How Independent Living Communties Have a Positive Impact on Senior Mental Health
According to the World Health Organization, about 14% of adults ages 60 and over live with a mental disorder, including depression and anxiety. These conditions account for 10.6% of the total disability among older adults.
Unfortunately, mental health conditions among seniors are often undertreated.
Neglecting your senior mental health can affect your mood, physical health, and quality of life. Before that happens, consider joining an independent living community.
How are these communities supporting aging mental health? Read on to discover the benefits of these great mental health resources for seniors.
Maintain Independence
Moving into an independent living community will allow you to maintain your autonomy and independence. You can continue your usual routine with minimal interference. If you do need help, you'll have peace of mind knowing it's available.
Maintaining your self-sufficiency can improve your emotional and mental well-being. You'll feel confident in your ability to function throughout the day. This can help you avoid losing your sense of self or individuality.
You can do the following:
- Personalize your living space
- Wear what you'd like
- Enjoy your favorite meals
- Participate in activities you enjoy
- Make social connections
This autonomy will help you maintain a sense of purpose. Maintaining your independence can boost your self-confidence, self-esteem, and mood.
Choose an independent living community that develops personalized care plans based on each resident's unique needs. They'll help you develop a lifestyle that works for you.
Get Help Supporting Aging Mental Health
You don't have to apply these elderly well-being strategies alone. Moving into an independent living community gives you access to peers who understand what you're going through. Building strong social connections can benefit your mental and physical health.
According to the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging, about 34% of adults ages 50 to 80 feel isolated, with 37% feeling a lack of companionship. These seniors reported fair (77%) or poor (29%) mental health.
Social isolation and loneliness in older adults can pose serious health problems, including:
- Cognitive decline
- Heart disease
- Depression
- High blood pressure
- Alzheimer's disease
- Obesity
- Weakened immune systems
- Anxiety
- Death
Meanwhile, people who engage in meaningful activities with others tend to live longer. They have better moods and a sense of purpose. These activities are effective at improving senior mental wellness and cognitive function.
Joining an independent living community will allow you to forge meaningful social connections. You'll gain a support system and a sense of community.
You can form new friendships, participate in group activities, and learn from those around you. These connections can contribute to good emotional and mental health in seniors.
Apply Elderly Well-Being Strategies
The best independent living communities can provide you with helpful elderly well-being strategies and programs. Here are a few ways these communities are improving senior mental wellness.
Improve Your Diet
Your independent living community may have a nutritious dining program. Eating a balanced diet is sometimes a challenge for seniors who are living alone. You may be unaware of the foods and nutrients you need to maintain your current health.
Adding superfoods to your diet can help you maintain strong bones and cognitive function, and may even help you prevent chronic disease. Superfoods are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. According to The National Council on Aging, the best superfoods for healthy aging include:
- Dark leafy greens (kale, spinach, collard greens)
- Cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts)
- Nuts and seeds
- Blueberries
- Eggs
- Plain Greek yogurt
- Salmon
- Avocados
Adding these foods to your diet can help ensure you meet your daily needs for vitamins and minerals. These nutrients can benefit your mood or help you combat stress. They can also benefit your physical health and longevity.
For example, vitamins A and K can help protect your heart. Vitamin K can help prevent osteoporosis. The antioxidants in blueberries can fight free-radical damage, potentially reducing your risk of cancer and heart disease.
You may struggle to add these foods to your routine alone. Living in a senior living community can give you access to nutritious, stress-free meals.
Stay Physically Active
Your independent living community's wellness and fitness programs can help you remain physically active. Staying active can benefit your mood and physical health. According to the Centers for Disease Control, physical activity:
- Improves sleep quality
- Reduces feelings of anxiety
- Lowers blood pressure
- Reduces the risk of developing dementia
- Reduces depression and anxiety symptoms
- Helps people live independently
- Reduces the risk of weight gain
- Lowers the risk of certain cancers
- Lowers risk of stroke, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease
- Improves bone health
- Reduces the risk of falls
Reduce Stress
Managing a household and multiple responsibilities can be stressful. You won't have to worry about managing finances and budgeting in your independent living community. Instead, you can follow a simple financial model that covers living expenses like:
- Utilities
- Meals
- Accommodation
- Access to activities and amenities
Living in a senior living community can give you more time to enjoy life. You won't have to stress about these time-consuming tasks.
Engage in Activities
Engaging in activities can give you a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Your senior living community can host:
- Art classes
- Book clubs
- Gardening programs
- Fitness programs
- Bingo nights
These events will keep you mentally and physically engaged. You'll experience more enjoyment from life, benefiting your mood and mental health.
Mental Health Resources for Seniors
Your independent living community can help you access professional mental health resources for seniors. For example, you can find a therapist for one-on-one sessions or participate in group therapy sessions.
These professional resources can give you access to personalized elderly well-being strategies. You can learn how to manage stress, navigate emotional challenges, and improve your quality of life.
Prioritize Your Senior Mental Health
Moving into an independent living community can benefit your senior mental health. You'll gain access to a support system, mental health resources for seniors, and more. Experience these mental health benefits firsthand at Signal Mountain Senior Living.
Our cheerful community offers innovative healthcare, comfortable living options, and engaging activities. We're here to help you live your best life surrounded by acres of natural beauty.
Enjoy a variety of programs and unlock a richer, more rewarding lifestyle. Contact us today to schedule your tour in Chattanooga, TN.