4 Ways to Boost Mental Health in Seniors

Mental health must be prioritized because it makes a huge difference in the quality of your life. Seniors, in particular, tend to experience some type of mental health concern, including mood disorders, anxiety and cognitive impairment. Depression and anxiety can negatively impact an individual’s physical health and wellness, especially as we age. Still, the good news is that these are treatable conditions, and some different activities and resources can help keep seniors engaged.

Older adults can improve their mental health and boost their mood by engaging in the following activities:

Brain Games

The brain needs activity and challenges to remain sharp, and brain-stimulating games will help avoid cognitive decline as we get older. Games that use your critical thinking and memory processing abilities help improve processing speed, planning skills, reaction time, and decision-making. Activities that keep your mind engaged will contribute to brain health, so read and write as often as you can, play an instrument or try to learn a new language. Reading will enhance memory function while reducing stress, and music will stimulate the brain. Completing puzzles and other activities that promote your critical thinking skills have been shown in studies to improve seniors' mental health and delay the decline of memory processing. These activities are enjoyable ways to pass the time while keeping the brain actively engaged.

Exercise

The importance of physical activities cannot be emphasized enough, so whether you like to go for regular walks or prefer yoga classes, you have to keep up with exercise. Physical activity is a must for the body and mind. It will not only increase your confidence but will also reduce the risk of falls. Stretching and strength training can help reduce bone fractures, joint pain and other chronic illnesses while helping to manage stress and anxiety, so exercising is crucial as we age.

Connect with Friends

Keeping in touch with people will prevent feelings of loneliness or isolation and decrease the chances of depression, so it’s essential to remain connected with friends. Older adults should learn to connect with new and old friends through social media and different platforms because this will make a big difference. Writing letters is another great idea, as are regular phone calls with varying family and friends.

Try a New Hobby

Whether gardening, painting, or sewing, picking up a new hobby is very important because it will help increase the brain’s neuroplasticity in which nerve cells connect and reconnect. It will also give you something to look forward to daily, which will boost feelings of happiness and joy.

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