Emotional Wellness Activities for Seniors in Coldwater, MI
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According to the World Health Organization, about 14% of adults aged 60 and over live with a mental disorder. These conditions account for nearly 11% of the total disability among older adults. Loneliness and social isolation are key risk factors for mental health issues later in life.
Prioritizing your emotional health now can benefit your mental and physical health as you age. Adding the right emotional wellness activities to your routine can benefit your overall health.
Looking for activities you can enjoy while living in Coldwater, MI? Read on to discover key components of healthy aging routines for seniors!
Healthy Aging Routines
According to the National Council on Aging, a 65-year-old can expect to live another 18.9 years on average. Improving your health can ensure productivity, security, and independence as you age.
To improve your emotional health and resilience, you need to consider your overall wellness.Otherwise, physical limitations can lead to lost mobility and independence. This could lead to social isolation, which can affect your mood and quality of life.
Before that happens, explore wellness programs for seniors in Coldwater. Here are a few elements of effective, healthy aging routines.
Exercise
According to a study published in JAMA Psychiatry, physical activity could decrease a person's odds of depression by 26%. Exercise may benefit your emotional and mental health by:
- Boosting your mood
- Improving concentration
- Increasing alertness
- Helping you sleep better
- Improving your self-esteem
- Boosting coping abilities
- Distracting you from negative thoughts
- Increasing energy levels
- Acting as an outlet for frustrations
- Reducing skeletal muscle tension
- Promoting relaxation
- Improving cardiovascular health
Exercising can increase serotonin and endorphin levels in the brain. These neurotransmitters can stabilize your mood while decreasing stress and anxiety. Endorphins produce the "runner's high" we experience after exercising.
It could help improve your emotional resilience. This can improve your ability to manage stress. You may experience greater life satisfaction and longevity.
Try to schedule 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity into your week. You can explore your assisted living community's fitness program for classes. Common wellness programs for seniors include:
- Walking or hiking
- Swimming and water aerobics
- Weight lifting
- Resistance band exercises
- Balance exercises
- Tai chi
- Yoga
- Pilates
- Biking and cycling
- Stretching
Ask friends in Coldwater to join you. They can hold you accountable to exercise regularly. Working out with friends can make it more enjoyable!
Eating Healthy
Eating a healthy, nutritious diet can improve your attention span and concentration. A poor diet, on the other hand, can cause fatigue and affect cognitive function.
Processed foods are addictive. They can trigger inflammation, which contributes to mood disorders like depression and anxiety.
To improve your emotional and mental health, try eating more:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Dark, green leafy vegetables
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Legumes
The gut and brain are connected through the vagus nerve. Our gut can influence our emotions, while the brain can affect gut bacteria.
These bacteria produce neurochemicals that can regulate mental processes, including your mood. In fact, gut bacteria produce 95% of serotonin in the body.
Improve your assisted living wellness by adjusting your diet. Explore your senior living community's dining program for nutritious dishes.
Rest and Recharge
Getting a good night's sleep can benefit your problem-solving and learning abilities. It helps the brain form new pathways, allowing us to learn and recall information.
Sleep deficiency can alter brain activity. It can make it difficult to:
- Solve problems
- Regulate emotions
- Control behaviors
- Cope with change
- Make decisions
Sleep deficiency is also associated with risk-taking behavior and depression. Try to get seven to nine hours of sleep each night.
To improve your sleep quality, try:
- Avoiding electronics 30 minutes before bed
- Keeping the room dark and cool
- Upgrading your mattress, sheets, and pillow
- Meditating or journaling before bed
Journaling can help you process thoughts and feelings, improving emotional regulation. Try journaling for 15 minutes a day. Consider starting a gratitude practice, which can improve sleep quality.
Otherwise, consider moving into a senior living community. Improving your sleep environment may help you get more rest.
Senior Engagement MI
Humans are social creatures. Loneliness, on the other hand, can increase your risk of:
- Diabetes
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Heart disease
- A weakened immune system
- Obesity
- Cognitive decline
- Alzheimer's disease and dementia
- Stroke
Nurture meaningful relationships to avoid social isolation and loneliness.Here are a few tips for senior engagement in MI.
Make Friends
Explore your senior living community's lifestyle programs to meet new people. Don't be afraid to break the ice! Chances are they're nervous to make new friends, too.
Explore Hobbies
Use your senior living community's events and activities calendar to explore new hobbies. You can meet friends in groups for:
- Woodworking
- Birdwatching
- Exercise classes
- Dancing
- Sculpting
- Crafting
- Knitting, crocheting, or quilting
- Painting and drawing
- Swimming
If you're new to these activities, keep an open mind. Learning new skills can give you a sense of accomplishment. It can also boost cognitive function.
Brain-boosting activities can improve neuroplasticity. Remain open to learning:
- New languages
- How to play an instrument
- New recipes
- Computer skills
Other cognitive exercises include trivia, card games, and Sudoku. Otherwise, consider continuing your education. You can learn alongside other seniors to increase your critical thinking skills.
Join a Support Group
There are support groups for people struggling with loss, addiction, and chronic illnesses. These groups offer emotional support for aging seniors. Joining a support group may help:
- Ease anxiety and depression symptoms
- Increase your knowledge
- Provide helpful coping skills
- Offer emotional support and validation
- Ease feelings of isolation and loneliness
You can find groups through your assisted living community.
Find More Emotional Wellness Activities
Prioritizing your emotional health can benefit your physical and mental health. Explore these emotional wellness activities to make holistic changes to your routine. Remember, you can discover more helpful resources through your senior living community.
At LakeHouse Coldwater, we work with each resident to meet their unique needs with quality care. Our community offers a sense of belonging to ensure residents experience the comfort they deserve.
Enjoy a range of engaging activities, an invigorating wellness program, and delicious chef-prepared meals through our exclusive lifestyle programs. We can help enhance your overall quality of life. Contact us now to schedule your tour.