International Day of Older Persons: The requirements for mental wellness change as we age. A new stage of life with its own special struggles and challenges is introduced by aging. This often leaves older people feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and sometimes powerless. The world is going through a great demographic transition with the elderly population increasing rapidly. People over 60 already outnumber children under 5, and by 2050 they will outnumber children under 15. Despite falling fertility rates around the world, life expectancy has increased by more than 6 years between 2000 and 2019, according to the United Nations. Nations. This transition has been accompanied by an increase in the number of mental health problems among the elderly. Approximately 15 percent of all adults over the age of 60 worldwide suffer from a mental disorder, the UN finds. (Also read: Healthy Aging Tips: Here’s How A Balanced Indian Diet Can Work Wonders For You )
Speaking to HT Lifestyle, Prakriti Poddar, mental health expert and Global Head of Mental Health and Wellbeing at RoundGlass, says: “There are various reasons and socio-economic factors that are causing mental illness in the elderly, such as the increasing number of nuclear families and the migration of the younger generation due to urbanization is leading to the social isolation of the older generation In addition, age-related aspects such as coping with a series of losses of physical and mental capacities, of loved ones, of relevance and importance in one’s community, and diminished capacities to accept and adapt are leaving older people struggling with mental health and well-being issues Practicing holistic wellness can be empowering and enable older adults to stay mentally sharp and live with greater joy.”
In addition, he recommends some healthy habits to help seniors improve their mental well-being and spend their later years with grace and dignity:
1. Foster social connections: Our physical, sensory, and cognitive functions may decline with advancing age, but social functioning remains malleable and sensitive to intervention throughout life. So nurture your social connections, as they have been linked to lower levels of anxiety and depression, and greater empathy. So, pick up the phone and call your friends/family, and make plans for the weekend.
2. Move: The adage ‘Healthy body, healthy mind’ is true for all age groups. Being physically active can help boost your self-esteem and confidence and give you the opportunity to meet people. For those who can, regular exercise or yoga will also help them sleep better, reduce the risk of falls by improving balance and strength, and improve cardiovascular health.
3. Meditate: Practicing meditation and mindfulness has benefits for all ages. It has been shown to relieve stress, reduce anxiety, improve our relationships and improve sleep, all of which are highly relevant to older people. Meditation has also been shown to slow cognitive decline in older adults. So take that mat and spend some time every day expanding your inner awareness.
4. Find a purpose: Retirement is not the end, but the beginning of your later life. It is a transition phase that can be used in a meaningful way to share your experience and skills with the younger generation or the less privileged. Doing volunteer/community service or paid part-time/consulting work can add much-needed purpose (and financial weight!) to your life after age 60. Keep your senses and mind busy by learning new skills, reading and solving puzzles.
3. Plan for the end of life: Post-retirement financial well-being, health insurance, wills, etc. they can become a source of stress and anxiety in old age, but they don’t have to. Using technology tools like wellness apps can help you better plan for your later years without affecting your mental health.
5. Eat healthy: Eating a nutritious diet is essential for physical and mental well-being, and for keeping energy levels high throughout the day. Stay well hydrated, consume alcohol in moderation, and include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your meals.
Also, expressing gratitude, being mindful, living in the present, and finding joy in each moment can help you enjoy this final phase of life as much as you appreciate your youth. Keep working for your well-being and prosper.
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