Isolation and depression are common problems among seniors, especially for those who live alone. Lack of activity, mental stimulation, and social engagement can have a seriously negative effect on one’s physical and mental well-being. Seniors who suffer from physical problems are also at risk for depression. In turn, depression feeds into physical problems, creating a self-perpetuating cycle that isolated seniors can find difficult to break. This is why it’s so important for people to exercise, stay mentally engaged, and remain socially connected as they grow older. Here are a few tips to help you take control of your mental and physical health.
Stay Active
Exercise is crucial for both body and mind, even if you’re just going for a walk for a few minutes every day. The key is to stay physically active; how you do it is up to you. Consider joining an exercise group at a senior living facility or community center. A dance class, water aerobics, or chair yoga can make a difference as long as you’re doing it on a regular basis. Feeling better physically will improve your mental state and leave you feeling optimistic about staying active.
Stay Involved with Family and Friends
Don’t lose touch with family and friends; they’re your support system and your connection to the world. Make a point of getting to your grandkids’ games and school plays, show up for holiday events, make time for coffee with siblings, and go shopping with old friends — while you’re at it, take a walk around the mall together and work in some exercise.
Technology Is Your Friend
Technology helps people all over the world stay connected, so take advantage of social media venues like Facebook or FaceTime to check in with people who are close to you emotionally, but perhaps not physically. Technology can help keep your mind active in countless ways. The internet makes it possible to take an online class for fun, learn a language, or earn a degree. Some older adults start an online business and make money doing something they enjoy. The best part: You can do it all from the privacy and comfort of your own home.
For seniors who live alone, technology can do more than keep you connected to others. It also provides the means of staying safe in your home with a medical alert system, which will alert responders if you have an in-home accident. Some alert systems allow caregivers to monitor your movements and activities from a distance, while others make it easy to keep an eye on your surroundings and will alert you when someone comes to your door.
Know Your Medicare Options
If you have coverage under Medicare, it can be difficult to know how to make the most of what it offers. Take some time to investigate how Medicare Advantage can supplement your coverage and what options might be available in your state. Medicare Advantage offers the same coverage as Medicare Part A and Part B, while some plans offer dental, hearing, and vision coverage, while other plans cover prescription drugs.
Volunteerism
Volunteering has a tangible effect on both the mind and the body. It boosts your self-esteem and confidence, helps establish social connections, and keeps you physically active. There are many ways to get involved; for example, if you love being around kids consider, volunteering at an orphanage or children’s hospital. Also, spend some time reading to bed-ridden patients, or volunteer to take part in a community clean-up project.
Isolation can pose a serious threat to a senior’s mental and physical well-being. Regardless of whether you live alone, it’s important to find ways to stay active in mind and body if you’re going to maintain a good quality of life. Remember that an engaged mind is a healthy mind and will have a positive impact on your physical condition.
