Looking after Your Mental Health as You Age: A Guide

As you age, you may struggle to maintain good mental health, even if you have had no problems with your mental health before. As well as the loneliness of many older people, decreased mobility and the impact of health issues may also contribute to this decline in your mental health. As such, if you start to notice the state of your mental health slipping, here are some of the steps that seniors like you can take to protect their mental health.

·        Look at Retirement Communities

Although the prospect of a move might be stressful for you, retirement communities can benefit you in the long run by allowing you to be constantly surrounded by company and activities to get involved in. Not only will you be able to make connections with your peers, but retirement communities also have the advantage of allowing you to get the medical care that you need 24/7, as well as in emergencies. As such, to improve your quality of life and mental health in the last years of your life, you should consider moving into a retirement home near you.

·        Join a Society

Many people find that their mental health is impacted by their inability to connect with the rest of their community as they age. If so, you should consider joining a local society, as this can encourage you to leave the house and to meet new people. Not only does this give you a hobby to occupy your mind and help you to continue learning even in your senior years, but joining a society can also give you a purpose and a reason to get up in the morning. If you struggle to leave your house, you might consider joining a virtual society or attending talks online.

·        Connect with Family

Rather than feel isolated from those you care about, you should make an effort to maintain a connection with your family and to see them regularly. Even if they do not live nearby, you might consider teaching yourself how to use technology so that you can speak to them on a video call or start up a group text thread with them. You might also consider moving closer to your family if you live far away from them, as this can ensure that you will be able to spend your final years with people you care about.

·        Speak to a Doctor

However, if you are showing moderate to severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, or another health issue, you should consider visiting a doctor. They will be able to give you a diagnosis and refer you to a therapist, with whom you will be able to discuss the emotions that you are experiencing. Not only this, but they can make suggestions for self-care practices and lifestyle changes, as well as prescribe you medication, such as anti-depressants and beta-blockers, which can be used to reduce the physical symptoms of mental health disorders, such as a racing heartbeat, feeling dizzy, and shaking.