Caring For Mental Health When Aging

How Does the Brain Change as We Age?

As we age, all parts of our body change, including our brain, and it’s normal for some brain functions to slow down.

Some common changes that occur in the brain as we age include:

• Memory decline
• Taking longer to process information or think through problems
• Changes in regulating emotions
• Finding it harder to multitask

These changes are all a normal part of aging. Luckily, some of these changes can be minimized by staying mentally stimulated, physically active, and eating a healthy diet.

How Older Adults Can Improve Their Mental Health

Focusing on healthy aging can support the mental health of older adults. Creating an environment that lets people continue to do what is important to them can greatly support emotional well-being. Luckily, there are several ways to be proactive about one’s mental health.

Maintain Social Connections

Social connection is vital to everyone, but it is especially important to help reduce the risk of loneliness and isolation in older adults. Social isolation and feelings of loneliness are more common later in life, and a study in Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics found that up to one-quarter of older people experience social isolation.

Social activities can significantly improve mental health, life satisfaction, quality of life, and even symptoms of depression.Seniors who actively engage with friends, family, and their community are more likely to stay mentally healthy. Here are some ways seniors can foster social connections:

• Volunteer: Volunteering can give you a sense of purpose. It’s also a great way to build relationships with others.
• Stay in touch with family and friends: Regular calling, video chatting, or texting can help reduce loneliness. Having a social support network is important for good mental health as you age.
• Join a club or group:Being around like-minded people can foster a sense of belonging. Consider joining a book club, fitness class, or hobby group. Check with your local community center or YMCA.

Learn New Things For Healthy Cognitive Function

By learning new things, you stimulate the brain and encourage the growth of new neural pathways. This can help keep your mind sharp. Learning new skills can help boost memory and critical thinking skills. Try some of these ways to keep your mind active:

• Read: Regularly reading anything from the newspaper to the newest book can help keep your brain engaged in understanding complex information.
• Take a class: Keep your brain active by learning a new language, skill, or hobby. Check with your local community center.
• Play games: Boost your memory and critical thinking skills by doing crosswords, sudoku, or puzzles regularly.

Older adults can greatly benefit from learning new skills, trying new hobbies, or taking on new tasks. You can boost your mood, brain, and physical health by trying new activities.

Keep Stress at Bay

Stress is a natural human response to difficult situations. Everyone experiences stress from time to time, but it can have greater mental and physical health effects in older adults.

According to the American Institute of Stress, there is a strong correlation between stress and inflammation, which can also elevate the likelihood of depression and anxiety.Inflammation in the body contributes to many health problems, including heart disease, dementia, and cancer, among various other health problems. Some studies report that stress may even speed up the aging process. There are several great ways proven to help relieve stress:

• Exercise: Staying physically active is one of the best ways to lower stress. It releases endorphins, the body’s natural “feel good” chemicals, to lift your mood and can lessen feelings of depression. Even gentle movements such as tai chi or walking are beneficial.
• Relax: Yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can help calm the mind and reduce anxiety.
• Get outside: Spending just 20 minutes outside in a natural area you enjoy can help lower stress hormones.
• Eat a balanced diet: A diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce stress, support brain function, and combat the effects of inflammation in the body.
• Connect with others: Connecting with others has been shown to lift our mood and help us feel less stressed.
• Practice gratitude: Think about or write down 3 things you are grateful for every day. Practicing gratitude has been linked to boosting happiness and a greater sense of well-being.

The way we respond to stress can make a big difference in our overall well-being, so it’s especially important to understand how to manage it.Try some of these stress relief techniques, but remember that the best type of stress relief for you may depend on the reasons you are experiencing it.

Common Mental Health Conditions In Older Adults

Older adults may be particularly vulnerable to mental health conditions, which are often underrecognized and underdiagnosed in older adults. Some symptoms can be mistaken for normal signs of aging. In other cases, some older adults may believe their feelings are normal because they have experienced them for most of their lives.

Common mental health conditions affecting older adults include:

• Depression: Depression is the most common mental health illness in older adults. It can be caused by life changes such as chronic health issues, retirement, or loss of loved ones. Symptoms of depression often include sadness, loss of interest in daily activities, trouble sleeping, or fatigue.
• Anxiety: Fears about financial security, physical health, or loss of independence can contribute to feelings of anxiety.
• Loneliness: Some research has linked loneliness and social isolation to an increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, depression, and memory problems, among others.
• Dementia: Conditions such as dementia affect thinking, memory, and reasoning but can also contribute to depression, anxiety, and other mental health changes. Older adults may have to care for spouses with dementia, which can be overwhelming.
• Substance use disorders: Prescription medication or alcohol misuse can occur and are often used as a way to cope with pain or loneliness.

As people age, they are more likely to have more than one of these conditions at the same time, increasing the risk of experiencing problems with mental health.

What to Do When Mental Illness Becomes Too Much

Despite our best efforts, sometimes mental illness can become overwhelming. It can happen to anyone, but it’s important to recognize when to seek help. Reach out to a family member, doctor, or therapist if you’re noticing any of these signs:

• Feelings of hopelessness or sadness
• Loss of interest in hobbies or activities you once enjoyed
• Withdrawing from people or social obligations
• Problems concentrating
• A change in sleep or eating habits
• Feeling like nothing matters
• Thinking of harming yourself or others

Some symptoms of mental health illness are overlooked as common symptoms of getting older. But if you experience symptoms that don’t go away or impact your daily life, don’t be afraid to share your concerns with your doctor. They may recommend medication or refer you to a geriatric mental health professional for further evaluation.

Boosting Your Mental Well-Being

Mental and physical changes and the effects of stress on the body make it even more important to take care of mental health as we age.

By focusing on staying mentally and physically active and socially connected, you will be better equipped to handle life’s everyday stressors and boost your mental well-being. Learn to recognize the symptoms of mental health problems and reach out for help if you feel you need it to continue living a happy and healthy life into your advanced years.