Promoting Emotional Wellness in Seniors

Written By: Discovery Senior Living
Promoting Emotional Wellness in Seniors

Depression affects over 21 million US adults each year, according to the National Council on Aging. Disability, social isolation, and chronic mental illness can increase the risk as you age. In fact, older adults are at a higher risk of developing depression.

Instead of letting this condition affect your life, consider adding these behavioral health activities to your routine. These emotional health habits can boost your mood and outlook on life. Improve your mental and physical health today with our tips for enhancing mental wellness for seniors!

Encourage Social Connections

Older adults have an increased risk of social isolation and loneliness, which can affect their mental well-being. In a study published in Psychiatry Research, people with high perceived social support had a 63% lower risk of depression than others.

Start promoting emotional well-being by spending more time with others. Nourish connections with friends, family members, and neighbors in your senior living community. Forging strong connections can benefit your mood and outlook on life.

As you explore these senior health activities, consider asking friends to participate. For example, you can join a fitness program or fun activity together.

Use technology to connect with loved ones you can't see in person. Consider scheduling a regular phone call or video chat.

You can also connect with loved ones using social media. Share photos of memories together and reminisce.

Look within your community to find opportunities to meet new people. Check your senior living community or library for clubs, meetings, and volunteer opportunities.

Explore Senior Health Activities

Determine what senior health activities your senior living community offers regularly. Look for activities that can help you stay physically active. Exercise can help you manage anxiety, stress, and depression symptoms.

Exercising will boost your body's natural dopamine levels. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, a chemical that can improve your mood.

Physical activity also improves blood flow to the brain, which can reduce your risk of cognitive decline. Your body will produce more endorphins, which can improve your sense of well-being and mood. This will also provide pain relief benefits.

Start slowly by stretching every morning and night. You can also:

  • Use a treadmill or stationary bike
  • Dance
  • Walk outside for 30 minutes
  • Attend a guided workout

Explore different activities to determine which you prefer. Try new workouts, like yoga and pilates, to improve your flexibility. Increased flexibility can reduce your risk of injury.

Brighten Your Outlook

Our outlook on life is connected to our emotions. It can affect how we feel about the world and the future. Happiness and physical well-being go hand-in-hand, according to a randomized clinical trial.

Maintaining a brighter outlook could:

  • Lower your blood pressure
  • Improve blood sugar levels
  • Improve your weight
  • Increase longevity
  • Reduce our risk for heart disease

At the end of each day, try to focus on the positives. What are you grateful for? Try to list your gratitude in a daily journal.

This practice can help you focus on the positives instead of dwelling on the negatives. If something does go wrong, try to learn from the experience.

Otherwise, surround yourself with happy people. Spending time with happy people in your senior living community could boost your mood and outlook. In addition to promoting emotional well-being, surrounding yourself with happy people can improve your self-confidence and enforce healthier habits.

Here are a few emotional health habits that can improve your mindset:

  • Exercise
  • Forgive yourself
  • Focus on your good deeds
  • Learn from your mistakes
  • Practice gratitude

Seek Elderly Psychological Care

If you begin experiencing symptoms of depression, seek elderly psychological care. These symptoms can include:

  • Sleeping more than usual
  • Low mood and self-esteem
  • Lack of interest in hobbies
  • Withdrawing from friends and family

Finding support and treatment can improve your outlook on life.

Get Enough Sleep

Sleep deprivation can affect our mental health and ability to focus during the day. It can cause:

  • Memory issues
  • Weakened immunity
  • Mood changes
  • Weight gain
  • Increased risk of accidents
  • High blood pressure
  • Trouble thinking and concentrating
  • Increased risk of diabetes
  • Mood changes
  • Increased risk of heart disease
  • Poor balance

Aim to get seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Consider joining a senior living community that prioritizes comfort. Improving your sleep environment could help you fall and stay asleep.

Melatonin is a hormone that plays a role in sleep regulation. You can take melatonin supplements for insomnia relief.

You may require elderly psychological care if your sleep deprivation is associated with an underlying condition. Consult a professional to determine the reason behind your sleep issues.

Keep a Journal

Journaling can help you organize your thoughts, which can reduce internalized stress. Keep a record of your day.

Don't worry if you can't fill the entire page. Start by listing three things you're grateful for.

Journaling regularly can:

  • Improve memory
  • Improve sleep
  • Strengthen confidence
  • Help you cope with stress
  • Increase self-awareness
  • Provide a safe space for emotional expression
  • Supplement depression treatment
  • Reduce anxiety

Develop Emotional Health Habits

Practice mindfulness by focusing on what occurs in the present instead of dwelling on the past. Take a few deep breaths. Imagine the air traveling through your nose, into your lungs, and out your mouth.

This practice can help you remain rooted in the present. Use it before bed if you can't fall asleep or during a walk when your mind wanders. Focus on the sights, smells, and sounds in your environment.

You can pick up new emotional health habits using apps like Headspace or Calm. Otherwise, explore your community's activities, including meditation and yoga classes.

Learn a New Skill

Expanding your skill set can give your life a fresh sense of purpose. It can motivate you each day and help you keep an open mind. Consider the following:

  • Puzzles
  • Cooking
  • Gardening
  • Watching movies
  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Drawing
  • Knitting
  • Quilting
  • Foreign languages
  • Pottery
  • Photography

Explore Behavioral Health Activities

These behavioral health activities can reinvigorate your life and improve your outlook. Remember to explore these emotional health habits alongside friends in your senior living community.

Join us at Addington Place of Edwardsville, an inviting memory care community in Edwardsville, IL. We offer exceptional comfort, convenience, and elevated experiences through resident-focused lifestyle programs and services.

Make the most of your golden years. Contact us now to schedule a tour.

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