Seniors face mental health challenges that are unique to their wellness journey. Chronic illness, the loss of a spouse, and reduced social connection are just some risk factors that can lead to such mental health issues as isolation, anxiety, and depression.
That’s why it’s critical for retirement communities, mental health experts, and families to prioritize the psychological and emotional wellbeing of seniors. Let’s explore the importance of focusing on healthy aging and ways to improve mental health outcomes for seniors.
Impacts of Isolation and Depression
Mental health is shaped by several factors, including specific stressors related to aging. For instance, older adults are more likely than younger people to experience a loss of income related to retirement, a reduced sense of purpose, bereavement, abuse, and ageism.
Approximately 14% of adults aged 60 and over live with a mental disorder. Loneliness and social isolation are key risk factors for seniors that can lead to depression and other mental health issues, which can lead to:
- Increased risk of physical and cognitive decline
- Loss of motivation, leading to disengagement from daily activities
- Greater healthcare needs and reliance on caregivers
Strategies to Promote Mental Wellness
There are effective ways to support mental wellbeing in older adults—steps communities and families can take to enable seniors to live a healthy life in the environments they are most comfortable in. These strategies include:
- Fostering social interaction. Social connections can significantly reduce risk factors among seniors, such as social isolation and loneliness, and improve wellness and life satisfaction.
- Incorporating physical activity. Regular physical activity can help keep bodies strong and lead to an improved quality of life. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults sixty-five years and older get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity.
- Eating a balanced diet. Seniors should be encouraged to adopt healthy lifestyle choices that include eating a balanced diet and avoiding processed foods, alcohol, and non-prescribed drugs.
- Exploring creative outlets. Participating in creative programs not only offers seniors an enjoyable way to pass the time, but they also boost mental acuity and encourage social interactions. Examples include card games, coffee meetups, and book clubs.
- Accessing professional support. Seniors should be provided with education about and encouraged to access mental health services. This is especially important for those who live in remote areas.
Resources for Seniors and Families
Just as seniors need to be able to access resources to support their mental wellbeing, so do community healthcare workers and family members. Here are resources they can tap into to better assess older people’s health needs and effectively address them.
- Local senior centers for group activities and counseling. Community senior centers offer a plethora of information on healthy aging, group activities, and mental health services. These can be found by searching online or contacting a local hospital or library.
- National senior health resources. These organizations offer helpful information on issues that affect seniors. For example, the National Institute on Aging’s Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) provides information on Alzheimer’s and dementia.
- Online wellness platforms. These resources are tailored for older adults. One example is the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines on integrated care for older people, or ICOPE.
Healthy Aging
The specific challenges that seniors face can become risk factors for negative mental health outcomes. However, by developing a healthy aging strategy, communities and families can promote environments that ensure that seniors receive the support they need to optimize their psychological and emotional wellbeing journey.