How to Support a Senior’s Emotional Health

Seniors are just like the rest of us. They can struggle with a range of emotional issues, from feeling lonely and isolated to being depressed or anxious. Helping them deal with these emotions can be challenging, especially when they also struggle with chronic pain or other health conditions.

If you are caring for an older loved one, don’t assume you don’t have any power to help out in this area. Sometimes the solutions aren’t as unachievable as they seem – you may simply need to try something you hadn’t thought of before. Allow our guide to give you a start, with several methods family members and caregivers alike can use to support aging individuals’ emotional health.

Help Older Loved Ones Establish a Routine

It often becomes more difficult for people to have structure in their day after they have retired. This may become even harder if they have lost a spouse and are living alone. Helping your loved one structure a routine can guide their actions throughout the day so they don’t become sedentary, as well as help them establish a sense of comfort and purpose in life.

Routines can be exceedingly important for older seniors, as they provide stability and a sense of direction when they start to feel lost, confused, or disheartened. Seniors diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases can greatly benefit from a routine along with people who don’t have acute or chronic health problems.

Encourage Physical Activity

Physical and mental health are closely related, which is why exercise can help seniors regulate their emotions and reconnect them with their bodies. With the help of a doctor as well as a professional caregiver in the home, seniors can tailor their physical exercise to suit their mobility levels, from chair yoga and water aerobics to tai chi. Joining group exercise classes can also help them become more social as they work their muscles and joints.

A caregiver can also help out with transportation to these activities if necessary.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

The nutrients seniors ingest play a significant role in brain function, mood, and overall well-being. Essential vitamins and minerals support a healthier body, potentially making it easier for seniors to manage chronic health conditions. Proper nutrition can also lead to better sleep and higher energy levels.

Consider a Four-Legged Companion

It’s no secret that a pair of puppy dog eyes and a wagging tail can brighten almost anyone’s day. While a four-legged companion might not be a good fit for everyone, more mobile seniors often benefit from the companionship pets offer. For example, having a smaller canine companion can help seniors go for a walk more often and contribute to better overall health.

Promote Socializing

Visiting with friends and family members can help seniors forget some of the worries plaguing their minds and focus more on what’s important. Socializing with others can also bring new perspectives to a situation or problem seniors may be struggling to overcome. Even dining with others can help seniors turn what could be a mundane task into a lively conversation about life.

Cultivate Hobbies and Interests

Supporting seniors in the interests and hobbies they’re passionate about can help boost their emotional health and improve their mood. For many seniors, hobbies are a way to make sense of the world, express their creativity, and connect with others. Attending classes or events related to seniors’ interests can also help them socialize with others who value the same things.

Rediscovering hobbies can also benefit a senior’s mental health. Perhaps seniors were once interested in photography. Picking up a camera once more and renewing those interests can boost confidence and self-esteem.

Prioritizing Senior Emotional Health With Visiting Angels of Matawan

The care staff at Visiting Angels of Matawan takes senior emotional health seriously. Our actions, compassion, and care strive to improve the quality of life of seniors in the Matawan community.

If you’d like to learn more about our senior home care services, call us at 732-671-2899, or contact us through our online form to schedule a consultation.