Maintaining mental well-being can be difficult for seniors because they may no longer live close to or with their families. Some also feel lonely after losing their partners and experience a lower sense of purpose because they no longer work.
A report by the World Health Organization shows that 14% of seniors 60 years and above have a mental health condition. Lacking social connections and losing touch with peers is a major cause of such issues.
If you want to improve elderly mental wellness, continue reading this blog.
Social Connections for Mental Health in Seniors
Retirement involves many lifestyle changes that may affect your loved one’s mental health. For example, their work provided a routine and allowed them to interact with others. However, they now lack daily human contact and may even isolate themselves from their friends.
Social engagement supports elderly mental wellness in ways such as:
- Giving them a sense of belonging
- Providing a routine and purpose
- Mental stimulation
When seniors regularly interact with others, they feel like they are part of a community. The connection prevents loneliness and offers emotional support. By having friends they can rely on, they feel valued and have better mental health.
Participating in community activities gives seniors something to look forward to. Fun things like weekly game nights, shared meals, or birthday parties create a routine, allowing them to maintain a positive attitude toward life.
Engaging with others when talking, playing games, or sharing hobbies keeps the mind active. Activities like puzzles and discussions stimulate the brain and help seniors stay sharp. When they get enough mental stimulation, they are less likely to have brain function decline.
The Role of Elderly Community Support in Mental Wellness
Elderly community support helps seniors access mental health resources and socialization opportunities. Many senior living communities in Raleigh will encourage your loved one to embrace social activities. They may also support them in their hobbies and organize group outings where they explore the city.
When your loved one lives in Raleigh senior housing, they will enjoy mental health support from:
- Peers
- The staff
- Family and friends
Your loved one may crave emotional connection after moving or losing their friends. They may need someone to talk to when feeling down or just lonely.
When in assisted living, the senior will be in the company of peers. They will meet other residents in shared amenities like lounges and game rooms for casual chats. They could also spend time with new friends in their suites and bond over shared life experiences.
While seniors often experience mental health issues, only a few get help. A study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information shows that only 23% of seniors aged 75 and above use mental health services. While the rate is slightly higher at 46% for those between 55-64 years, the figure is still not ideal.
Community support from peers can encourage your elderly loved one to get help for mental health when they need it. Their friends may motivate them to talk to experts or engage in activities that improve their wellness. They also suggest healthy stress coping mechanisms that also work for them.
Many senior living communities employ trained staff who can identify the early signs of declining mental health. They then connect residents with the right resources and senior mental health professionals. The staff will also care for your loved ones’ mental wellness by offering compassionate care.
Achieving Optimal Elderly Mental Wellness in Senior Living
Senior assisted living communities in Raleigh, NC, have activities focusing on mental health. Such may include:
- Music sessions
- TV game shows
- Lunch outings
- Spiritual devotion sessions
- Game nights
The communities may also create wellness programs designed with seniors’ mental health in mind. Their activity calendar can include the following:
- Morning stretches
- Afternoon walks
- Brain fitness activities
All these forms of elderly community support will help your loved one enjoy their stay at a senior living community. They can embrace a new lifestyle in an environment that prioritizes their well-being and offers resources that engage their brain.
How Assisted Living Communities Take a Holistic Approach to Senior Health
Mental health issues are often connected to physical changes that seniors experience. For example, if they have limited mobility, they might not be able to maintain the social life they had before. Besides, their declining health may make it harder for them to participate in their favorite hobbies.
Assisted living communities have holistic wellness programs for elderly residents. For example, they offer a rich, healthy diet prepared by expert chefs.
Your loved one will get the necessary nutrition without cooking or ordering in. They can enjoy restaurants like dining with other seniors and achieve a high quality of life with less stress.
Staff in assisted living communities also ensure residents with mobility issues aren’t left out during outings. They will provide the necessary support and ensure your loved one enjoys such activities safely.
The seniors are also free to choose the day trips they want to attend for a more thrilling experience. Such freedom gives them a sense of control and independence, which is vital for their mental health.
Wellness programs for elderly residents often focus on the following:
- Physical activity
- Cognitive engagement
- Emotional expression
- Creative expression
Some seniors are introverted or less likely to participate in large group activities. A senior living community will also provide smaller, intimate settings for interaction.
These could be a quiet coffee chat with a neighbor or a relaxed walk with a companion. If your loved one loves such intimate interactions, they can still maintain social engagement in senior living.
Find Elderly Community Support for Your Loved One in Raleigh
Focusing on elderly mental wellness improves the quality of life for your loved one. It ensures they have access to mentally nourishing activities that are also great for their physical health.
Choosing the right assisted living community is the first step to ensuring your loved one achieves optimum aging and wellness balance.
At TerraBella Northridge, we offer exclusive programs that improve elder mental wellness. Our residents enjoy fun, low-stress lifestyles while getting help with daily living. Contact us for personalized senior assisted living in Raleigh, NC.
