Self-care is a vital way of supporting mental health and well-being for seniors. Effective self-care techniques for older adults include mindfulness, walks, and social gatherings.
Looking after both mental and physical well-being is crucial for seniors, as 15% live with some form of mental illness, according to Market.us Media. In Southern Pines, NC, memory care communities can incorporate simple activities and routines to put self-care at the heart of senior lifestyles.
Here are 7 excellent self-care ideas for mental health to try.
Gentle routines that encourage seniors to practice mindfulness can be a great way to ease anxiety and tension. For seniors in memory care, regular mindfulness, such as playing calming music or guided breathing, can also help reduce confusion or fear, especially when it's a repeated activity practiced each morning.
It becomes a form of emotional security that can help a senior feel grounded, setting them up for a day of activity and social interaction.
Trying creative tasks like painting and pottery can help focus minds and provide an escape from worry. It's an excellent senior activity as it can be easily adapted to everyone, including those in memory care.
The beauty of creative workshops is that they also provide a gentle and non-threatening social environment for seniors. It's a chance to enjoy being creative while engaging in small talkwith others, which can help improve a senior's communication skills and help reduce loneliness.
Exploring the natural environment and taking in the scenery can help calm the mind, and it's also excellent physical exercise, which makes it a must for any senior self-care routine. Memory care seniors can also benefit from the sensory stimulation of being surrounded by nature.
In a senior living community like ours at TerraBella Southern Pines, residents can enjoy a short walk in our beautiful landscaped gardens or enjoy a guided group walk in the local area. It's the perfect way to bring a sense of peace to the weekly routine.
An afternoon meetup over coffee and cake is an excellent way to connect with other seniors, talk, laugh, and form friendships. Not only is this an important way of fighting the risk of isolation in old age, but it's also a proven mood booster, so it's the ideal self-care activity that's easy to fit into the day.
It can be especially helpful for those in memory care, as communication can often be a challenge, but a pre-arranged gathering provides a safe space, without judgment or pressure.
One fun method that will support seniors' well-being is to introduce the concept of a gratitude journal. This is a proven method for reflecting on positive experiences in your life and helping to lift moods.
For seniors with memory loss, writing a formal journal might prove a challenge, but it can easily be adapted to a scrapbooking exercise instead, somewhere to store happy memories and precious items.
Journals encourage seniors to reminisce, and that can help reduce feelings of anxiety.
Keeping physically strong in old age can help you stay mobile and reduce the risk of injury.Gentle movement is best, and won't put as much pressure on the body as more intensive routines like strength training.
For seniors with memory loss, simple yoga or tai chi has many benefits, helping to slow breathing, reduce stress, and keep the body flexible.
Self-care means helping your body and mind feel good, reducing stress, and promoting healing and safety. With that in mind, why not try a regular pampering session?
Small indulgent rituals like aromatherapy or a mug of hot chocolate can help relax all the senses and provide some "me-time" in each day. For memory care residents, it can also provide familiarity and help them feel supported and valued.
Self-care focuses on feel-good activities that support physical and mental well-being. That will differ for every senior. Some may prefer the physical sensations of a gentle hand massage, while others may thrive on social activities that give them opportunities to connect with others.
Sensory crafts like baking might be the perfect mood-booster for some, while walking in the fresh air will lift the spirits of others.
You may have heard of the term 5 Cs in self-care, and it's a useful way of understanding how to make self-care work for your well-being. Here is what the 5 Cs mean:
Making self-care work means choosing activities that cover all 5 Cs. That way, you have a daily ritual that helps you feel physically and mentally good.
Memory care residents benefit from all forms of self-care, as it helps them feel at ease in a community setting. Days can sometimes feel overwhelming for someone with memory loss, and rituals like social activities and exercise provide shape and familiarity to the day.
Feeling comforted and supported both physically and emotionally reminds memory care seniors that they are in an environment where they are well cared for, and their comfort takes priority.
Senior life should be enjoyable and vibrant, and simple self-care ideas for mental health help ensure that's always the case. It ensures those with memory loss feel happy, connected, and calm throughout the day.
With caring and professional staff, regular on-site activities, and a pet-friendly environment, we at TerraBella Southern Pines know what it takes to ensure their well-being and happiness come first. Schedule a tour of our community to see what we can offer for your loved ones.