Taking a holistic approach to mental health involves diet, exercise, and socializing. Prioritizing mindfulness and aging can improve your overall health and well-being.
According to the World Health Organization, about 14.1% of adults aged 70 and over live with a mental disorder. The most common mental health conditions among seniors are anxiety and depression. These conditions may affect your whole-person wellness and quality of life.
Before that happens, take a holistic approach to mental health. For positive mental health in retirement, focus on diet, exercise, and socializing.
Why does senior emotional wellness matter, and how can you improve your mental health during retirement in Bethel Park, PA? Read on to find out.
A holistic approach to mental health focuses on every aspect of your well-being, including:
Taking a holistic approach can improve your overall health and quality of life. This includes relationships and lifestyle habits like engaging in hobbies. Instead of treating symptoms, taking a holistic approach can remedy the root cause of any problems.
According to the National Council on Aging, the number of older adults with mental health disorders may double by 2030. However, mental illness is often underdiagnosed and under-treated, especially in seniors. About two-thirds of older adults with mental health problems don't receive treatment.
Seniors face a higher risk of mental health problems due to:
Remember, anxiety and depression are the most common mental health disorders among seniors. Symptoms of anxiety include:
Symptoms of depression can include:
These symptoms can affect your overall health, ability to function, and quality of life. Senior emotional wellness matters because it can impact every aspect of your health and routine.
There's a connection between mindfulness and aging. Here are a few tips that can improve your whole-person wellness.
Getting regular exercise can benefit your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.Potential benefits of exercising regularly include:
You can find fun exercise classes through your senior living community's fitness program. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity weekly. Try to add two sessions of muscle-strengthening activity to your routine.
According to Harvard Health Publishing, serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates:
About 95% of serotonin is produced in the gastrointestinal tract. Your digestive system doesn't only digest food, but also helps regulate emotion.
Eating nutritious whole foods can benefit the mind and body.You can find nutritious dishes through your senior living community's dining program.
Socializing can uplift your mood and give you a sense of belonging.For seniors, socializing can:
You can find opportunities to socialize through your senior living community's events and activities program.
Consider volunteering, which can enhance your sense of purpose and belonging. Other potential benefits include:
You can discover new hobbies through your senior living community's events and activities calendar. Engaging in hobbies may help:
Hobbies may help with "successful aging" by easing feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. Improving your emotional well-being by engaging in hobbies may promote feelings of happiness and improve your satisfaction in life.
Applying mindfulness techniques can offer stress relief for seniors. These include:
The four pillars of mental health are:
Prioritizing your social well-being can give you a sense of belonging and purpose. Maintaining relationships may help reduce stress and increase feelings of happiness.
Cognitive health includes focus, memory, and concentration. The mind and body are connected. Anxiety may cause physical symptoms, such as anxiety and chronic pain.
Emotional health allows us to recognize and control our emotions. Improving senior emotional wellness can help us deal with stress and depression symptoms.
The five C's of mental health are:
Competence is feeling capable of coping with life's many obstacles. People who struggle with their mental health often don't feel equipped to navigate challenges.
Confidence is believing in your worth and abilities, while character indicates that you adhere to values that are important to you. Connection indicates you belong to a community and have supportive relationships.
Caring indicates you have empathy and compassion. Caring about others can uplift you while enhancing your sense of purpose.
Taking a holistic approach to mental health can improve your overall well-being and quality of life. Focus on socializing, diet, and exercise to improve your overall wellness. You can find more helpful resources for mindfulness and aging through your Bethel Park senior living community.
Provincial Bethel Park offers newly renovated apartment homes to create an even more inviting community to call home. Enjoy personalized services and updated amenities for comfort, connection, and peace of mind.
We offer exclusive senior living programs, including chef-prepared homestyle dining, events and activities like educational games and themed parties, and on-site health and wellness classes like yoga. Contact us now to schedule your tour.