4 Ways Seniors Can Maintain Their Mental Health

Maintaining mental health is essential for people of all ages. However, with one in four seniors experiencing mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, and dementia, older adults must take proactive measures to promote and improve their emotional and mental well-being.

Mental health issues can impact seniors’ overall physical wellness. Physical symptoms of mental disorders include sleep problems, chronic joint pain, appetite changes, limb discomfort, and stomach troubles. Taking the proper steps can help older adults feel their best mentally and physically.

Use these four tips to combat anxiety, depression, loneliness, and isolation.

1. Move Your Body

Regular physical activity doesn’t just support a healthy body. Exercise is a natural mood booster, increases the body’s production of endorphins, and helps lift your spirits. And you don’t have to exercise for hours on end to reap the rewards. Just 15 to 20 minutes of exercise per day can improve your mood.

Walk around the block, garden, use your treadmill, or attend senior-specific fitness programs. If you don’t like working out alone, ask your spouse, friends, or relatives to join you.

2. Play Brain Games

Physical activities aren’t the only ones seniors should aim to do daily. They must also exercise their minds. As we age, our brains require more stimulation to stay sharp. Brain games can improve certain thinking skills, mitigate cognitive decline, and improve reaction time.

Some mind games to try include:

Playing a musical instrument
Reading and writing
Learning a new language
Board games and puzzles

Whether you enroll in a class or host a weekly game night, stimulating your mind keeps it sharp and reduces your risk of dementia.

3. Staying Connected

Humans are social creatures. As such, socialization is pivotal to our health and happiness. But as we age, our worlds can become smaller. Friends can move away, or you might have trouble traveling to visit your family.

Maintain a strong, vibrant social network to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. Catch up with your kids on Zoom or Facetime. Join a book club. Make new friends at your church or in your neighborhood.

Consider hiring a Littleton, CO, companion caregiver. Visiting Angels’ companion caregivers will always brighten your day by playing your favorite games with you, accompanying you to the park, or helping you cook.

4. Volunteering

After retirement, many people don’t know what to do with their newfound freedom. Consider volunteering for an organization or cause you’re passionate about. You could volunteer at a soup kitchen or animal shelter, or help clean up your local park. Not only does volunteering add purpose and fulfillment to your life, but it’s also a great way to meet new friends.

Compassionate Caregiving Services in Littleton, CO

At Visiting Angels, our team of compassionate caregivers can help Littleton, CO, seniors improve their mental health. We’ll drive you to the doctor’s or gym, engage you in lively conversations or your favorite hobbies, and help out around the house.

Our caregivers can assist with light housekeeping, meal planning and preparation, medication management, personal care, and more.

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