Ways To Help Improve Mental Health In Seniors

By the time you’re 80 years old you’ve learned everything. You only have to remember it.”   – George Burns

Just when you think life should be getting a bit easier, it has a funny way of changing things up on you. As you age, your mental health may become an issue. The CDC has estimated that, in senior adults, over 20% will experience some type of mental health condition.

Many seniors are prone to:

• anxiety
• depression
• loneliness
• stress
• mood disorders
• cognitive decline

If a senior you know or love seems to be struggling with any of these symptoms, they should not be underestimated or ignored…they need to be taken seriously. You can help in combating these issues, and help your loved one lead a healthier, happier, and better quality of life.

If you’re reading this article, you probably have someone in your life you’re concerned about. This is a great step to…

Help Your Senior Improve His/Her Mental Health…

1. Keep in touch – There’s few things quite as depressing as loneliness, feeling all alone in this world, which can lead to depression. Take, or make the time to spend time with her as frequently and consistently as possible. Encourage friends and family to do the same.
2. Stimulate the brain – When you visit, take games; word games, playing cards, strategy games or simple puzzles to work on together. In fact, jigsaw puzzles or crossword puzzles are great gifts, because she can do them by herself when she doesn’t have guests. So your senior doesn’t get frustrated, be sure the activity matches her abilities.
3. Stimulate the body – If it’s possible, get her involved in some kind of physical activity. Many senior living facilities offer exercise classes, or dance classes that are not only great for exercise, but they are also great for socializing.
4. Stay involved – Whenever possible, make sure she is involved in family activities, such as reunions, birthdays or holidays.
5. Keep things fresh – Help get her involved in learning a new skill, taking up a new hobby, enjoying a project, or restarting a previous hobby or talent. Having something creative to look forward to keeps life interesting and exciting and your mental health healthy.
6. Get back to nature – Whenever possible, get her outside…go for walks, get her fingers dirty in a garden, or just go to the park for a picnic. Being in nature helps reduce stress and improves mood. If it’s not possible to go outside, try bringing in a plant that is easy to care for, or maybe attach a birdfeeder to the outside of a window.
7. Stay connected – Between visits or if an in-person visit isn’t possible, don’t forget to call on the phone, send a greeting card or note in the mail.
8. Ease the mind – Teach your senior some easy breathing exercises or encourage regular meditation. These are wonderful activities to ease depression and anxiety.

We are Certified Senior Move Managers recognized by our National Association of Senior Move Managers, NASMM! We are committed to serving our seniors with a high standard of ethics, best business practices and continuing education to help make whatever transition they are going through a Smooth Transition.

Contact us to learn how we can help you and/or your family with senior downsizing and moving anywhere in the Phoenix East Valley area…we offer a Free consultation.

We would love to serve you. 480-339-0011