How Seniors Can Boost Their Emotional Health

Approximately 34 million older adult Americans suffer from some form of depression, according to Mental Health America. While some older adults and their families chalk up feelings of sadness, loneliness and depression to growing older, depression is not a normal part of the aging process.

With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, older adults have had to face yet another obstacle as they battle loneliness. The pandemic has certainly changed the way older adults interact with their friends and family. Video calls have replaced in-person visits. If an older adult does entertain visitors, they’re to be kept six feet apart. Places where seniors congregated for community either remain closed or are unsafe for some seniors to meet indoors. Even physical interactions with grandkids is being discouraged.

Although precautions are effective in reducing exposure to the virus, social distancing and self-isolation are only increasing feelings of loneliness, sadness, isolation, and depression. October is National Emotional Wellness Month, a month dedicated to providing information about how we can all improve our emotional health. Here are four ways seniors can boost their emotional health and carry on as the pandemic continues.

Limit Screen Time

If you find yourself overwhelmed by all the negative news, especially during an election year, limit the amount of time you spend watching television. Even if you’re avoiding the news and watching your favorite shows, spending too much time in front of a screen is detrimental to our emotional health. Don’t forget to include the time you spend browsing the internet, playing games on your tablet, or looking at social media on your smart phone. Set limits around the amount of time you spend in front of screens. There are apps available to help you monitor your screen time if you need gentle reminders. Another option is to pick one day a week to be completely screen-free.

Take Up Journaling

Journaling has many health benefits for older adults including improving dexterity, helping memory recall, and boosting creativity. It is also a great outlet for relieving stress, allowing you to transfer overwhelming feelings to paper. As you set a goal to limit your screen time, pick up a notebook and spend time jotting down your thoughts. Be sure to include moments of gratitude as you write. Gratitude journaling leads to improved sleep, lessens feelings of sadness or depression, and can help alleviate chronic pain.

Get Outdoors

Spending time outdoors ensures you are exposed to natural light. The sun’s rays play a significant role in the amount of melatonin our bodies produce. The sun is also an excellent source of Vitamin D, which helps improve our mood and promotes relaxation. Find a cozy spot in your backyard and spend 10-20 minutes outdoors. Take your journal outdoors and record your thoughts and feelings. Even better, if you can go for a short walk, let those endorphins kick in, giving you an instant mood boost.

Avoid Eating Your Feelings

As we head into the colder seasons, it’s tempting to turn to our favorite foods to bring us comfort. While there is nothing wrong with enjoying a warm bowl of chili or a serving of apple crisp, when we turn food into a coping mechanism, we harm our bodies and emotional health. Try to choose foods that will boost your emotional health and help support your body. Aim to eat five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Fill up on lean protein and whole grains. Limit your intake of sweets, fats, and processed foods. Don’t reach for food as a distraction, instead eat when you are hungry.

If you are a senior and have been struggling with feelings of loneliness, isolation, sadness, or depression, know that Visiting Angels Jenkintown is here for you. We offer a variety of senior home care services that help seniors remain safe and independent in the comfort of their own home. Beyond assisting with laundry, grooming, and light housekeeping, our compassionate caregivers strive to form a companionship with their clients. This companionship has been a lifeline for many seniors who have been isolated from family and friends throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Let us be a part of your plan to improving your emotional health. Contact us today by calling 215-938-7201.