaction, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation. When older adults are around others, they foster a sense of community and purpose.
Common Mental Health Challenges for Older Adults
Anyone can experience mental health challenges at any age, but it is becoming more prominent in older adults. Seniors can face a wide range of mental health barriers, often caused by physical decline, loss of loved ones, and lifestyle changes. Aging can be difficult as people have to part ways with the lifestyles and physical abilities they once had. It becomes increasingly difficult if you are not near family members or don’t have a social circle. Here are some common mental health barriers older adults face:
- Depression: Older adults develop age-related depression where they experience sadness around life changes like the death of a loved one, moving into a life care facility, experiencing medical conditions, and family and social isolation.
- Anxiety: After retirement, it is common to develop anxiety and stress related to finances as you no longer work and rely on savings to live. There is also fear and stress associated with the loss of personal independence. If you find yourself suffering from stress and anxiety, please reach out to a mental health professional for assistance.
- Cognitive Decline: Over time, seniors can develop brain disorders like Alzheimer’s or dementia, directly impacting their memory, thinking, and behavior. This not only directly affects their mental health, but it can affect the mental well-being of those around them.
- Loneliness and Isolation: People need human interaction and inclusion to feel less lonely. Living alone or far away from friends and family can create feelings of loneliness.
Did You Know? Adults who are isolated are 60% more likely to develop dementia.
10 Ways Steps to Improve Your Mental Health as You Age
Having negative feelings is common, however, it’s important knowing to cope when sad, stressed, or upset. If you find your emotional well-being is frequently changing, here are a few steps you can take to focus on your health and prioritize your mental well-being.
1. Physical Health:
Physical exercise releases endorphins, which help improve moods. Seniors can participate in low-impact exercises like walking or swimming to stimulate endorphin production and help boost their moods. Fitness is vital to keeping your body and mind healthy.
2. Limit Alcohol Consumption:
Alcohol is a depressant, which means it will slow down the body’s nervous system, affecting one’s overall brain function and feelings. Some individuals can experience severe mood swings when under the influence. To prevent any negative effects on your mental health it’s best to limit your alcohol intake.
3. Manage Chronic Health Conditions:
When chronic health conditions go untreated, it’s common to develop depression or anxiety. Chronic health conditions can bring up many feelings of stress and sadness in older adults. To combat this, prioritize taking any medications and following up on doctor visits. This will ensure your physical and mental health does not decline.
4. Stop Smoking:
Smoking and mental health are linked together. It’s been found that adults who are depressed or have other mental health conditions are more likely to start smoking. However, smoking is linked to increasing anxiety and negatively affecting emotional states in the long-term. If you are a smoker and find yourself struggling with your mental health, it’s important to limit your smoking consumption and even consider quitting.
5. Eat Healthy:
Eating well balanced meals that include carbohydrates, fats, and proteins is vital for your brain health. Your brain needs vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to stabilize moods. People who consume foods that contain unhealthy fats, and processed sugars increase their chances of developing emotional disorders like anxiety and depression. Overall, be sure to increase your diet of leafy greens, berries, nuts, and lean protein to help boost your brain health.
6. Try Therapy:
Many seniors can benefit from seeking professional therapy to work through any negative feelings or mental health conditions. Therapy can help older adults change their mindset, cope with life transitions, provide emotional support, and combat isolation. Therapy allows seniors to focus on themselves and nurture their emotional well-being.
7. Socializing:
Socializing is crucial for older adults as it significantly contributes to their mental health and overall well-being. Being a part of a club or social group fosters a sense of belonging and community, reducing isolation and loneliness. These connections provide emotional support, encourage active participation in life, and can increase happiness and fulfillment. Older adults should prioritize socializing for the mental health benefits it reaps.
8. Brain Games:
Participating in brain games like Bingo, puzzles, chess, checkers, and Scrabble allows seniors to participate in group activities. Mind games help improve cognitive abilities and even give seniors an opportunity to socialize and meet others.
9. Prioritize Sleep:
Prioritizing sleep is essential for seniors’ mental health, as sleep plays a crucial role in cognitive function, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. Adequate sleep helps improve memory, enhances concentration, and reduces the risk of developing mood disorders like anxiety and depression. Additionally, a consistent sleep schedule supports the body’s natural circadian rhythms, promoting better emotional regulation and resilience against stress.
10. Practice Mindfulness or Meditation:
As adults age, it’s common to face mental and emotional challenges such as increased stress, anxiety, and health concerns, which affect mental clarity and emotional stability. Mindfulness and meditation are two effective tools seniors can practice every day to manage heightened or negative feelings. Practicing meditation or mindfulness every day promotes relaxation and encourages older adults to be more present in their everyday lives. In addition, it helps reduce anxiety and depression.
Mental Health Resources for Older Adults
Older adults should prioritize their mental health by utilizing resources found online, in senior living communities, and through their local community. Encouraging older adults to have open conversations with loved ones and friends can help reduce the stigma around mental health and promote a more supportive environment.
Therapy and Counseling Services:
Many senior living communities offer specialized programs to help seniors face feelings of depression, anxiety, loneliness, grief, and other uncomfortable feelings. In-person and telehealth therapy are popular resources for seniors to learn how to cope with emotions and discuss any life changes they need support or guidance. To find a therapist in your area, visit Psychology Today, an online resource that is designed to help people of all ages find a therapist who best meets their needs.
Online Resources
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA) offers various online resources that can help older adults who need support in different aspects of life. Reading mental health information online can be insightful and help older adults recognize their struggles and how they can help themselves. If you are an older adult struggling with negative thoughts, please visit the online resources SAMHSA offers.
Support Groups
Support groups offer many benefits for older adults, fostering a safe space for connection and understanding. There are different types of support groups based on interests and struggles. These groups allow participants to feel validated and even build friendships with others with similar feelings or struggles. Hearing from peers can empower others to take proactive steps to prioritize their mental health and emotional well-being.
Mental Health Resources at Lighthouse Senior Living
At Lighthouse Senior Living, we want our residents to prioritize their mental health and overall well-being. We have our residents engage in activities that promote wellness, like fitness classes, bingo, pet therapy, socialization, and many more! We are committed to providing residents the resources and support to thrive ensuring their golden years are fulfilling and fun.