As people age, the intensity of mood fluctuations and depression can increase. Senior citizens are more prone to get irritated quickly. However, this does not mean every senior citizen is going to develop mental health issues. Still, it is vital to ensure their mental health is protected.
Additionally, if you have an emotionally vulnerable senior in your house, you can take help from professional behavioral support who will assist you by providing a personalized plan that will help in boosting your senior’s mental health and ensure they thrive in every aspect of their life. You can click here to talk to a professional!
Steps you can take to boost mental health in seniors.
-
Keep them engaged in activities.
Often the senior citizen feels they are useless as they age. Since they spend most of their time sitting idle or roaming around the house, their thoughts may become negative, causing depression. Therefore, you can keep them engaged in smaller activities such as peeling fruits, taking care of plants, or any activity that interests them. This will help in elevating their mood.
-
Encourage them to take walks every day.
Walking is good for health. Besides, it also helps lift your mood as you enter the fresh air. So, you should try to encourage them to take a walk every day and, if possible, accompany them so you can have a good time and make sure they are safe while also ensuring their health remains better.
-
Talk to them on a regular basis about how they are feeling.
As you get busy with your life, the senior may feel alone since you would not be able to dedicate much time to them. In such a case, you should take a few minutes of your day and initiate a conversation with them. Also, make sure you ask them about how they are feeling lately if there is anything you can help them with, and how you want to help them. Initiating a healthy conversation about mental health can help them open up to you and let you know what is going on.
-
Have at least one meal of the day with them.
With a busy lifestyle, families often find it difficult to have a time together where all the family members come together. Although this is common during holidays, it can be challenging to find the right time to bring everyone together. Therefore, you should try to have at least one meal together with your senior to help them feel loved.
