The Importance of Emotional Health for Seniors
By Ewa Frydel, Owner
We are well aware that as we age, our physical health may begin to decline. More and more people are realizing that emotional health is just as important as our physical health.
When we are emotionally well, we have a keen sense of our own well-being, happiness, and fulfillment in life. Practicing discernment of our emotional health can be done at any age, including our seniors.
As our seniors become more aware of this chapter of their lives, and begin to have those end-of-life conversations, it is crucial that we, as caregivers, check in with their emotional well-being.
It may not be so easy for them to bounce back from a negative thought which can risk long-term depression.
Tips for seniors to maintain emotional health:
Keep up the social life. No one should go through life alone. Seniors benefit greatly with connections of friends and family. Engaging in social activities often gives your aging loved one the sense of feeling loved and fulfilled. Even one person can be enough.
Try new things. Stagnation can cause boredom. Boredom can create a “why bother” attitude. Get your senior loved one involved with a new hobby or new skill. Try out community programs or even your community college. Education doesn’t have to stop ever in life. It’s actually important that we always continue to grow and learn. Seniors are no different.
Move the body. Movement circulates your aging parent’s blood and shakes up any anxieties or tension. It’s hard to focus on a negative thought when our heart rate increases a bit. We tend to focus more on our breath during exercise. We’re mindful. Have your senior practice focusing on their breath and the fact they are doing wonders for their health.
Eat nutritious foods. When seniors eat a poor diet packed with high sodium, saturated fats, refined carbohydrates and sugars, and even alcohol, it becomes harder to feel positive. We are what we eat. Feed your elderly patient whole foods with lots of vitamins and minerals so they can function at their peak energy levels and feel really good inside.
Get help if needed. Not all seniors need to speak to a professional counselor, but it can always help someone in need. It’s normal to have a negative thought every now and then, but if you notice long-term sadness with your aging family member, it may be time for some qualified assistance.
Emotional health is an on-going process and will take careful attention each and every day. Even if your senior is feeling better, help them sustain that level.
We tend to drop the ball on maintaining emotional health when we feel good. Encourage seniors to practice a daily routine for their emotional health.
The beauty is that joy is limitless. Keep it up!
For more tips on building emotional health for seniors, contact us.
We’re here to help!
Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about emotional well-being for aging adults and should not be construed as medical advice.
