As a caregiver, you often focus on your loved one’s physical health and well-being, but what you may find yourself neglecting is their mental health. Elderly mental health statistics state that 20% of senior adults ages 55+ are estimated to experience some form of mental health issues. These issues can range from something as common as loneliness to something as severe as depression.
On the bright side, it’s never too late to start focusing on your loved one’s mental health. By helping your loved one find ways to stay active and make mental health a priority, you will both start seeing improvements in mental health and aging.
One of the best ways to make mental health a priority for your loved one is to incorporate it into your daily routines. Just a few small changes can go a long way in helping your loved one improve their mental health and live a longer, happier life. Below are some mental health tips for seniors to help you get started.
1. Get Physical.
One of the best ways to combat mental health and aging issues is by getting physically active. Staying active goes well beyond just physical wellness; it can reduce depression symptoms, act as a mood booster, and can help your loved one feel more independent. Try to incorporate walks outside, gardening, swimming or bike riding into your loved one’s routine.
2. Get Social.
Staying social is challenging as seniors age. Getting around is harder, and as many friends move or pass away, their social connections dwindle. Help your loved one find new ways to get involved. Join online classes together, visit your local senior center, or join the city recreation center. Help your loved one interact as much as possible.
3. Get Spiritual.
Even if organized religion isn’t something your loved one is interested in, there are still ways to help your loved one get in touch with their spiritual side. Finding purpose, meaning and hope in life is a great way to combat mental health and aging while also helping meet new, like-minded people.
4. Get a Pet.
While your loved one might not be able to care for a pet on their own, pet therapy is a great option for helping your loved one deal with some mental health issues. Pet therapy has been proven effective in treating symptoms of depression, anxiety and loneliness.
5. Get a Hobby.
Oftentimes, seniors fall into depression when they find their life no longer has a purpose. By helping your loved one rekindle an old passion or find a new one, they can regain a sense of purpose, independence and joy.
Prioritizing mental health and aging doesn’t have to feel like a burden. By making choices for your loved one that focus on mental wellness, they can discover greater purpose in life and find more fulfillment.
Making Mental Health and Aging a Priority at Heritage Senior Living
The right senior living community can help your loved one pursue a healthier lifestyle so they can stay independent for longer. At Heritage Senior Living, we offer nutritionally balanced cuisine; life-enriching programming; and amenities that focus on nurturing the mind, body and soul. We invite you to learn more about our Wisconsin independent living community. Contact us today with questions or to schedule a tour.
