How to Improve Your Mental Habits as You Adjust to Senior Living
There are many ways to improve your mental habits as a senior. Maintaining a strong routine, using positive thinking techniques, taking care of your physical fitness, socializing, and taking part in fun activities and hobbies can all be helpful.
According to the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), one in four elderly adults suffers from mental disorders such as anxiety and depression. Making significant life transitions can sometimes lead to mental health issues or exacerbate issues that are already present.
Because of this, it's a good idea to learn how to improve your mental habits when making the move to senior living in La Quinta, CA.
How Long Does It Take to Adjust to Assisted Living?
Although moving into a senior community can make life more comfortable and convenient, there is often an adjustment period that seniors go through.
In many cases, a senior will take several months or even half a year to feel like they've adjusted fully to their new environment. For some seniors, however, the transition is much easier and the length of time is shorter.
A senior who keeps a positive mental attitude and practices good mental habits is likely to find the transition much easier to manage and will get their bearings more easily. Seniors are also likely to adjust more easily if their family members are offering plenty of support throughout the process.
How to Improve Your Mental Habits as a Senior
Going through mindset shifts in aging won't only help you make the transition to senior living more easily, but it will also help you feel better during every part of your life. Here are some of the top ways to improve senior emotional wellness.
Keep a Good Routine
Keeping a good daily routine in your senior community is one of the top ways to maintain strong mental habits. Structure can lead to consistency and to a reduction in anxiety and stress. A routine can help you maintain a sense of control over your life, boosting your self-confidence.
Try Calming Mental Practices
Spending time on meditative practices, grounding techniques, and deep breathing exercises can be a great way to increase inner calm and maintain a positive mindset.
Consider spending time each day or each week doing a few minutes of meditation, deep breathing, or participating in an activity that strengthens the mind-body connection, such as yoga or tai chi.
Practice Positive Thinking
It's a good idea to pay attention to your thoughts and to take notice if they seem more negative than necessary. Learning about cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques or reading self-help books can help you reduce negative thinking and remain happier throughout the day.
It's also a good idea to start keeping a gratitude journal. Writing all of the things you're thankful for at the beginning or end of each day can help with reframing in assisted living.
Take Care of Your Body
Taking care of your body is key to keeping your mind healthy as well. Maintaining a good sleep routine, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet don't just provide positive effects on your physical well-being but can also greatly improve your mood and cognitive habits. Taking care of your body can help release positive mood-boosting chemicals and keep them balanced in your body.
Stay Social
Staying social can go a long way toward improving your mental health. It's a good idea to spend more time with others in your senior community and to build social connections to stay in a positive mood. A vibrant social life can help make each day easier to manage and can help combat feelings of loneliness and isolation.
How Can You Keep Seniors Mentally Active?
Participating in fun activities, learning new skills, and spending time on your hobbies can be helpful. Hobbies can keep a senior's mind sharp and can help them express themselves in new and interesting ways.
A few fun, mentally-stimulating activities that you may want to participate in when living in a senior living community include:
- Brain exercises and puzzles
- Writing
- Reading
- Singing and playing music
- Learning new languages
- Making arts and crafts
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Most Common Mental Disorder of the Elderly?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the most common mental disorders among the elderly include depression and anxiety.
Many things can contribute to these conditions in elderly adults. Among other things, this includes their living conditions, a lack of strong physical health, or a failure to get access to enough services and support to meet their needs.
What Is the Best Treatment for Anxiety in the Elderly?
For elderly adults who experience anxiety, there are various treatment options available. Using a combination of treatments is usually the best approach.
Making lifestyle changes, such as introducing more physical activity into your routine and using relaxation techniques, such as meditation, may be recommended. A therapist may work with a senior using various psychotherapy techniques and approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). In some cases, antidepressants may also be prescribed.
What Is One of the First Signs of Cognitive Decline?
One of the first signs of a senior's cognitive decline is memory loss. A senior who is declining may fail to remember certain things or start finding it difficult to find the right words when communicating with others. They may forget how to do simple tasks that they do regularly or may get disoriented.
If a senior begins to show signs of this kind of forgetfulness and mental confusion, then it may be a good idea for them to see a doctor.
Improving Mental Habits When Moving Into Senior Living
Understanding the relationship between aging and thought patterns and learning how to improve your mental habits can be a good idea as you transition into senior living. Keeping a regular routine, taking care of your physical fitness, socializing, and using various emotional tools for seniors can be well worth it.
With both assisted living and memory care options, amenities including a fully equipped exercise room, a salon, a state-of-the-art theater, restaurant-style dining, and great senior apartment floor plans, The Palms at La Quinta is a great choice for seniors. Contact us today to learn more about what our senior community offers seniors in California.