It seems like there has been a lot of discussion in recent months about the Mental Health of older adults. As we age, our bodies and brains change, affecting our mental health and well-being in various ways. The growing memory problem, cognitive decline and a growing loneliness epidemic make seniors vulnerable to Mental Health issues.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. It is a progressive disease that typically affects people over 60 and causes memory loss, confusion, impaired judgment, and behavior. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Regardless, some treatments can help minimize the symptoms and delays in having symptoms. For example, studies have shown that a diet high in soluble fibre, such as pectin, may help to keep the brain healthy and reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Other research suggests that taking a daily supplement of omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in fish oil, may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. It is still unknown whether moderate physical activity can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, but there is evidence that it can improve cognitive function in people with the disease.
There are ways to improve and maintain seniors’ Mental Health and well-being. Here are some suggestions:
1. Drink Water
Make sure to drink enough water. A hydrated body helps the brain function better, including Mental Health. It also reduces stress and anxiety. If you are concerned about your hydration, you can buy a water bottle at the grocery store. Fill it up each day and take it with you everywhere you go. You can also ask your doctor for a recommendation for how much water to drink each day.
2. Exercise
Exercising can help prevent several health problems. It is important to start exercising in your early 40s. If you are not used to exercising, start with a low-impact exercise, for example, walking. You can find a class or group you can join or find a friend and start walking together.
You can also try dancing, swimming, or joining a gym. It’s also a good idea to check in with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine. They can help set up a safe, healthy exercise plan just for you.
Have fun finding the exercise that works for you!
3. Eat a Balanced Diet
Pay special attention to your diet. For a healthy body and mind, eat a balanced diet. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy proteins. Don’t eat too little or too much.
Avoid processed foods, sugar and too much caffeine. Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, chocolate and many other foods and drinks.
Your doctor or dietitian can help you figure out what a healthy diet looks like as you age.
4. Oral Checkup
Oral health directly affects overall health. Dental disease is linked to Alzheimer’s, heart disease, stroke and diabetes. It can also lead to bad breath, gingivitis, and tooth loss which affects one’s ability to taste and eat, increasing the risk of malnutrition.
It is important to schedule regular dental checkups as you age. The earlier you catch any signs of oral disease, the better your oral health will be. You can also take steps to improve your oral health at home. Brushing and flossing daily, avoiding sugary foods and drinks, and chewing sugar-free gum can help.
If you are concerned about your oral health, talk to your dentist. They can examine your mouth and offer recommendations for improving your oral health.
If you do not have dental insurance, it is possible to find a low-cost dental clinic. There are also many programs that offer free or low-cost dental care for those who meet certain eligibility requirements. Check out the resources below:
- Government of Ontario (Dental care for low-income seniors | ontario.ca)
- Region of Peel (Seniors dental program – Region of Peel (peelregion.ca)
- City of Toronto (Free Dental Care – City of Toronto)
- Alberta Dental Association & College (Help for Low-Income Albertans – Alberta Dental Association and College (dentalhealthalberta.ca)
- College of Dental Hygienists of British Columbia (Low-cost-Dental-Care-Dec-13.aspx (cdhbc.com)
5. Play Puzzle Games
Play puzzles to keep your mind challenged. Games like crossword puzzles, sudoku and other word games can help improve memory and brain function. You can also play a board game in your spare time or anything that engages the mind.
6. Learn Something New
Try learning something new. It could be learning a new language, learning to play an instrument, chess, painting, dance, or anything. As per research, it has been shown that learning new things prevents dementia. It also helps reduce stress and anxiety and release endorphins.
It is also good to learn new skills with family or friends, which can not only help prevent depression but loneliness in the elderly.
So, get out of your comfort zone and do something you have never done before.
Did you know playing table tennis can help lessen the symptoms of Parkinson’s and increase Mental clarity? It’s true. Table tennis is an aerobic exercise that promotes hand-eye coordination, sharpens reflexes, and stimulates the brain.
7. Talk to People
Due to Covid 19, socializing has been reduced, and it has impacted the seniors in a way that they have become lonely.
Try to socialize virtually if in-person socializing is not possible. You can join online clubs, classes, or groups you haven’t been to before and make new friends. You might be surprised at the number of people that want to talk to you.
8. Give your Time to the Community
There’s nothing more peaceful than helping others. Giving back to the community gives you a sense of purpose and belonging and is a great way to make a difference in the community.
It’s never too late to start volunteering, and it doesn’t have to be a large organization. It can be anything from helping at a food pantry, teaching a class, or creating a charitable organization or non-profit.
You can volunteer at your local homeless, cancer, women’s or children’s shelter, food bank, senior center, animal shelter or other organization that helps others. You can also give blood or volunteer at a blood drive.
Seniors’ Mental Health is an essential part of our well-being that is often overlooked and not given the same attention as physical health. Even though it is hard to admit, it is necessary to talk about Mental Health.
If you feel like you are not getting enough out of life, are feeling down, or have a hard time getting through the day, it is vital to talk to someone. It is never too late to talk about your Mental Health.
We all have a part to play to improve our elders Mental Health and well-being. It starts with us. There are many ways to make a difference, either it’s calling them every day to make sure they are not feeling lonely, reminding them to take medications or doing something to make them feel special. These are just little efforts that can significantly impact someone’s life.
I hope this blog may have inspired you to start a conversation with your grandparents, parents, spouse, or friends about improving their seniors’ Mental Health and overall well-being.
Our seniors are the best generation we have. Let’s make sure that they continue to feel loved and cared for.
Author: Amardeep Kaur, RSSW.
Last updated: February 2022
