Things Seniors Can Do To Protect Their Mental Health
Mental health is just as big of a concern for seniors and their families as physical health. Studies show that seniors have a high risk of social isolation. Being socially isolated and not having friends or family to depend on can cause seniors to develop mental health issues like depression. According to some studies as high as 5% of the senior population could be chronically depressed. And nearly a quarter of seniors are experiencing social isolation at any given time. One of the best things seniors can do to protect their mental health is to get companion care at home services. With statistics like that, it’s easy to see why seniors and their families are starting to make mental health more of a priority.
Aging in place is something that is important to many seniors. But seniors who are aging in place need to take steps like these to safeguard their mental health and prevent loneliness:
Get Companion Care At Home
When seniors have companion care they will spend time with a care provider on a set schedule. That gives seniors the regular social interaction they need to lower their risk of illnesses like depression.
Companion Care at Home Warren NJ – Things Seniors Can Do To Protect Their Mental Health
Spending time with a care provider can include all kinds of activities like:
- Going for walks
- Going out to eat
- Sharing meals at home
- Trying new activities
- Taking a class
- Visiting a museum
- Going to the senior center
- Exploring local attractions
- Talking and sharing feelings
- And much more.
Get Professional Help
Seniors who are struggling with their mental health can benefit from professional mental health care like counseling or talking with a social worker. There are many seniors that are leery of professional mental health. But with some encouragement from friends and family seniors are more likely to be open to the idea of getting professional counseling.
Volunteer
Volunteering can provide seniors with a sense of purpose as well as the vital social connection they need. When seniors volunteer they can make friends, build a social support network, and feel good about themselves again. There are lots of national and local charities and groups that rely on volunteers. Volunteer Match can match seniors with local groups looking for volunteers.
Stay Connected To Family And Friends
Staying connected to family and friends can be difficult for seniors. When their adult children live far away seniors often won’t reach out too often because they don’t want to bother their children. And if friends have moved away seniors may not know how to get in touch with them now. Social media can be a lifeline for seniors who want to keep their social connections strong. By using social media seniors can check in often with family members who live far away. And they can search for friends from the past.
It’s also important to note that seniors who have recently lost a spouse or partner that they were with for many years may socially isolate themselves in their grief. If you have a senior loved one dealing with a recent loss reach out and check on them often.
Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/lonely-older-adults.html
https://ncoa.org/article/navigating-social-isolation-and-loneliness-as-an-older-adult
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2752489/
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/loneliness-and-social-isolation-tips-staying-connected
https://www.cdc.gov/aging/depression/index.html
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional Companion Care at Home Services in Warren NJ, please talk to the caring staff at Generations Home Health Care today.
Providing Home Care in Somerset, Essex, Union, Morris, and Hunterdon Counties. Call us today at (908) 290-0691 or (973) 241-4534.
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