Don’t Neglect Your Mental Health as You Age
When most people think about aging and what they can do to stay healthy, they often think about physical health – staying active, reducing pain, preventing dangerous health conditions, and so on. But did you know that over 20 percent of adults aged 60 and over suffer from a mental or neurological disorder? The most common mental and neurological disorders in this age group are dementia and depression.
As you focus on your physical health, don’t forget your mind is an important part of your body that deserves special care, no matter your age.
Your Senior Mental Health Tip List
- Stay active. We know, you’ve heard this tip a thousand times. But the good news is that physical activity actually helps your health in multiple areas – including your mental health – so following this tip will be beneficial in more ways than one! Exercise releases feel-good chemicals in the brain called endorphins, so it can improve your mood and reduce stress and anxiety. You don’t have to do a major workout to mark this tip off your list. Just opt for a long walk around the neighborhood or a quick bicycle ride with friends. Just keep moving!
- Make time for friends and family. One of the benefits of living in a senior living community is the opportunity for socialization. Being isolated from others can have a tremendous negative impact on your mental health, so try to meet new people through events and activities you’re interested in. Make plans with friends and family for lunch dates, phone calls, or even chatting on social media. Being social can work wonders for mental health.
- Challenge yourself often. Living in a continuing care retirement community means you can do whatever you want, day in and day out. However, that doesn’t mean you should let your brain off the hook. It’s important to keep your brain challenged to maintain and improve your cognition. Strive to learn something new, like a new card game, or a new musical instrument, or new trivia. It’s a great way to keep your mind sharp as you age. At The Moorings at Lewes, one of the ways you can engage your brain is by taking a class at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.
- Make a difference and find your purpose. You can find true happiness by giving back to others in some way, or feeling a sense of purpose from your day-to-day life. The values and traditions at The Moorings ensure every resident has a voice and a purpose – they all contribute to the success of the community by driving the activity choices and regular programming. You’ll find your true sense of purpose doing things for – and with – the community while building lasting relationships with your neighbors and caring staff.
- Reduce your stress and anxiety. This is an easy box to check when moving to The Moorings. One of the most important benefits offered by a continuing care retirement community is the peace of mind. No more daily chores and home maintenance tasks to worry about. No more thinking you don’t have enough time to do what you want to do and see who you want to see. Live life on your own terms, spending quality time with family and friends, and doing what’s most meaningful to you. Leave the rest to us.
An Engaging Lifestyle at The Moorings at Lewes
Whether you’re choosing to move because you’re ready to downsize your home, are looking for a more engaging social life, or are looking for reduced stress and greater peace of mind, we’re here to assist you every step of the way. Contact us today for more information.
