Four Ways Families Can Help Seniors Improve Their Mental Health
A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 20 percent of adults over the age of 55 experience some type of mental health concern. The most common mental health conditions among older adults are depression, anxiety, and dementia. Mental health conditions negatively affect a senior’s physical health and well-being, including how they respond to treatment.
The good news is that mental health conditions are treatable and some may even be preventable. Families play a crucial role in supporting the mental health of their elderly relatives. Here are four ways families can help seniors improve their mental health this month.
Go for a Walk
Exercise and spending time in nature provide numerous mental and physical health benefits for seniors. Exercise releases endorphins, or those feel-good hormones that instantly enhance mood. 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 mood and promote relaxation. Families can help seniors improve their mental health by escorting their elderly relatives on a walk outdoors. A 20-minute walk can help seniors manage symptoms of depression or anxiety while increasing blood flow to the brain, which lowers the risk for dementia.
Stop by Unannounced
Seniors who struggle with feelings of loneliness, depression, or anxiety, tend to withdraw from others. They want to be alone and often decline social invitations. Leaving an elderly family member who has a mental health condition alone is the last thing families should do. Instead, stop by their house unannounced and visit with them anyway. Continue to invite them to join you for dinner or other events, even if they decline your invitations. However, don't give up on them altogether and drop by to visit from time to time. If you're already at their front door, they'll most likely let you in and appreciate the visit.
Play Games
A fun way families can help seniors improve their mental health is to play games. Strategy games help keep the mind sharp by exercising concentration, focus, processing speed, short-term memory, and planning skills. They also involve a social component, as you have to spend time together to play a game. Break out a game the next time you visit your elderly relative. Whether it’s a simple card game or a more complex board game, you’ll both reap the mental health benefits of playing a game.
Reminisce
Lastly, families can help improve the mental health of their beloved seniors by reminiscing together. Reminiscence is the act of recalling past experiences or events. It promotes feelings of belonging and enhances personal well-being. Studies have found that reminiscence has positive effects on cognition and memory in older adults. The next time you visit your elderly family member, spend time reminiscing with them. Look through old photographs together and let your loved one share stories. Reminisce about the holidays, favorite vacations, growing up, or family traditions.
Another way families can help seniors improve their mental health is to partner with Visiting Angels Richmond. We provide a variety of personalized at-home care services that support seniors as they age in place. We understand that every senior is a unique individual with their wants and needs. Since every older adult is different we offer personalized senior care services tailored to your loved one’s needs. Whether your loved one requires respite care, in-home care, full-time care, or part-time care, we offer a trained caregiver that is right for them. Our care plans are not set in stone, and therefore they can be altered whenever needed. Visiting Angels Richmond also works with any home health agency or nursing agency that may be assisting your parents after a recent hospitalization. To learn more about our personalized care plans or our at-home care services, don’t hesitate to contact us by calling 804-353-0000.