Having good mental health is more important than ever, especially so for senior adults. Today, more than 14% of seniors over the age of 60 report having some form of mental health disorder.1 Finding mental health support in senior communities is very important for the health and well-being of senior adults.
Parkway Place welcomes Texas seniors who are looking for a senior living community to call home. Our senior mental health support includes daily social events and activities to prevent loneliness and isolation. We work closely with each senior to develop a comprehensive program that includes everything you need to stay mentally healthy and fit. In addition, we offer nutritious meals and snacks, a wellness program, educational classes, and housekeeping and laundry service so you can spend more time with friends.
To learn more about our senior health and wellness program, call 281.305.1846 today to schedule a tour of our senior community in Houston.
Staying Mentally Active as You Get Older
Caring for your mental health is a lifelong pursuit and one that should be practiced every day. For seniors who are less active and it becomes more difficult to get around they are more likely to develop a serious mental health disorder. The two most likely culprits are depression and anxiety, but there are other common mental health disorders that they are at risk of developing. These include
- Bipolar disorder
- Substance abuse
- Eating disorders
- Schizophrenia
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Psychosis
- Delirium
Seniors who are more active every day are at less risk of developing these and other disorders. They eat a healthy and balanced diet, get 7–9 hours of sleep each night, stay in touch with friends and family, and participate in social activities that they enjoy. Many senior living communities prioritize good mental health and include daily and weekly social events and outings.
At Parkway Place, our care programs provide excellent mental health support for seniors every day. To improve their mental health, seniors can participate in arts and crafts, cooking classes, book clubs, and other events.
Mental Health Support in Senior Communities
Seniors who are in good mental health are happier and live longer than those who struggle with a mental health disorder, like depression or anxiety. To keep their residents happy and mentally fit, here are some activities that promote mental health support in senior communities:
Get More Exercise
Physical activity can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety and boost your mood. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that seniors get 30 minutes a day for five days a week of moderate exercise. Some exercises for seniors include:
- Pilates
- Weight training
- Resistance band workout
- Walking
- Cycling
- Swimming
Mindfulness Practices
Mindfulness is a form of meditation that helps seniors be present and maintain a relaxed state of mind. It is a practice that teaches seniors to be aware of what’s happening at the present moment without judgment. It can help reduce stress and tension, feel calmer, and become more self-aware. Mindfulness practices include breathing exercises, walking, journaling, and connecting with nature.
Social Activities
Another essential mental health support for seniors is staying socially active. Having an active social life is one of the best ways to prevent mental health disorders from worsening. Many seniors risk loneliness and isolation when they don’t get enough social engagement, leading to worsening depression and anxiety and increasing the risk of suicide. Senior living communities feature many social events and activities that include:
- Arts and crafts
- Book clubs
- Cooking classes
- Educational classes
- Gardening
Get A Good Night’s Sleep
Getting enough sleep each night is very healthy and can do a lot for your mental health. Research shows that seniors who get enough sleep (7–9 hours) each night have improved memory retention and brain function, are more alert during the day, and have the energy to do the things they want to do.
These are just some of the ways that a senior living community fights depression, anxiety, and other common mental health disorders in seniors. They offer a number of programs and services designed to give you the retirement of your dreams while being close to your friends and other seniors and quality medical care.
Schedule a Tour of Parkway Place’s Senior Communities
Parkway Place welcomes Texas seniors who are looking for a senior living community to enhance their retirement. We have plenty of social activities and events to keep you busy throughout the day. In addition, we have nutritious meals and snacks, an onsite beauty salon and barber shop, chaplaincy services, and much more.
Discover what life is like at Parkway Place by calling 281.305.1846 today or using our online contact form to schedule a tour of your new home.
Source: