It’s a growing concern in society that people in the senior community are experiencing poor mental health; currently, one in five older people experience depression or poor mental and emotional wellbeing, which is a worryingly high number, to say the least.
With this thought in mind, here are a few simple tips to help if you’re part of the senior population (or know someone who is) and currently experiencing low moods or feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Find A Sense of Purpose (Including Time For Yourself!)
In your later years, you may find yourself with more time on your hands – time that was previously spent working or raising children and has now turned into plenty of free hours during the day, which is great for enjoying some much-needed downtime to yourself, but too much isn’t healthy for the mind.
Instead of doing nothing or spending too much time watching TV, consider what skills you have and how you might like to use them. For instance, now could be a perfect time to volunteer for a charitable organization or start a hobby you’ve always wanted to try. Finding a new sense of purpose in life doesn’t always come easily, but keep trying, and you’ll be sure to find something that makes you want to jump out of bed in the morning.
Spend Time With Others
A big problem within the senior community is loneliness. In this case, prevention is likely better than cure. As social creatures, interactions with other humans are important for everyone’s wellbeing, so it’s crucial to ensure you’re getting in some social time – even if only a couple of times a week. Try to schedule time with others, whether it’s a call with family or a coffee date with friends, and do your best to ensure every few days, you have a social event in your calendar.
Share Your Problems & Concerns
‘A problem shared is a problem halved.’ If any problems or concerns are weighing you down, talk to someone. Who you speak to might depend on what you’re feeling and what the issue is but sharing with others, whether it’s with a friend or family, a doctor, or even a specialist who can offer problem-specific advice, talking to someone can help you feel supported and remind you you’re not alone.
Ask For Help If You Need It
As people age, certain things can become more challenging than they once were; this can make it hard to ask for help, as older individuals may feel they’re losing their sense of independence. However, asking for help is sure to drastically improve their quality of life.
Everyone needs help sometimes, be it from friends, family, or in some cases, healthcare professionals, if things become too serious in terms of health and wellbeing. If you find yourself requiring more and more assistance with everyday tasks and you’re struggling, it might be a good idea to start looking at care options – even if you don’t need it right away.
It’s better to be prepared for when the time may come that you need care, so do some research on care options in your area and find one that suits you and your needs. For an example of the high-quality care that’s available and get an idea of what you should be searching for, take a look at this senior care in St.Louis.
Take Part In Physical Activities
Doing a little physical exercise has a ton of great benefits; it can boost your self-esteem and improve confidence, offer a chance to meet new people, and even improve your quality of sleep. Even something as simple as yoga for seniors could go a long way to improve your everyday wellbeing.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, looking after mental health is important for all ages; if you or someone you know is experiencing feelings of worsened mental health or loneliness, consider reaching out to a professional who can offer specialist advice.
Still, keeping active, healthy, and taking care of yourself in your senior years can vastly improve your quality of life and ensure you can keep making happy memories with your loved ones for a long time to come.
