A Holistic Approach to Mental Health in Senior Living Communities
Taking a holistic approach to mental health can improve your overall well-being and quality of life. You can find emotional wellness after retirement through diet, exercise, and socializing in Merced, CA.
According to the World Health Organization, about 14% of adults aged 70 and older live with a mental disorder. While many seniors are in good health, they're also at risk of mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.
Taking a holistic approach to mental health can enhance your overall quality of life. It may improve your physical health, mood, and relationships.
Common senior mental health strategies include exercising, socializing, and mindfulness techniques. What's the connection between aging and mindfulness, and how can you take a holistic approach to retirement in Merced, CA? Read on to find out.
What Is a Holistic Approach to Mental Health?
Taking a holistic approach to aging and mindfulness involves every aspect of your well-being, including:
- Physical health
- Emotional wellness
- Spiritual wellness
- Social life
- Mental health
Examining each component of your health and well-being can help you make improvements to enhance your quality of life.This may improve your health, allowing you to maintain your independence as you age. It can also improve your mood and outlook on life.
There's a connection between aging and mindfulness. According to the National Institute on Aging, optimism is linked to well-being and longevity.
Improving your outlook on life may reduce stress, which is associated with serious health conditions like heart disease. Lowering stress levels may improve your longevity, allowing you to make the most of your retirement.
Why Does Emotional Wellness After Retirement Matter?
According to the National Council on Aging, the number of seniors with mental health disorders may double by 2030. However, two-thirds of seniors with mental health disorders don't receive treatment.
Seniors face an increased risk of developing mental health problems due to:
- The stress of caregiving
- Losing a spouse or loved one
- Chronic illness or disability
- Taking certain medications
- Changes brought on by retirement
- Loneliness and/or social isolation
The most common mental health conditions seniors face are anxiety and depression. These conditions may cause symptoms like:
- Shallow breathing
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Chest pains
- Headaches
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Avoiding routine activities and social situations
- Feeling excessive fear or nervousness
- Loss of pleasure in activities
- Extreme fatigue/low energy
- Difficulty focusing or concentrating
- Rapid weight loss or gain
- Poor sleep
These symptoms can affect your enjoyment of life or ability to function. Applying senior mental health strategies may improve your quality of life.
Senior Mental Health Strategies
Moving into a senior living community in Merced will allow you to prioritize whole-person wellness. Here are a few senior mental health strategies you can use to improve your quality of life.
Diet
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter (chemical) that regulates your:
- Pain
- Sleep
- Appetite
- Mood
According to Harvard Health Publishing, your body produces about 95% of its serotonin in your gastrointestinal tract. Your digestive system regulates your emotions based on what you eat.
Explore your senior living community's dining program to discover nutritious dishes. Ask friends to join you for meals. Sharing meals with friends can boost your mood and help you stay accountable to eat healthier dishes.
Exercise
Exercising can boost serotonin production, uplifting your mood. It can also benefit your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. You can find fun exercise classes through your senior living community's fitness program, including:
- Yoga
- Pilates
- Chair yoga
- Water aerobics
- Aerobics
- Swimming
- Weight lifting
- Tai chi
- Resistance band training
Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity weekly. Exercising regularly may help:
- Improve immune system function
- Boost your mood
- Ease anxiety and depression symptoms
- Increase relaxation
- Restore bone density
- Relieve arthritis pain and stiffness
- Reduce inflammation
- Reduce the risk of falls and injuries
- Lower the risk of chronic disease (diabetes, colon cancer, cardiovascular disease, etc.)
- Improve immune system function
- You live independently longer
Socializing
Socializing with other seniors in Merced can improve your sense of belonging. This may improve your mood and quality of life. Socializing may help:
- Encourage you to make healthy lifestyle decisions
- Improve sleep quality and duration
- Lower your blood pressure
- Improve immune system function
- Improve your mental health
Search your senior living community's events and activities calendar to discover opportunities to socialize. Otherwise, consider volunteering to support your Merced community. Volunteering may help:
- Encourage physical activity
- Improve your mental health and outlook on life
- Help you meet new people who share your values
- Prevent loneliness and social isolation
Social isolation and loneliness may increase your risk of serious health conditions. Engaging in activities with friends, on the other hand, can improve your mood and sense of belonging.
Activities
You can discover new hobbies and passions through your senior living community's events and activities calendar. These may include:
- Bingo
- Scrapbooking
- Cooking and baking
- Knitting and crocheting
- Sewing and quilting
- Movie and book club
- Gardening
Engaging in hobbies may help reduce negative emotions and depressive symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Pillars of Mental Health?
The pillars of mental health are:
- Physical
- Emotional
- Cognitive
- Social
Improving your social well-being can give you a sense of belonging within your Merced community. Focusing on your cognitive health can improve your memory, focus, and concentration.
The mind and body are connected. Anxiety and depression may cause physical symptoms, including pain and insomnia. Focusing on your emotional health may reduce depression symptoms and stress.
Focusing on all four pillars of mental health can improve your overall well-being and quality of life.
What Are the Five C's of Mental Health?
The five C's of mental health are:
- Caring
- Connection
- Character
- Confidence
- Competence
Caring involves empathy and compassion. Focusing on others may improve your sense of purpose and belonging.
Connection involves building a community. Having supportive relationships can improve your mood.
Confidence is a recognition of your abilities and worth, while competence can help you navigate challenges.
Discover Mind-Body-Spirit Care
Prioritizing whole-person care for seniors can improve your health, outlook, and quality of life. You can take a holistic approach to mental health by moving into a senior living community.
The Hampshire offers newly renovated apartment homes and updated amenities designed for comfort, connection, and peace of mind. Enjoy our exclusive lifestyle programs, including chef-prepared homestyle dining, activities like educational programs and themed parties, and on-site fitness programs like yoga. Contact us now to schedule your tour.