About 14% of adults over the age of 60 live with a mental disorder, according to the World Health Organization. Loneliness and social isolation are key risk factors for mental health conditions later in life.
You don’t have to experience your golden years alone. Moving into a senior living community can foster a sense of belonging and promote mental health wellness in seniors.
How exactly do senior living communities improve mental health in older adults? Read on to find out!
Social Interactions
According to the National Poll on Healthy Aging, nearly 35% of adults ages 50 to 80 report feeling isolated. About 77% of these adults report having fair or poor mental health. Senior living communities encourage social connection, combating isolation and loneliness.
You’ll have access to a built-in network of peers who have experienced similar moments in life. They’ll understand the feelings of loneliness you’re facing. This camaraderie and empathy can encourage bonding, allowing you to forge new friendships.
Your senior living community may host various group activities, events, and outings. You can participate in these activities to form new friendships and make new memories.
Engaging with others can improve your life satisfaction. You can learn new skills or join educational classes to keep your mind sharp.
By socializing and promoting mental wellness, seniors can experience benefits like:
- Reduced risk of depression and anxiety
- Decreased risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
- Improved cognitive function
- A sense of belonging and purpose
- Emotional support
- Reduced stress
- Better sleep
- Improved physical health
- Increased self-confidence
- Reduced hypertension
- Lower blood pressure
- Greater empathy for others
Living in a supportive environment can improve your daily life. You can find a sense of belonging in a space that fosters family-like relationships.
Senior Wellness Strategies
Moving into a senior living community will give you access to effective senior wellness strategies and programs. Explore your community’s dining or fitness programs to stay fit.
Exercise
Physical and mental health are deeply connected. For example, exercising can reduce stress by counteracting cortisol (the stress hormone that activates your “fight or flight” response). Exercising reduces endorphins and dopamine, which can mitigate distress and improve your mental health.
According to Harvard Health, exercising can be an effective treatment for depression. For some people, it works as well as antidepressants. Exercise supports nerve cell growth in the brain, improving cell connections to relieve depression.
Other benefits of exercising include:
- Higher quality of sleep
- Improved self-esteem and confidence
- Healthier thinking
- Improved brain function
- Lower risk of heart disease and certain cancer
- Increased energy levels
- Reduced joint pain
- Improved mood, mental health, and quality of life
The Centers for Disease Control recommends that adults get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity weekly. Your senior living community can give you access to exercise programs tailored to meet your needs or limitations. These classes may include:
- Yoga or chair yoga
- Pilates
- Walking groups
- Strength training
- Tai chi
Diet
Eating a balanced diet can help you maintain mental clarity, improving your overall well-being. Explore your senior living community’s dining program for nutritious meals and snacks. Your community will consider your dietary requirements and food preferences to meet your needs.
Eating a balanced diet can benefit your mental health by:
- Supplying the brain with fuel
- Protecting the brain from oxidative stress
- Combating inflammation
- Producing neurotransmitters (which regulate mood)
- Improving your body image and self-esteem
- Boosting your mood
- Relieving depression symptoms
Antioxidants in berries and leafy green vegetables can combat inflammation and oxidative stress. This can boost your mental and physical well-being.
Folate in leafy greens and cantaloupes can produce dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a part in stress regulation, memory, and mood.
The vitamin D in egg yolks, salmon, and orange juice helps the body produce serotonin. This vitamin offers anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective benefits. It supports brain cell activity, immunity, and muscle function.
Your senior living community can ensure you get these vitamins through a healthy diet.
Eating with other seniors can foster social connections. You can bond over shared meals, elevating your dining experience and emotional health.
Boosting Senior Emotional Health
Moving into a senior living community will give you access to mental health services. A supportive staff can recognize when you’re struggling with emotional challenges. They can intervene and provide the support you need.
Living alone and facing age-related physical and mental challenges can trigger anxiety. Instead, experience the benefits of moving into a senior living community. You can surround yourself with experienced professionals in a safe environment.
Your sense of purpose may get lost as you navigate challenges like:
- Lost independence
- Deteriorating physical health
- Isolation
- Loneliness
Moving into a senior living community will allow you to regain your sense of purpose. You can develop new friendships and find emotional support as you face new challenges. Gaining a new sense of purpose can help sustain emotional wellness.
Personalizing your living space can give you a sense of comfort and belonging. You can create a home-like environment among new friends.
Reduced Stress
A professional team can offer senior mental health tips for reducing stress and boosting senior emotional health. These may include:
- Stay active
- Pursue mentally stimulating activities
- Stay socially connected
- Eat a balanced diet
- Get enough sleep
- Stick to a routine
Meal planning and prepping can become stressful and time-consuming. You can avoid this stress by moving into a senior living community.
Having a supportive environment can ease stress. You can enjoy your community’s calming atmosphere while gaining a new sense of belonging.
Improve Mental Health Wellness in Seniors
Fostering good mental health wellness in seniors is essential for longevity. Consider the benefits of moving into a senior living community. You’ll gain access to support, senior wellness strategies, and a calming environment that can improve your quality of life.
Discover the best senior living community in Oklahoma City, OK at Morada Lake Hefner. We offer individualized care plans that meet the needs of each resident.
We aim to help you maintain a fulfilled lifestyle that enables you to thrive in body and mind. Explore our comfortable living spaces, engaging activities, and supportive services. Contact us now to schedule a tour.
