Last week, I sited some bulleted points on risk factors that some older adults experience as it relates to their mental health. To recapitulate those points, they include loneliness, social isolation, life changes, grief, medications, physical pain or disease, high stress, poverty, and lack of coping skills. This week, I would like to share some points that could help in managing these risks and they will be underlined in the following paragraphs.
As I mentioned last week, I am 66 years old, but still working full-time. I believe it is very important to have a sense of purpose in life. It is valuable to feel engaged with others and with life in general. If employment is not an option, perhaps volunteering can be. There was a time in my life that I had difficulty securing employment, so I volunteered at a local hospital. It was a great experience, it helped to keep stress levels down and gave me a feeling of accomplishment.
Staying in contact with friends and family can uplift our spirits and bring encouragement to us. If this is difficult, calling warmlines (peer-to-peer support) can be very beneficial. Go to www.warmline.org or www.nami.org to find some warmlines. Talking about problems and concerns can bring relief and insights that we may not have thought about before. Mental health counseling, pastoral counseling, and support groups can give positive feedback that can increase self-worth.
Balanced meals and exercise go a long way for optimal mental health. If meal preparation is too difficult, try Meals on Wheels or call your local Area Agency on Aging for services. Should exercise be too cumbersome, try Chair Yoga! It is fun, beneficial and helps with our thoughts and feelings. Sleep is crucial for mental well-being. If you are experiencing too much or not enough sleep, talk to your doctor and/or search “sleep hygiene” for suggestions.
Self-care is vital to mental well-being. There are numerous things that can be done to care for ourselves. Some of my favorite things are watching funny movies, surfing the internet, soaking in the tub, thrift store browsing, going out to eat, writing letters, walking in nature and reading books. Lastly, if it is possible to get a pet, I highly recommend it! Pets give so much love and they are something to come home to if you live alone.
Aging doesn’t have to be an uphill struggle and something to dread. We are indeed as young as we feel inside. The body might slow us down, but it doesn’t have to squash our minds and spirits in the process! My experience has taught me this. Most of the time I manage very well and there are times when I find myself relapsing into old thoughts and behaviors. It is only being human. However, I don’t stay there for too long as it spells misery for me. So, take good cheer, believe in yourself, and take great care! See you next time!
By: Janet Pottoroff
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