5 Realistic Goals for Mental Health in Senior Living That Actually Make a Difference
At Worthington Place Assisted Living, support to help you achieve your goals for mental health is woven into everything we do. Simple routines, a warm community spirit, and support that helps you regain confidence are an integral part of daily life. Nestled in Camby, a quiet, rural-feeling suburb of Indianapolis known for suburban amenities and a calm way of life, we create meaningful daily activities and interactions that support peace of mind.
Sadly, many seniors find good mental health elusive as they enter their goals years. A study by the American Psychological Association showed that after peaking before retirement, self-esteem in seniors sharply dropped thereafter. However, the right senior living community can help you achieve mental wellness in aging, leading to a life of purpose, joy, and fulfilment.
What Is the Goal of Senior Mental Health?
In senior living, goals for mental health are not about achieving perfection. They're about helping each resident feel safe, connected, and purposeful most days. And when they're facing a tough day, resilience in senior care helps them to pull through.
Good Mental Health Habits
At Worthington Place, good mental health is supported by simple, repeatable experiences. Each day, you have the reassurance and security of knowing you'll see the same familiar faces at meals, activities, and out and about. At the same time, you have a private apartment, a sanctuary that is just yours to retreat to whenever you want some alone time or relaxation.
Our daily calendar of physical, mental, and social activities also supports the achievement of emotional goals for seniors.
Optimistic Outlook
For some seniors, aging in place lacks the stimulation they need to maintain good mental and emotional health. Knowing that there are good times ahead and exciting events to look forward to can support mental health. At Worthington Place, there are always events and activities to look forward to that support good mental health.
What Are the Mental Health Challenges of the Elderly?
Older adults can face a mix of emotional challenges that don't always receive a formal diagnosis. The National Council on Aging highlights the following:
- Grief from the loss of a loved one
- Chronic illness
- Medication side-effects
- Caregiving stress
- Changes after retiring from work
- Loneliness and isolation
The good news is that there are achievable goals for mental health, and our assisted living community provides senior support routines that help residents achieve them.
How to Improve the Mental Health of the Elderly?
Goals for mental health should be realistic, achievable, and measurable. The following five goals can help seniors make gradual improvements in how optimistic they feel each day.
Goal 1: Build Connections One at a Time
We know we need social connections, but making a whole new group of friends at once is overwhelming. Instead, try to focus on making one new connection.
It could be something as simple as "I'll try to talk to the same person three times at lunch this week." Once you've achieved this goal, it will be easier to start forming new connections and gradually building a bigger network of connections.
Goal 2: Commit to One Enjoyable Activity Most Days
Notice we didn't say every day at first. Instead, take a look at the week ahead on the activity calendar and highlight three things you would like to get involved with. Although you may be tempted to back out at the last minute, do your best to stick to your resolve.
As you gradually follow through on this, as the weeks go by, you may find you can add other activities that will provide even more opportunities to interact.
Goal 3: Create a Simple Morning and Evening Routine
Northwestern Medicine commented that routines are crucial to a healthier lifestyle. They help us to do better at managing stress, help us sleep better, and also make it easier to get active.
There are benefits to going to bed and getting up at the same time each day and ensuring you get enough sleep each night. Simple morning and evening routines can help this become a healthy ritual that supports your overall mental well-being.
Goal 4: Practice One Small Selfless Act Each Day
Doing something kind for others helps shift our focus away from ourselves. It could be as simple as welcoming a new resident or encouraging a friend to participate in an activity. Whatever it is, it can help you boost your self-esteem.
Goal 5: Don't be Afraid to Ask for Help
Not asking for help when we need it leads to avoidable stress and anxiety. A practical goal is to tell yourself that when you feel low, you will speak to someone else. At Worthington Place, you are never far from caregivers and friends who genuinely care about you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Role Do Families Play in Senior Mental Health?
Families can play a big role in supporting mental health in aging by staying involved in everyday life. Regular visits, phone calls, and video chats are crucial. As you no longer need to provide physical care, these visits can focus on quality time together.
What Makes Worthington Place a Good Setting for Senior Mental Wellness?
Worthington Place offers a unique combination that makes it the ideal setting for mental wellness in aging - a quiet neighborhood location close to a big city. Residents can enjoy a relaxed, home-like community, but also enjoy access to the medical services and shopping, dining, and cultural amenities Indianapolis has to offer. This mix means seniors are not isolated, but do not have the pressure of living in a busy area day to day.
Do Small Goals Really Impact Mental Health?
Absolutely. Achieving small goals may not feel like much at the start, but they quickly have a cumulative effect. Taking your goal of improving your mental health one day at a time makes achieving your overall goal possible.
Achieve Your Goals for Mental Health at Worthington Place
At Worthington Place Assisted Living, our residents' mental health is just as important as their physical well-being. Our supportive caregiver team, activities, and services help seniors achieve their goals for mental health.
What sets our community apart is that it combines simple, small-town charm with excellent access to Indianapolis's medical and cultural amenities. Schedule a visit, chat with our residents, and start making your plans to join our welcoming community.