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!
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.
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:
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:
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 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:
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.
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:
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:
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.
Humans are social creatures. Loneliness, on the other hand, can increase your risk of:
Nurture meaningful relationships to avoid social isolation and loneliness.Here are a few tips for senior engagement in MI.
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.
Use your senior living community's events and activities calendar to explore new hobbies. You can meet friends in groups for:
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:
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.
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:
You can find groups through your assisted living community.
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.