This Guest Post is from Jason Lewis at Strongwell.org. They have a lot of good wellness information for seniors like us. Meanwhile, enjoy this article on how to stay emotionally strong as you age!
Physical changes tend to be the more obvious concern for seniors as they age. Mental and
emotional health, however, can be quite challenging while also presenting new questions. From
common stressors to overcoming depression as we grow older, there are a number of issues to
confront. Put your mind at ease with these tips and approaches to solutions for mental health,
presented below by SecretsOfAging.net.
Common Stressors
Common stressors among seniors are often thought of as physical challenges … such as
weakening bones, falling, or even compromised immune systems. Mental and emotional health,
however, must be a consideration as well. Anxiety and depression are among the most common
emotional health problems in those over the age of 65.
Keep the symptoms of anxiety and depression at bay by staying aware of your emotional well-
being. Take note too of external issues that might be contributing to your feelings of depression
or anxiety.
For example, if living on a fixed income is contributing to your anxiety, you may need to adjust
your budget or address debt. And there are steps you can take to make this more manageable.
Assess your budget to get an idea of fixed expenses and expenses you can cut. Next, eliminate
services you don’t need or limit how often you dine out. If debt is an issue, the sooner you pay it
down, the more breathing room you’ll have.
Clutter and disorganization can also play a role in anxiety and depression. If you live in a home
that’s overloaded with stuff, this can easily send your anxiety and stress levels skyrocketing, not to mention increasing your risk for a debilitating, life-altering fall!
Have a loved one help you sort through your possessions so you cut the excess and free up
space in your home. And if you have important printed documents you need to keep, get them
converted to digital PDFs and store them either in the cloud or on your computer’s hard drive.
Anxiety and Depression
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 15 percent of adults over 60 suffer from
anxiety or depression. It’s also common for older adults to miss the recommended amount of
daily physical activity. Exercise and a healthy diet can be two of the simplest ways to stay healthy mentally and reduce depression as both naturally counteract chemicals in the body associated with depression.
For those who suffer depression as a result of another disease or health condition, talk with your
medical professional about seeing a therapist. Professionals are well-versed in coping
techniques and can provide tools to help lessen the feelings of anxiety and worry concerning
medical issues.
Since loneliness is closely associated with depression, socialization is crucial.
Getting active in your community by joining choirs, volunteering, or picking up a hobby are good
ways to create groups of friends and become more social.
Building Confidence by Smiling More
Not only is smiling tied to lowering blood pressure, reducing pain, and increasing longevity, it’s also an
effective way to alleviate stress and boost your confidence. If you find that you’re reluctant to
smile due to crooked or misaligned teeth, there’s help available to fix that.
Alignment treatment used to be a more expensive process that required multiple trips to the
dentist office, but with the advent of at-home aligners, more affordable and convenient treatment
is now available. Before choosing an aligner, carefully read reviews online to learn about the
pros and cons. For example, at-home aligners like Straight Teeth Direct are known for their
effectiveness and affordability, but there are faster treatment options available and you’ll have to
commit to virtual reviews each month.
Seeking Help
Remember that depression is not a normal part of aging and is not something you must cope
with alone. There are tons of ways to find purpose in life while aging into older years. For more help beyond simple fixes such as exercise or adopting a hobby, consult a mental health
professional.
Taking control of your emotional and mental health will ensure you continue to live a long and happy life.
Exercising, staying social, and finding ways to stay confident are all great ways to start. Stay aware
of signs and symptoms to avoid falling further into an emotional health spiral downward.
Depression and anxiety do not need to be a part of growing old, and with a few easy solutions, they won’t be.
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