Many seniors struggle with mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. These conditions, often misunderstood as typical signs of aging, can seriously impact one’s quality of life. Fortunately, assisted living communities can help alleviate these concerns and improve seniors’ well-being.
Socialization
People of all ages feel better spending time with friends and family. This positive interaction can reduce stress levels, which in turn can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle and live longer. Loneliness is a common feeling in older adults. They may have lost spouses or other loved ones, live alone, and have trouble finding a sense of purpose in life. This can be exacerbated by chronic illness, hearing loss, and mental decline.
Assisted living communities often provide activities and events to boost socialization. This can include daily fitness classes, discussions, crafting workshops, and trips to local attractions. It can also involve pet therapy, which helps seniors forget about their loneliness by spending time with a furry friend. This can improve senior mental health and reduce depression, anxiety, and boredom. It can also reduce the need for family and friends to visit regularly, saving them money and energy.
Fitness
Assisted living communities like Westminster Point Pleasant encourage healthy lifestyles for seniors, including daily exercise. Whether as simple as stretching or taking a group fitness class, exercising regularly can help boost confidence levels and give seniors the energy they need to keep doing what they love.
Active seniors report higher levels of enjoyment and a stronger sense of purpose than inactive seniors. Regular exercise also helps promote sleep, reduce stress, and improve cognitive functioning. In a study, participants were recruited from a community-based mental health service for older adults diagnosed with depression or anxiety disorder.
A case manager from the service informed potential study participants and provided them with an information sheet. They then completed an adult pre-exercise screening to identify any comorbid conditions that could contraindicate participation in physical activity. Seven individuals consented and participated in the research.
Medication Reminders
It’s easy to forget medication, especially if one has several daily and over-the-counter medications (like cold tablets or heartburn pills). An individualized pill organizer is helpful, as are weekly or monthly reminders. Audio and vibrating alarms are also available, as well as mobile apps that record the status of one’s medications. These can also help seniors stay on track with prescribed dosages, reducing their risk for side effects.
Another prevalent mental health issue for seniors is depression, which can be brought on by traumatic experiences like losing a loved one or receiving a medical diagnosis. It’s important to note that depression is not a normal part of aging and should be treated with psychotherapy and antidepressant medication.
Often, senior living communities provide group activities and events, clubs, social connections, and dining opportunities that promote wellness, mental stimulation, and physical health. They also offer a welcoming environment where individuals can connect and support one another through comparable experiences.
Respite Care
Over 54 million people in the US provide unpaid care for someone they love. The caregiver and the loved one getting care suffer greatly due to this enormous commitment. To avoid caregiver burnout or take a break, respite care is offered. Seniors need to find a community that is supportive of their mental health. Loneliness and isolation can lead to depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts.
Assisted living communities have a staff trained to recognize these symptoms and intervene quickly. In addition, they offer around-the-clock care so that their residents have access to the assistance they need when it is needed most. If you are concerned about your loved one’s mental health, consider looking into senior living and see how it can improve their quality of life. You can use our locator tool to find a community near you.