Discover strategies for mental and emotional well-being in old age.
Is getting older something that scares you? It is not difficult to find many people who don’t even like to imagine. If for some old age is a phase of maturity and wisdom, for others it can be synonymous with anguish. Knowing the strategies for the well-being of the elderly can be a good project for the future. There are several reasons for this, including financial uncertainty and even fear of loneliness. However, this need not be seen as a problem. Yes, it is possible to have a good perspective on this moment, as long as your body and mind are ready for this process. In this article we will talk about strategies for mental and emotional well-being in old age and what signs to observe to reduce the risks of psychological illnesses. Let’s go?
How does old age affect mental health?
Aging can generate many changes in a person’s life. There are cases in which it represents a decrease in freedom, loss of autonomy, reduced mobility and other factors that generate complications in the life of the elderly. Additionally, it is a time when there is a greater possibility of dealing with the departure of people close to you, often resulting in the feeling that your entire generation is leaving. Related to this, death-related thoughts may also become more frequent. Have you ever thought about the amount of emotions linked to this phase? Feelings of fear, loneliness, sadness, anguish, sense of inability and, in some cases, even abandonment by those who should support them. With all this emotional burden, old age can affect not only mental health, but also physical health. On the other hand, taking care of your psychology is one of the most effective ways to have a healthy old age and a better quality of life.
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What are the signs of older adults with mental health problems?
If you are dealing with an elderly person at home, the first step is to understand them and then apply strategies that guarantee their well-being. Pay attention to the routine he leads and, above all, do not treat sadness and discouragement as natural processes of old age. Family relationships are not always easy at this stage, but it is necessary to be available to offer the right environment so that the elderly can develop their activities and be close to the people who do good for them. It’s about finding the balance between autonomy and closeness to family. In this process of increasing attention to older adults, it is important to understand some symptoms that may indicate mental health problems. Between them:
- Irritability;
- Apathy;
- Crying for no apparent reason;
- Negative in carrying out activities he used to enjoy;
- Slowness in reasoning;
- Memory errors;
- Not wanting to sleep or oversleeping.
These symptoms, although common in some cases, indicate the need to contact a healthcare professional to monitor the elderly person. On the basis of this agreement it will be possible to propose the best solutions to avoid worsening the situation.
Strategies for the well-being of the elderly
There are strategies that can be useful to help the mental well-being of the elderly person who lives with you. Here are some suggestions:
Maintain a regular routine
Old age is usually accompanied by a drastic reduction in activities. Therefore, many seniors end up feeling bored and discouraged. But this doesn’t have to be the case. With a well-established routine it is possible to organize moments to stay active even in old age. One way to do this is to set times, whether for getting up, sunbathing, or taking classes, based on the individual’s interests. The important thing is not to let the feeling of “emptiness” set in and the days lose their meaning.
Encourage the practice of physical activities
Old age does not have to be synonymous with a sedentary life. On the contrary, it is very important for older people to practice physical activity to take care of both their body and their mind. Of course, we cannot ignore the natural limitations that age brings, but there are many inclusive activities for older adults, such as water aerobics and dance lessons. It is important to prioritize physical activities carried out in groups, as this is also an opportunity to keep the elderly person active in their social cycle and interaction with other people.
Encourage the practice of hobbies
Encouraging older people to have hobbies is very important to bring more lightness into their days. Doing interesting activities not only helps to fill your free time, but it is also a way to show that there is always the possibility of discovering new passions. The important thing is to continue doing things that bring pleasure and joy. This can include artistic activities, sports and above all moments that encourage brain activation, with reading and games that challenge the mind.
Seek emotional support
Relying on the support of specialized professionals must not be a solution only when the elderly person is facing obvious mental health problems. On the contrary, preventative monitoring is a great strategy for staying emotionally healthy. This emotional support is also important in the process of self-care and acceptance. Helping older adults understand the limits of age and the best way to deal with the many physical and emotional problems associated with it.
To be present
One of the most important points for an elderly person to have good mental and emotional health is the presence of his family. Set aside time in your routine to sit, talk and do activities together, strengthening family bonds. Even a coffee or a simple phone call makes the difference. In each of these strategies, don’t forget that each person is unique. In other words, there is no formula for the cake. Try to understand individual needs to adapt each strategy, always offering assistance and support at every stage and thus guarantee the well-being of the elderly
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
