There are certain life changes that come as we age and these circumstances can hold a significant impact on our mental health, such as suddenly have to cope with serious illness that comes with age or grieving the loss of a loved one. As we age, mental health care is often something that is highly over-looked. For some reason, depression, social isolation, and moodiness is viewed as a common and normal part of the aging process. However, this is entirely a myth. Mental health symptoms are not common with the aging process and can/should be treated by a mental health professional when the signs and symptoms in our loved ones have been observed.
According to the World Health Organization, at least one in four older adults experience some mental health affliction from depression to anxiety. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates 20% of global population starting at age ranges 55 years and up can experience unhealthy mental health symptoms including social isolation, sleep difficulty, increased anxiety, and sadness. The good news is that there are many steps that one can take to reduce negative symptoms and promote positive mental health.
- Exercising– Going out for an afternoon walk or water aerobics are a fun way to benefit the body. It is good for your muscles, but also beneficial to fighting anxiety and symptoms of depression. It is also great to break up your day into parts and having things to look forward to.
- Socializing with Others– A common issue that is often overlook as individuals age is increased isolation. As children move out of the house, loved ones suddenly pass, or a variety of other reasons, we can sometimes become more isolating and less likely to engage in social events. However, creating and maintaining social connections as we age can be critical to ensuring we remain physically and mentally healthy. Humans by nature are social beings and promoting social interactions can be a significantly great stress reliever.
- Focusing on New and Old Hobbies– It is never too late to learn a new hobby. Taking the time to learn and get creative with a hobby can be beneficial to anyone regardless of their age. Whether it is arts or crafts, playing bingo, or knitting, it can help promote a sense of accomplishment, which can fill us with joy.
- Determining a Beneficial Living Situation – As we know, our living situation can change multiple times throughout our life. We go through phases of living with our families, to establishing independence, but at some point, it may be necessary to need support from others, and that is okay. Determining alternative living situations can go a long way in promoting one’s over-all wellbeing.
The process of aging can sometimes be a difficult course that we undertake. Though we try hard to remain independent, sometimes we find ourselves in need of increased support, be it emotional, physical, financial, or social. Having caregiving support can become a vital component of our lives. Sometimes these caregivers will be your children, family members, neighbors, or good friends. But, how do we ensure they have the knowledge they need to provide us with the best support?
Providing the best support in senior care can be stressful and confusing, and you may be unsure where to start. Certainly the ones we love and are caring for may have some of the answers to best take care of them, but what happens when we need more? The resources that are out there can be vast and plentiful, but also overwhelming and confusing. At Puglisi Counseling, we take pride in offering high-quality mental health services to our senior population and those who qualify for Medicare, which is why it is important to us that we link our community members to the best place to find support. When we are recommending a guide to care-giving, we always turn to Caring.com.
Caring.com is a leading senior care resource for family caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. They have been featured by AARP, The Administration for Community Living, The National Legal Resource Center, and Forbes, as well as referenced by many governmental agencies and organizations across the Internet.
Whether you’re looking for a senior living community or help with in-home care, Caring.com can help you understand your options for you and your loved ones, helping you navigate the expansive world of senior care.
Visit Caring.com today for more information and support.
