Many people associate aging with a natural decline in mental health like dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, and more. However, mental health decline doesn’t have to be an aging factor.
Seniors can improve cognitive functioning with a few simple tasks, and there are ways to lessen the impact of depression. Furthermore, our senior care professionals can assist you in finding options to keep your loved ones in their best overall health.
What causes seniors to experience mental health issues?
Life isn’t always a picnic as we age. As we grow older, we experience many different life changes, like health problems and loss, which often result in depression or anxiety. Many seniors experience loneliness and isolation stemming from physical issues like hearing loss and not being as mobile as they once were.
Meanwhile, other factors contributing to mental health can be loneliness from the loss of a spouse, social isolation, or the children moving away. Several factors increase the risk of adverse mental health in seniors, including the following:
- Loneliness and social isolation
- Chronic illness
- Elder abuse
- Grief
- Ageism
- Poor or improper living conditions
- Being overwhelmed while taking care of a sick partner/spouse
- Substance abuse
- Struggle to find purpose in life
- Lack of emotional and financial support
How can seniors improve their mental well-being?
The following tips can help you or a loved one maintain a positive mental health outlook. Hopefully, they will experience a positive and productive view of life.
1. Remain mentally engaged
Being mentally active is essential for remaining content, providing enjoyment and purpose, and keeping the mind sharp. The National Institute on Aging suggests that people who complete meaningful personal activities prevent mental decline and report feeling happier.
It is also shown that people who engage in mental stimulation delay signs of cognitive impairment, such as often seen with Alzheimer’s disease. Mental stimulation activities can include:
- Volunteering
- Playing games
- Dancing
- Creative writing
- Reading
- Going to the theatre
- Taking classes
- Learning new skills like crocheting, knitting, photography, painting, quilting, etc.
2. Be receptive to professional mental help
Many people have the misconception that it is typical for your mental health to decline as you age. This thinking provides barriers for seniors seeking out mental health assistance. While declining mental health is typical in seniors, it is not the norm regarding aging.
Seniors must remain open to activities like therapy, counselling, and medications prescribed by a professional when and if issues occur. Our skilled nursing staff can provide customized senior care options to assist your loved one with memory and health care issues.
3. Maintain a social network
Remaining socially active can help people stay mentally engaged while promoting happiness. Studies also show that it improves a person’s quality of life and can prevent health problems. Maintaining a positive social network can also offer emotional support during challenging times.
While seniors may be prone to remaining at home for various reasons, there are many ways for them to maintain a social network. Seniors with at-home care can benefit from planning outings within the community or engaging in simple activities like running errands or going to the theatre.
For people who have mobility issues or who cannot drive, families can book an appointment to have someone pick them up and drop them off at any location for social interaction. Furthermore, the benefit of at-home care (if your loved one needs it) is that many caregivers (such as our own) genuinely care about their clients.
Caregivers engage clients on a social level because they understand the detriments of social isolation. They make their clients feel respected and valued. They also engage clients in activities like meal preparation or baking, which decrease feelings of loneliness. Seniors thrive in these environments.
4. Stay physically active
Physical activity reduces the risks associated with heart disease, diabetes, and depression, and improves cognitive functioning. Experts recommend adults receive 150 minutes of moderate physical exercise weekly. Some suggestions for activities include:
- Walking (by yourself or in a group, and can consist of mall walking)
- Water aerobics classes
- Tai chi
- Housework
- Yoga or stretching exercises for seniors
- Balancing exercises
- Lifting small weights
If you or a loved one has pain or mobility issues that prevent exercise, you can contact Ask4Care to discuss physiotherapy options.
5. Obtain adequate sleep
Not obtaining enough quality sleep is associated with increased risks of diabetes, depression, hypertension, and heart disease. Regrettably, sleeping and remaining asleep becomes progressively more challenging as we age.
If you struggle to obtain the minimum seven hours of sleep required each night, discuss options with your physician for improved sleep.
6. Ensure a healthy diet
Maintaining a healthy diet is essential for strength and to prevent illness. However, many seniors don’t receive the proper nutrition. Some find making meals more challenging, while others prefer to have meals that are easier to make. Yet, food that is more accessible to make does not always mean it is healthier.
If your loved one isn’t eating as well as they should, at-home care may provide an excellent solution to ensuring their health. We can provide caregivers who can prepare nutritional meals on their schedule. Furthermore, we can customize the meal plan to include dishes your loved one enjoys, ready the way they like.
If your loved one is able to, they can assist with meal preparation, which enhances social interaction and boosts mental functioning.
Contact Ask4Care for Senior Care Options to Improve Your Overall Well-Being
If your loved one needs help or you have some concerns, contact Ask4Care to examine your options. Our skilled nursing staff will assess your loved one and generate a customized at-home senior care plan to ensure they receive the needed help. Furthermore, as their needs change, our plans can adapt.
Our caregivers provide compassionate care to all their clients. They engage with them to counteract the effects of loneliness and depression. They can take them on community outings and offer many other services tailored to their needs. Our caregivers will often include them in activities to help them maintain their sense of independence.
To book your consultation for senior care, you can call Ask4Care 24/7 at 888-894-9538 or complete our online form.
