January 17, 2023
Wellness isn’t just about physical health. There is a mind and body connection that can’t be overlooked. Keeping track of your loved ones’ emotional well-being is just as important as their physical health.
In fact, a Yale study on aging and retirement found that seniors with a positive view of their lives and themselves lived an average of 7.5 years longer than those who didn’t. With a statistic like that, it’s important we ensure all our seniors are being encouraged to face life positively.
The main question is how. We have found some useful activities for your loved one that will allow them to maintain positive emotional wellness, which by extension, helps their physical wellness.
How to Maintain Emotional Well-Being
There are many ways seniors can work to maintain good emotional wellness. Understanding how to keep a balance between their bodies and their minds is half the battle. The suggested activities below are manageable for seniors.
Stay Active
Everyone knows the more active we are, the better our physical health. The same can be said about our emotional health. Staying active by exercising, hiking, dancing, and yoga can release endorphins in your brain that prevent depression and anxiety. One of the best ways to do this is to find a group of seniors who want to stay active so that your loved one makes connections while moving their body.
Stay Connected
Communication is key to anyone living a happy, fulfilled life – especially seniors. One of the most challenging aspects of growing older is how much harder it is to stay in touch with those around us. Seniors deserve to stay as connected to others as everyone else. Plan some get-togethers or outings in the community so your loved one can get out of their home. If that isn’t possible, video and phone calls are helpful as well.
Cook Nutritious Food
Just like with exercise, eating right can do wonders for your emotional and physical health. There are certain foods that are better for our bodies and help us feel good. Help your loved one plan out simple, nutritious meal options or participate in a cooking class together to learn new cooking tricks. As long as you are encouraging healthy eating, the how shouldn’t matter.
Practice Self-Care
Putting yourself first isn’t always easy, but it is necessary for maintaining good mental health. As we get older, it becomes even more imperative to focus on those things that bring us joy. Activities such as puzzles, learning a new skill/hobby, or playing a board game with friends can help seniors maintain a positive outlook. A few months ago, we published a blog that details self-care, more specifically, how seniors can practice self-care.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is very important for people of all ages. We also require different amounts of sleep depending on our stage of life. Sleep allows our bodies and minds to rest, allowing them to be at their best during normal waking hours. It’s important for seniors to get the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep. If this is a struggle for your loved one, try to create a routine or speak with a doctor for further advice on how to help.
Volunteer
Going along with the concept of seniors staying connected is the idea that they can use their time to help others. Volunteering is a great way to get out in the community and interact with people in fun, new ways. These activities can be as simple as planting flowers or reading a book to a group of children.
Get a Pet
One of the best ways seniors can ensure their emotional well-being stays in a good place is through interactions with furry little friends. These animals can help with confidence, self-esteem, depression, and loneliness. Everyone needs a companion, so why not try a pet on for size?
Create a Routine
Having a routine may seem like a lackluster idea compared to the others on this list, but it greatly impacts emotional health. Knowing how their day is going to proceed from the moment your loved one gets up can help alleviate the stress and anxiety that comes from the unknown. Making a plan takes minutes, but can make the whole day better.
The Power of Positive Thinking
Another great way to help your senior loved one maintain good mental health is by encouraging them to see the good in everything around them. There are going to be challenges in their lives, but if they focus on what they can do versus what they can’t, things are bound to look up for them in more ways than one.
There are many ways you can encourage your loved one to have a positive outlook. While these aren’t necessarily activities, they are still behaviors that can boost their emotional wellness.
Encourage Continued Independence
One of the biggest hits to a senior’s positivity is their loss of independence. While we can’t stop challenges from arising, we can help encourage our loved ones to continue utilizing the skills they do have. By ensuring they continue to be as independent as possible, they will be able to hold onto what they know to be true about themselves. This will lead to further positive thoughts.
Work on Coping Skills
It’s never easy to face challenges or unexpected situations in our lives – that never goes away, no matter our age. However, if we ensure seniors have the correct skills to embrace these moments of anxiety, they are more likely to have positive emotional wellness. Coping skills such as relaxation techniques or visualization can help calm our minds and bodies, allowing for a smoother transition period.
Positive Thoughts Lead to a Healthier Life
Most importantly, positive thoughts lead to a longer, healthier life. Studies have shown that simply focusing on the positive around you minimizes stress and strain on your physical health. This goes back to what we stated at the start about how our minds and bodies are all connected. One cannot be at their best without the other.
If you would like further guidance on how you can help your loved one remain emotionally healthy, contact us today. Accessible Home Health Care is here to guide you through all aspects of senior care.
