As senior citizens age, it can be easy to notice their bodies slowing down and weakening. A more unseen symptom of aging, however, can be deteriorating mental health. It can be frustrating to be stuck in a body that cannot do what it used to in its prime, so many senior citizens struggle with their mental health.

Connecting With Others

One of the best ways to improve mental health is to connect with others because that can combat loneliness , keeping senior citizens from slipping into negative mental cycles. If you have a parent or loved one that is a senior citizen, you might try helping them reach out to any of their surviving childhood or adulthood friends that they already have relationships with. Visit them often to spend quality time with them. You can also try introducing them to people they live by or that are in their community, ideally ones that have similar values or hobbies that they can bond over.

Eating a Balanced Diet

Food is fuel for our bodies and our brains, so a poor diet is directly correlated to poor physical and mental health. Additionally, many seniors have decreased appetites or a disinterest in food, so they are often undernourished. It is important to make sure your senior loved ones are eating enough and a variety of good foods. Some types of foods can help fight depression , an ailment that is all too common among seniors. If possible, be very selective about what they eat since they might not eat a lot.

Regular Exercise

Not being able to do the things they did in their youth or prime ages can be very frustrating for senior citizens. This can be very detrimental to their mental health since they are constantly making comparisons to their younger selves and being unsatisfied with their abilities. This frustration can eventually lead to inactivity since that is easier than going out and being disappointed, but this is even worse for mental health. Regular daily exercise, even low-impact workouts like walks or yoga, can improve flexibility, mobility, and mental health, which will help keep seniors active and healthy for longer.

Seniors can easily become depressed or develop poor mental health because of their physical health. You can help by showing them ways to enjoy and find excitement in this new stage of their lives. Improving their mental health will improve the rest of their health and make their life more enjoyable.

Check out this article on how stress can manifest as physical symptoms !