According to the National Library of Medicine, two in three Americans experience some level of cognitive decline at an average age of 70. Prioritizing elderly mental well-being can boost your quality of life and mood. Staying connected with others can even prevent mental health issues in seniors.
Not sure how to enhance your cognition? Read on for our top mental health tips for seniors in Sun City Center, FL. Stay sharp and boost your mood with these mental health strategies!
Stay Social
A national poll reported that 37% of older Americans (ages 50 to 80) experience loneliness, while 34% feel socially isolated (via JAMA Network, a collection of peer-reviewed medical journals). Older adults are at an increased risk of isolation and loneliness due to:
- Decreased mobility
- Losing a loved one or partner
- Worsening vision or hearing
- Cessation of favorite activities
- Chronic illness
There’s a link between loneliness and social isolation with mental and physical health conditions. Loneliness is associated with stroke, anxiety, depression, heart disease, and dementia.
Connecting with others can increase longevity while improving your emotional, social, and physical well-being.
Use these socializing tips for aging mental health:
- Join a support group to navigate grief
- Talk with clinicians about social isolation/loneliness
- Attend events and programs for seniors
- Participate in group exercise classes
- Volunteer with local organizations
- Schedule time with friends and family
- Engage in online classes and lectures
Learn how to connect with friends and family through social media, Zoom, or FaceTime. You can even write letters to a pen pal.
For seniors with mobility issues, consider converting group meetings to video or phone conference calls. This works for craft clubs, book clubs, and other hobbies.
Determine if your Sun City Center, FL, assisted living, memory care, or independent living center offers recurring social events. You can add these events to your calendar to maintain social connections with other seniors.
Sharpen the Mind
Stay mentally active and engaged to maintain a sharp mind. Learning new skills can give you a fresh sense of enjoyment in life. According to the National Institute on Aging, participating in “personally meaningful activities” can help stave off mental decline.
Explore different mental health strategies to determine what best suits your interests. Improve your elderly mental well-being by:
- Attending academic classes
- Taking dance lessons
- Volunteering
- Playing games
- Writing stories or journaling
- Going to the theater
- Reading
- Learning new skills (painting, photography, knitting, etc.)
Choose games that can improve your cognitive skills. Consider adult coloring books, Sudoku puzzles, or crosswords. When you’re with friends, consider board or card games.
Consider using these activities to stay engaged with friends and family members. Participating with others can make these activities more enjoyable while holding you accountable.
Picking up a new hobby or creative pursuit can help the mind build new neural pathways. You can improve your cognitive health while finding new ways to enjoy life. Creative hobbies include knitting, crocheting, singing, writing, and painting.
Exercise
Working up a sweat will also work out your mind. Exercising can reduce symptoms of depression, boost your mood, and alleviate anxiety. It can also:
- Improve your quality of life
- Increase mobility
- Help you maintain independence
- Improve your balance
- Prevent/delay heart disease, diabetes, and other disorders
- Increase your energy levels
- Maintain and improve your strength
One study found that higher levels of a protein that improves brain health was present in humans who were more physically active than others. Regular physical activity can increase brain glucose metabolism (how fast the brain turns food into fuel). This could decrease your risk of Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline.
Federal guidelines recommend adults get 2.5 hours of physical activity each week. Don’t strain yourself. Instead, start with slow walks.
Use low-impact exercises like strength training and stretching to improve your strength and flexibility. Explore fitness programs at your senior independent living community. Staying healthy can reduce your risk of age-related issues like joint pain, fractures, and chronic illness.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
As you follow this senior wellness advice, consider adjusting your diet to improve your mental and physical health. A healthy diet could reduce your risk of chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease.
Follow a balanced diet consisting of the following:
- Low-fat or nonfat dairy products
- Whole grains
- Lean meats, fish, and poultry
- Fruits and vegetables
Limit your intake of sugar, salt, and solid fats. Consider consulting a nutritionist before making major changes to your diet. Don’t add vitamins or supplements to your diet without consulting a professional if you’re already taking medications.
Get Enough Sleep
Give your mind and body plenty of time to rest and recharge. Sleep deficiency could make it difficult to:
- Cope with change
- Control your emotions and behaviors
- Solve problems
- Make decisions
Sleep deficiency is also associated with depression. Getting quality sleep, on the other hand, can reduce your risk of heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, and stroke.
Resting gives your body time to fight off germs and sickness. It also triggers the release of a hormone that boosts muscle mass and repairs cells.
Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Try to maintain a routine for a healthy circadian rhythm. Sticking to a schedule will make falling and staying asleep easier.
Seek Senior Wellness Advice
Some health conditions can affect the brain and your cognitive health. These include:
- Depression (causes confusion or attention problems)
- Delirium (which is followed by cognitive decline)
- Stroke (which damages blood vessels in the brain)
If you have symptoms of a serious health problem, seek professional senior wellness advice and senior cognitive support. Their mental health tips for seniors could prevent or delay cognitive decline.
Apply These Mental Health Tips for Seniors
Don’t let your cognition decline. Instead, apply these mental health tips for seniors to improve your mental and physical well-being. With these mental health strategies, you can stay sharp and improve your quality of life.
We offer exclusive lifestyle programs at Aston Gardens at the Courtyard in Sun City Center, FL. Our friendly staff, resort-style amenities, and caring environment can enhance your quality of life.
Discover our wellness programs that can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle. Contact us now to schedule a tour.
