As we age, it becomes increasingly important to take care of our mental health. Engaging in activities that stimulate our minds and bodies can help us stay sharp and ward off cognitive decline. There are a number of ways ageing adults can boost their mental health. Here are five things that will help older people stay mentally healthy.
Five ways to stay mentally fit:
Engaged in meaningful conversation:
Some older people spend a lot of the day alone. Not only do they feel left out, but they could also develop mental health issues such as anxiety or depression. Keeping it social and making time for older people will drastically help. Acquaint’s social events services ensure that seniors stay social by helping them organise and prepare for social outings.
Pick up a new hobby:
Research shows that older people who have hobbies or take up new hobbies are more likely to improve their mental health. This helps reduce stress and pushes you to interact with more people, which is always good. Taking up a hobby has proven to spark positive emotions and improve mental well-being.
Take part in dance or other low-impact activities:
Staying physically active is crucial for mental health. Various exercises will help you be involved, such as dance classes, gentle tai chi, walking, cycling, Zumba, etc. Regular physical activity can help ease depression and anxiety.
Trivia games: Wordle anyone?
Quiz or trivia games are a great way to engage your mind and improve cognitive skills. Learning and retaining information about various topics is a great exercise for your mind. You could also use your knowledge as an opportunity to show off at your next social event.
Play board or card games:
Games help improve cognitive impairment and depression. It also helps in behavioural modifications. Many board games are available for seniors, such as chess, checkers, mahjong etc. Or perhaps card games such as bridge is more your style.
Mental fitness is essential for overall health
Mental health is just as important as physical health, and as we age, it’s essential to take care of both. If you have been concerned about your mental health, try these five things and keep your mental health intact. By engaging in meaningful conversations, picking up a new hobby, participating in low-impact exercise, playing trivia games, and card or board games, seniors can stay mentally fit and improve their overall quality of life.
At Acquaint, we understand the importance of companionship and engaging conversation to maintain good mental health. Our team of at home aged care professionals is committed to providing exceptional service to help you stay engaged and connected.
We can accompany you to that dance, fitness or art class so call us on 03 9267 9090 to discuss how we can help.