Mindfulness-Based Interventions That Support Emotional Wellness in Aging

Did you know that, according to an article in Mental Health in Family Medicine, one in five older folks struggles with mental health issues?

When you leave the workforce and enter your golden years, stressful triggers don't just stop; in fact, these life transitions can bring on a whole new set of issues that you're not prepared for.

If you're a senior in Bethel Park, PA, you may be wondering how aging and stress affect your body and mind. The good news? Solutions like mindfulness-based interventions can help you tackle your mental health woes and restore your emotional balance.

Ready to learn more? Read on to find out how mindfulness for older adults will improve senior mental health.

Therapy

Working on your mental health doesn't stop when you get older. Your senior years can be a great time to tackle and resolve issues you have dealt with for your entire life.

A therapist is one element of your toolkit that you can use to focus on mindfulness. Therapists are trained to help you with the solutions you need to improve your overall mental well-being.

Many therapists have a broad spectrum of clients, but some professionals have specific focus areas, such as:

Bereavement
Life transitions
Depression and anxiety
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Marriage and infidelity
Family therapy

See if there are therapists in your area by doing a thorough online provider search. You can also read reviews from other patients and explore their credentials.

One of the biggest benefits of expanding technology is that you can cast a wider net for a qualified provider. Virtual therapy is on the rise, meaning you can meet with your doctor in the comfort of your own home through a program such as Zoom or Google Meet.

Individual Therapy

Individual therapy is the most common type of psychological treatment. You will meet with your mental health provider one-on-one, usually every week. Some people go a couple of weeks between appointments, but it is dependent on you and your schedule.

Your therapist will discuss your mental health history and present issues with you before designing a treatment plan. The ultimate goal of therapy is to equip you with tools to handle strong emotions and life challenges on your own.

The biggest advantage of individual therapy is that you receive personalized treatment and undivided attention from your mental health provider. You can have a safe space to discuss anything and everything related to your current struggles.

Group Therapy

Another popular therapy option is group therapy. Group therapy is when multiple individuals meet with a therapist in a communal setting, such as a church or a conference room.

Often, these individuals have special issues in common, such as:

Loss of a spouse
Loss of a child
Addiction
Military veteran status

Attending therapy with people in similar circumstances can help you have a fresh perspective on your problems. You'll find comfort in knowing you are not alone in your situation.

A huge benefit of group therapy is the cost. Group therapy tends to cost less per person than individual therapy. If budget is a factor for your treatment, group therapy may be a viable option.

Breathing Exercises

Breathing exercises are one of the key components in successful wellness routines for seniors. Simply focusing on your breathing at any given moment can bring you back to reality and help restore groundedness.

One popular breathing method is the box method. It is called the box method because it involves four simple steps:

Breathe in for four counts.
Hold your breath for four counts.
Breathe out for four counts.
Hold your breath for four counts.

While you do the box method, imagine yourself drawing each side of a box. Every time you complete a "box" in your mind, you are even more mindful of your breathing and where you are in the present moment.

If the box method is too complicated or you want something easier, try breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth. Take every breath with intention, and you can still reap the benefits of this simple mindfulness exercise.

The best part about breathing exercises? You can do them anywhere. Whenever you feel overwhelmed with stress or anxiety, take a moment to focus on your breathing.

Yoga and Tai Chi

To take your mindfulness a step further, try exercises like yoga and Tai-Chi. These workouts focus on intentional movement and breathwork. Breathe properly to feel the full benefits of the poses.

Consider signing up for a beginner's yoga or Tai Chi class. There are also classes with adaptations for seniors, like chair yoga.

Mindful Eating

Though it may be tempting to rush through your meal, it's essential for mindfulness that you take your time.

As you sit down for a meal, prioritize your presence in the moment. While dining with friends in your senior living community, engage them by asking about their day.

Focus on enjoying each bite of food. Identify the flavors in the dish and chew thoughtfully to encourage healthy, easy digestion.

Mindful eating can also be beneficial if you have a history of weight gain or binge eating. Stop to think about every bite and practice active gratitude for the abundance of food you have available in your life.

Try to avoid screens while eating. Watching something on your phone, iPad, or television can cause mindless eating. Focus on real human interaction.

At Bethel Park, our chef-prepared homestyle dining encourages complete nutrition and mindful eating. You will not have to do the guesswork when it comes to getting the proper nutrition for your body.

Try These Mindfulness-Based Interventions

As a senior, you should always strive to work on your mindfulness and overall senior mental health. With these mindfulness-based interventions, you can take the first step on a powerful journey to reclaiming your mental health.

At Bethel Park, we work hard to cultivate a positive, peaceful, and enriching environment for seniors. Our roster of activities and events is geared to keep the well-being of older folks in mind.

Are you ready to make the next move in your life? Consider Provincial Bethel Park, a premier senior living community. Reach out to us today to learn more -- we can't wait to hear from you!