For elderly and seniors, being proactive about their mental health is so important. In an earlier post this month, we went over signs of mental health issues.
Now, let’s look at prevention and treatment tips for maintaining good mental health in seniors and the elderly.
Get Help, Make Changes
First off, if you feel that you’re in distress, get immediate help. Call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. You can also let the staff know at your assisted living facility. Keep in mind also, you’re never too old to make changes and lifestyle choices for better mental health. Small steps make big differences.
Diet and Exercise
Eating well and staying physically active go hand in hand. Good nutrition can have positive effects on your mental health and how you feel about yourself. Stick to fresh fruits and vegetables over sugar, especially processed sugar, refined carbohydrates, and heavily processed foods.
Being physically active also pays dividends. Exercising several times a week with walks, or activities, swimming, stretching, yoga, and other exercise strengthens your body and mind. Work these into your weekly routine to help yourself feel better mentally.
Sleep is Important
Maintaining the same amount of sleep you got when you were younger is important. Make a habit of going to bed and getting up in the morning at the same times. Check with your doctor if you’re struggling with sleeping. Good sleep habits lead to good mental health.
Get To Know Auburn Hill Senior Living
At Auburn Hill Senior Living we know that choosing the right community for yourself or a loved one is a big responsibility. Touring communities and asking questions can be taxing.
Give Your Mind Workouts
Learning new things, trying new activities, playing games, and other things that work the mind are great for your mental health. Maybe it’s a crossword puzzle. Sudoku. Wordle. Working your brain and stimulating it helps elevate your mental health.
Get Involved
Auburn Hill has plenty of opportunities for you to be involved in groups, activities, games, and other events that engage your mind. Being connected gives you a sense of purpose. This helps lower your stress and improve your mental health.
Seek Out Support
Whether it’s a spouse or friends at Auburn Hill, or family and friends outside our assisted living facility, having social connections and support helps your mental health. It could also be our staff who want to support you. Be willing to share how you feel with those who care about you. This improves your quality of life and your mental health.
Get To Know Auburn Hill Senior Living
At Auburn Hill Senior Living we know that choosing the right community for yourself or a loved one is a big responsibility. Touring communities and asking questions can be taxing.
Let us make the experience enjoyable for you! We invite you to schedule a visit and come out to experience the Auburn Hill difference for yourself.