Mental Health and Seniors

As we age, it becomes increasingly important to look after our physical health as we become more susceptible to certain illnesses and complications. However, we shouldn’t just place an emphasis on the physical health of seniors, but also on their mental health. In this article, we’ll look at some tips for managing mental health in our senior years.

Stay connected

Socializing is essential when it comes to managing loneliness and depression in seniors. It’s important to keep in touch with friends and family members, especially if you live alone. If you have a senior family member who lives alone, then make a real effort to visit them regularly. If you live in a senior living community, then take part in the regular classes and social events that the community runs.

Stay active

Exercise isn’t just great for your physical health, but also for your mental health. Walking every day is an effective yet low impact way to keep active and stay in shape, plus enjoying the fresh air and the outdoors can improve your mental health, too. You could also try to find a local sports club or exercise class for seniors, helping you stay active and social at the same time.

Get a pet

Pets make great company, especially dogs who always show unconditional love for their owners. Plus, owning a pet gives you someone to care for other than yourself, providing an even greater purpose in life. If you live in an independent living community or are planning to move into one soon, then check to see if they allow their residents to own pets.

Pursue hobbies and interests

Pursuing a hobby or interest can be a lot of fun, whether you pick an old hobby back up or start a new one. Hobbies also offer a great opportunity to set goals for yourself while doing something you enjoy and care about. This is another good way to give yourself a sense of purpose if you are struggling with your mental health. You could try gardening, drawing, playing an instrument, or learning a new language, for example.

Talk to someone

If you are ever facing mental health challenges, the most important thing is to talk to someone about them. You could talk to a close friend or family member, a carer, a professional therapist or doctor, or even a stranger on the internet. Try not to bottle up your feelings, you’ll feel much better if you get them out and talk through them with someone.

At Bermuda Village we support our residents’ mental health in a number of ways to ensure that everyone is as happy and healthy as they can be. Find out more about independent living or assisted living at Bermuda Village.