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.
Taking a holistic approach to aging and mindfulness involves every aspect of your well-being, including:
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.
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 most common mental health conditions seniors face are anxiety and depression. These conditions may cause symptoms like:
These symptoms can affect your enjoyment of life or ability to function. Applying senior mental health strategies may improve your quality of life.
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.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter (chemical) that regulates your:
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.
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:
Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity weekly. Exercising regularly may help:
Socializing with other seniors in Merced can improve your sense of belonging. This may improve your mood and quality of life. Socializing may help:
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:
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.
You can discover new hobbies and passions through your senior living community's events and activities calendar. These may include:
Engaging in hobbies may help reduce negative emotions and depressive symptoms.
The pillars of mental health are:
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.
The five C's of mental health are:
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.
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.