Common Mental Health Concerns In Seniors
Although far too common, mental health disorders are not a normal part of aging. More often than not, seniors experience a decline in mental health because of circumstances. Changing those circumstances, can help prevent the onset of mental decline.
Depression and cognitive impairment are two of the most common mental health concerns seen in seniors. However, according to aging experts, neither of these two is considered a natural part of aging. These disorders are in fact triggered by other factors.
In seniors, the onset of depression often follows a long period of dealing with physical health problems, or from being isolated from family and friends. It could also result from grief following the death of a loved one, most often the death of a partner.
Cognitive impairment often manifests in some form of dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease. The memory lapses that are characteristic of this condition, can make it difficult for the senior to care for themselves independently.
This is where assisted living can provide the support and care that is key to supporting mental health.
Mental And Emotional Perks Of Assisted Living
It’s easy to recognize the many ways that assisted living offers seniors the assistance they need with their everyday chores. What is not so easily visible but is immensely important is how seniors benefit mentally and emotionally in an assisted living facility.
We’ve highlighted just 3 of the many mental and emotional perks of assisted living.
1. Support Mental Health
Hormonal changes can impact mental health in different ways from causing mood swings, anxiety, and depression to affecting memory. It’s a known fact that being isolated can worsen the symptoms.
Just being able to socialize with the other residents can be hugely beneficial. In addition, the highly trained staff are able to identify potential problems and provide the necessary support and assistance to reduce the struggles and frustrations that a senior may otherwise face.
2. Sense Of Belonging
Being an active member of society can give a person a wonderfully satisfying sense of belonging, whether it is through the workplace, raising a family, serving the community, or being part of a beloved group with shared interests. It makes us feel needed, accomplished, and connected.
This sense of belonging diminishes with retirement and the children leaving home to lead their own lives. Living alone at home can reinforce this sense of ‘not belonging’ anywhere. Assisted living facilities are aware of this and go out of their way to offer residents plenty of opportunities to feel part of a close-knit community.
Not only does this feel rewarding but it also helps prevent mental decline in seniors.
3. Renewed Sense Of Purpose
This ties in with the above where in their younger days, a senior would have fulfilled multiple roles that provided a satisfying sense of purpose at home, in the workplace, on the sports field, and other areas. With age this involvement in other activities gradually decreases, resulting in a sense of loss and loneliness, which can manifest in many different ways.
The opportunity to be a part of a larger community and offer support and solace to other members of the community can give a senior a renewed sense of purpose, taking the focus off their own problems.
This is one of the most powerful ways that assisted living helps to support a senior’s mental and emotional health.
