According to a study reported by the National Council on Aging, one in four seniors aged 65 and above has mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. That’s millions of older folks in the United States who struggle with emotional health in retirement.
So, what is the solution? For seniors in Myrtle Beach, SC, emotional wellness is paramount to effectively managing feelings and coping with them in a healthy way.
In this article, we will cover some of the most popular emotional wellness activities and how you can incorporate them into your daily life. Read on!
Consider Working With a Therapist
If you do not know where to begin in regards to emotional wellness, therapy is an ideal first step. A therapist can assist you with:
- Identifying emotions
- Learning about your triggers
- Developing healthy coping mechanisms
- Processing past and present trauma
- Navigating major life transitions, such as death or divorce
- Managing interpersonal relationships
- Living with medical conditions or disabilities
Types of Therapy
When you picture therapy, you may think of sitting on a couch and talking to a mental health professional. However, it is much more complex. Therapy comes in many different forms, and the right fit for you depends on your unique situation and needs.
Some types of therapy include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
You and your therapist will discuss various topics in a controlled setting, using structured conversations and questions to identify problems and find coping techniques.
Mindfulness and aging go hand in hand in CBT. Mindfulness involves identifying your emotions in the moment, fully processing them, and clearing your mind to focus on the present.
Group Therapy
Ideal for those who seek others in similar circumstances, this type of therapy is ideal for issues such as grief and addiction. Group support for seniors is a good option if you suffer from loneliness and isolation.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Ideal for treating conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, this treatment involves discussing trauma and moving the eyes side to side and other types of movement.
Exposure Therapy
A hands-on solution for conquering anxiety and phobias, exposure therapy slowly exposes the subject to triggers or subjects that cause anxiety.
Exercise Regularly
For seniors, physical health can play a huge role in overall mental health. Since the two are heavily connected, it is important to keep your body in shape to the best of your abilities.
Aim to exercise several times a week. Make sure to discuss exercise plans with your medical team to ensure that your body can handle the workouts. If necessary, work with a physical therapist or personal trainer.
At TerraBella Myrtle Beach, we make working out easy with group wellness classes and exercise equipment specifically tailored to seniors. In addition to using customized exercise equipment, modify movements so you feel comfortable and safe while lifting or engaging in cardio.
Some of the best exercises for seniors include:
- Walking
- Hiking
- Water aerobics
- Light weightlifting
- Zumba
- Yoga or chair yoga
- Tai-Chi
- Pilates
- Stationary biking
For further motivation, consider exercising with a group or even just a buddy. You can share your goals and hold each other accountable. It is easy to skip a workout when only you are aware of it, but with an accountability partner, there isn’t as much temptation.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Adequate nutrition is essential for managing your health as you age, as your body may need more vitamins and minerals. Focus on satisfying, nutrient-dense foods that fulfill your daily requirements for:
- Calories
- Healthy fats
- Protein
- Carbohydrates
- Fiber
You do not have to completely cut out unhealthy options, but they should be enjoyed in moderation. For example, one scoop of ice cream for dessert is ideal, whereas an entire container is excessive.
Luckily, balanced nutrition is simple here at TerraBella Myrtle Beach. With chef-prepared dining and access to three meals a day, plus snacks, the options for healthy and satisfying food are endless. In addition, we can accommodate all types of dietary preferences and needs.
When you focus on consuming whole and healthy foods, your mental well-being can improve. Processed food and excessive sugar can make you feel sluggish and unmotivated, while nutrient-dense foods provide you with energy and strength.
Avoid Excessive Screen Time
Given the prevalence of smart devices and televisions, screens may seem nearly unavoidable. It is all too easy to glance at your iPhone before bed or scroll through social media when you want to pick up a book.
Spending hours each day staring at a phone screen can have detrimental effects on your mental health. Constant exposure to blue light disrupts your circadian rhythm, making it more difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Furthermore, social media use in particular can be incredibly damaging. Many social media websites, such as Facebook and Instagram, are designed to hook users. The constant comparisons and competitions for likes and comments may affect your mood.
Screen time limitations on your devices can help. Set a designated amount of time for certain apps that you find yourself consistently opening. Once the time has run out for the day, you will no longer be able to access them.
Instead of scrolling through your phone before bed, choose physical entertainment like a book or a magazine. If you use your phone as an alarm, switch to a traditional alarm clock and place your phone across the room, making it more difficult to access.
Try These Emotional Wellness Activities Today
If you’re feeling unstable or navigating a difficult transition in your life, regulating your emotional wellness may be the key to healthy improvement. With these emotional wellness activities, you can learn to regulate your moods and lead a healthier, happier lifestyle.
At TerraBella Myrtle Beach, our dedicated staff puts the emotional health and wellness of our residents at the forefront. As “The Best All-Inclusive Retirement Community in Myrtle Beach, SC,” we provide exclusive amenities, including restaurant-style dining, local outings, and wellness classes.
Want to learn more about our senior enrichment programs and social wellness events? Contact us today, or visit our beautiful location in Myrtle Beach, SC, to see for yourself. We can’t wait to meet you!
